Phoenix Wright Giveaway.

[Rowne]

Opening

Okay, so here it is. I have one copy of Phoenix Wright for the Nintendo DS to give away. I'm in the UK but the DS has no region-based lockout codes, so anyone who happens to have a DS can enjoy the game. If you're curious about the game, check out AdventureGamers own review (http://www.adventuregamers.com/article/id,591), where it received a commendable 4.5 out of 5 stars. My motivation for doing this lies with the inspiration I gained after having seen other forumites here do similarly. It's my hope that these acts of random generousity will trigger further acts of random generousity and the community will grow stronger thanks to that.

The Process

To enter, simply reply to this thread.

On the closing date (which I shall reveal momentarily), I shall scribble all the names down on scraps of paper, scrumple 'em up, toss them in the nearest hat I can find, shake it up and then draw one out randomly (and yes, whilst I could put together a Lua or a Perl script to do this for me, I'm not going to, I have my reasons).

The contest closes on August 8th 9AM GMT. Any posts made after that time will be ignored. I spent a while thinking on the time that I should allow and I was originally going to go with the 15th but that's a bit of a torturously long wait, so I've decided to be more fair. This way, everyone should still get a chance to get in.

Finally, I'm going to do my best to pay to have the game shipped out myself. If the shipping costs to whichever country you happen to live in are exhorbitant, I might ask for help in covering them but I'm not going to do that unless it's absolutely nessescary and for that, they'd have to be pretty damned pricey.

The Rules

These aren't really rules but rather requests, since I can't enforce them. I'm relying on the moral-fibre of the good folks here to uphold them themselves. These are simply guidelines which I ask those to follow if they wish to submit their name to the competition. I'll personally think no less of you if you ignore these guidelines but I'll have a much higher opinion of you if you choose to follow them.

1.) If this game is readily available wherever you are, please don't enter. This giveaway is to get the game to those who can't obtain it any other way. For example, in Britain the game is very easy to obtain, so in fairness UK citizens shouldn't take advantage of this giveaway.

2.) Once the winner is done with the game, they should share. For instance, once they've completed it a few times, had their fill and are ready to shelve it, instead of doing so they should run a similar giveaway and offer the game to another who's not had the chance to enjoy it.

The Bottom Line

That's it then, even though there can only be one winner (because I only have one copy of the game), I wish you all the best of luck!

[Gonchi]

Well, I'm in, but I doubt I'll pass it on if I were to win it. Thought I'd let you know in case you rather not include my name in the draw.

[Stoofa]

First of all, I DON'T want to enter the contest (I already have PW) but I wanted to say that I think you're really cool for doing this.

[Fien]

Count me in. :D I've read so many good things about this game. I don't have a DS but friends of mine with kids have.

[I Love Cookiemonster]

I don't have a DS yet, but sent it to me anyway. You can never go wrong with a free game.

[usman]

I am in :)

[Putrid Moldyman]

I'll bite. I've had my eye on the game for some time, but you just can't find it in stores.

[Interplay]

Count me in. Thanks!

[Cathy1]

I would like to enter Rowne. I live in Canada if that's not a problem.
This is a very nice thing to do for others. Pay it forward is the best.
Are you going to post the winner here or email the winner or both ?

Cathy

[Rowne]

Time for some replies, I think.

Gonchi: I'll enter you in. I'll enter in anyone who posts here (at least unless they note that they don't want to be entered in). The decider of the competition will be down to luck and a purely random element. It's good of you to admit, though.

As I said, guidelines. There's no saying that anyone here would forward it on again anyway, so I know there's that risk involved. I know what I'd like to see but this is a giveaway and I have no intentions of forcing that on other people.

Stoofa: Thanks! To be honest though, this is just something that's inspired by other acts of sharing I've seen here. If such a thing could become a commonality amongst generous people, it would allow folks to play a wider variety of games. I'm happy to be able to be a part of that.

Fienepien: It's one of those rare games that I've played more than twice. I've played it four times from start to finish actually, trying out all the various different outcomes to certain parts of the story. I can definitely confirm that Phoenix Wright lives up to the hype.

I was unsure myself at first, an Eastern game about a lawyer that's probably been poorly translated? I didn't have high hopes until I read the AdventureGamers review, their review is right on the money.

Cookie: Well, if you win the random drawing, you'll get the game.

Putrid: Yep. That's why I decided that this would be the best giveaway prize I could find. It's a brilliant game and it's near impossible to find in the US. Perfect fodder for this kind of thing.

Cathy1: If you win the random drawing, I'll be mailing it to Canada. So that's not a problem at all. As for how I shall announce the winner, I'll likely post in the thread and contact the winner via PM, that seems the best way to handle it (since PMs also send mail notifications).

