Several times in the past I've noted that one of the things that endears me more to my Xbox units is that Microsoft, at least in the gaming space, seems to have reasonable consumer protection policies in place. Seldom is there a kerfuffle over Microsoft's pricing in particular with regard to the Xbox family of consoles. To be fair, there is the time Microsoft wanted to raise the pricing of the Xbox Gamepass subscription services, but consumer outcry led to a swift reversal. This doesn't mean that this won't change in the future.
Sony PlayStation seems to have rabidly anti-consumer policies in place especially with their gaming products. Once a title is purchased and downloaded it cannot be refunded, even if it hasn't been practically used. Then there is the whole issue about video game pricing. We are now solidly in an era where current generation games are being offered at $70 for the base product. A $10 premium over past titles but seldom without much to show for the extra money being asked for. This is being said, this is the current state of the industry and now seems to be the acceptable pricing for the most part.
However, charging full price for a game that barely qualifies as a remake is insulting to consumers and shows an utter disregard by Sony for its PlayStation user base. When Mafia: The Definitive Edition came out as a remake, in spite of the complete overhaul Hangar 13 Studios made on that title, the video game was priced at $40 dollars. This is a title where new voice actors were brought in, new cut scenes were made, new dialogue written and so much more. This wasn't just a cosmetic upgrade. This title was telegraphed over several console generations having being a PC exclusive in the 2000s and was entirely remade for console.
As one reviewer has put it, The Last of Us Remastered gives you most of what the "remake" offers you for a fraction of the cost. While significant changes have been made to the lighting and visuals this is essentially the same game. Having never played the game, I haved wrestled back and forth over whether I should pick up a copy or stick to the remastered edition I already own. Part of the reason why I never got past more than an hour into the remaster is that I don't like the controls which feel extremely dated(Very 7th generation). While the updated sound design may be a strong selling point, especially for those who value the auditory journeys video games take us on, I refuse to honour Sony PlayStation's anti-consumer habits by purchasing this title at full price.
*Image credits: Sony PlayStation Store.