[Cathy1]

Thank you for answering.
Cathy

[I Love Cookiemonster]

I just want to say that this is probably the nicest topic i ever saw on a forum anywhere. Makes me wish we still had the wasteland over at the Metallica forums* nostalgic(sp?) sigh*

[frozenhamster]

Ooooh. Enter me in. Thanks. You rock my socks.

[bruno321]

I feel kinda ashamed to enter, since I just won the last giveaway. I don't know if that bothers you. In any case, if I do enter and I win, I will myself send it over to a great friend in Tenerife which owns a DS, since I don't own one and it wouldn't be of any use to me.

I will once again say that this is truly admirable. Thanks!

[Rowne]

Time for a few replies again!

Cathy: Not a problem.

Cookie: I'm not the first to do it though. The game 'I Have no Mouth but I Must Scream' has been passed around a couple of times and that's really what started it off. I'm just continuing what I genuinely believe to be a really good idea.

Bruno: Don't worry about it, if you win by pure chance then you deserve the game. Besides, you or your friend might pass it on again and that'd work out even better. Not a necessity, though.

Oh and I have to comment on your avatar, I love a well handled Metroidvania almost as much as I love a well handled adventure game. Cave Story had a fantastic yarn to be told and some really great gameplay with tight controls and multiple paths through the game even and considering it was made by one guy alone for free, it's an impressive feat.

If only more people would do that, I wish they would because Cave Story is some of the best platform gaming I've experienced in the past number of years and it sits right up there with the likes of Aria of Sorrow.

[bruno321]

It's the best game I've played on the 00 decade. Well, I'd have to think it over, because I've played a lot of games from this time, but it would be on the top 3 surely.

Besides excelling at every platformer aspect, and at every videogame aspect, it does even excel at the story. Who could have thought of a platform game with an awesome and incredible story? Certainly not me. So simple, yet so epic, so grandiose. (Let's not even mention the soundtrack now, eh)

I have to comment on the control before I stop yacking about the game. So sweet, so sweet it brings a tear out of my eye. So "tight", as you said. That's the word. Tight. And oh, the abundant save spots. Oh, the general organization of the screen. So cool. I know comparisons like this suck, but control+lack of abundant save spots are what make me dislike (or at least not enjoy much) the Mario games. And that could win me some beating :D But then eh, I've always been more of a PC gamer.

[michael1123]

I'd like to be entered. Very cool of you to do this.

If I won, it'd force me into buy a Nintendo DS, which I've considered doing just because this game sounds so cool.

[Rowne]

The 8th draws ever closer and I have my jiffy bag ready to mail this off to whomever wins. I figured I'd bump this since it's gone from the front page, given the nature of the thread I'd hope that's forgivable.

Oh and Bruno, couldn't agree with you more (and I spotted the huge image link before it was pulled down, neat place, that).

[Canio]

Nice game. Count me in.

[Rowne]

Less than two days to go now before the giveaway entries close! This'll be my last post in the thread informing people of the upcoming closure, so this'll be the last bump, effectively. My next post shall declare the winner.

[Alfredo]

I'm a new member here, so I'm not sure if I should enter the "competition", but I'm gonna give it a go anyway.

Don't count on people sharing the game after they've completed it though. I won Splinter Cell II with a competition once and because I don't own an Xbox, I decided to give it away on a forum. Although the winning member was happy, he never thanked me or anything. A few weeks later, I saw him selling his own games to other members of the board, not what I intended to happen...:shifty:

[Rowne]

I know I said that other post was my last but I had to reply to this one.

I'd say that might be true about a lot of forums out there but the Adventure Gamers community seems surprisingly mature. In fact, that's why I don't post as much as I could, I can err on the side of immature and that wouldn't do the board's appearance any good. I do read the threads here frequently though.

I suppose it's just a matter of faith, I don't expect anyone to pass on the game but I do believe that there are a number of people here that really would. I'll pass it along and they'll enjoy it and then it's up to them and their own moral compass as to whether they pass it on again. If they never did, I'd be disappointed but I wouldn't pass judgement on them for it, it'd be their decision.

So I'm not forcing that. I'd like to see it but with most people, it's human nature to be materialistic. There are only a few communities that I have expecations of this calibre in regards to but in all honesty, I think it's warranted.

[Karmillo]

I'm not entering here since I already have it.

But if I won the game I wouldn't pass it on, not cause I'm being greedy or anything its just that PW is the sort of game that I'd love to go back to and replay.

[Dannychico]

Count me in! I'd love to check out this game. Thanks for the great offer.

[Scoville]

I'd say that might be true about a lot of forums out there but the Adventure Gamers community seems surprisingly mature... I suppose it's just a matter of faith, I don't expect anyone to pass on the game but I do believe that there are a number of people here that really would.

Don't confuse keeping a game for yourself with being immature. Not every one shares your communistic ideals, and that is not for a lack of maturity. It is not as if giving your possessions away for free is what all intelligent people do. Some, but not all.

And even if they do decide to give it away for free, they may choose not to do so through these boards, and again that would not necessarily be due to a lack of maturity.

One could also argue that it is highly immature to give someone a gift only to tell that person exactly how they can and can not use it.

[Doozy]

Well I would like to have a bash of this game ;) My funds are tight at the moment as I (well the wife) just had a daughter, so am finding it hard to get new games..

As for passing the game on... GREAT IDEA! :)

We should recycle our games and sign them in some way and that would be excellent. Just an Idea

[Rowne]

Scoville: That was silly, it seems like you've judged me via misinterpretation of my latest post without actually bothering to consider the previous posts I've made in the same thread. I've stated repeatedly that I'm not taking the rules seriously and that I wouldn't frown upon anyone who doesn't follow them. I think this is the sixth time I've said that now (I even said it in the first post).

Considering that, I'm not trying to force my beliefs or ideals on the community and it's wrong of you to imply that I am and you'll understand why in a moment. What I am trying to do is foster game swapping here, I wasn't the one that started doing that but I'll merrily continue doing so and that's why I created this giveaway.

I'm not 'confusing' keeping a game for oneself with being immature, that's twisting my words. What I have said only relates to maturity and not of the individual but of the community and further, it related to understanding the giveaway rather than perpetuating it.

So as you can see I don't consider immaturity coming into this at all, what I'm saying is that the community as a whole is mature enough (in understanding) to grasp why I'm doing this and therefore others might be inspired to do similarly, even if not the person I'm passing my game along to.

In closing, it isn't my beliefs or ideals, in fact my own were inspired by the kind act of another. I simply do this to see whether it helps continue the current chain-reaction of giving.

I hope it's more clear now and I'm sorry for the misunderstanding.

Karmillo: I wouldn't blame you.

Doozy: If I've inspired you or anyone else here to continue the trend of sharing then my work here is done. That's all I intended to do, in truth.

Anyway, I have your name down in the list of entries, just like everyone else here and come the 9th, we'll find out who gets it. Best of luck!

----

Just to add to that ...

I hope that my motives are clear now, I didn't intend to make anyone uncomfortable and nor did I want anyone to think I was going to go nazi with my own guidelines. I'm sorry if I gave that impression and none of you should feel obligated by taking part. That wasn't my intent.

I think what really created the confusion is my response to Alfredo, I think it was taken as that I thought it would be immature not to pass it on. Yet what Alfredo was speaking of was the attitude of the person he passed his game along to and my point was that I believe that anyone here who does take part wouldn't have that attitude, they'd understand my motives.

That's really all I meant.

(There, I've cleaned up my typos and I really think what I've tried to convey will be clear now.)

[Scoville]

I think what really created the confusion is my response to Alfredo, I think it was taken as that I thought it would be immature not to pass it on. Yet what Alfredo was speaking of was the attitude of the person he passed his game along to and my point was that I believe that anyone here who does take part wouldn't have that attitude, they'd understand my motives.

You're right, upon rereading your response to Alfredo I can see that you only make a reference to people who are ingrateful for a gift in your mention of immaturity. Since that comment was immediately followed by a statement that you had faith people here would be different and pass it on, I misinterpreted your conjuction. Basically I saw it as "People will be mature (by being grateful and passing it on)" where you apparently meant it as "People will (be mature by being grateful) and (pass it on)". Sorry.

I'm not trying to force my beliefs or ideals on the community and it's wrong of you to imply that I am.

I never implied that. I implied that you thought people who had different ideals were immature. Huge difference.

Scoville: That was silly, it seems like you've judged me via misinterpretation of my latest post without actually bothering to consider the previous posts I've made in the same thread.

No, I took your past posts into account; that is the very reason I made my post in the first place. Earlier you stated that you "approved of" the idea of sharing games because it was "wonderfully communistic" and that it makes all people equal regardless of "monetary stature" (which, frankly, is ridiculous; people with no money would most likely not have the computer or the time needed to play the game or make posts at online forums). Those comments give a strong impression that you are doing this as much to make a political statement as to do a good deed. Combined with my apparently incorrect inference from your most recent post, it seemed like you would look down on your contest winner if he did not live up to your ideals. I thought that would be unfair, so I pointed it out.

I did notice that you said you were not entirely serious about your rule, but "not entirely serious" is not the same thing as "not serious".

[Rowne]

Basically I saw it as "People will be mature (by being grateful and passing it on)" where you apparently meant it as "People will (be mature by being grateful) and (pass it on)". Sorry.

That's alright, I thought it was just a silly misunderstanding. I really wouldn't think of people that way.

I never implied that. I implied that you thought people who had different ideals were immature. Huge difference.

Then I'd climb the scale from anarchist to fascist and that really wouldn't suit me. I didn't mean for it to sound that way at all. What I meant basically only related to respect, I think that my statement would've gone down better if I'd said respectful instead of mature. I'm not so sure because it could still be taken badly in ways I did not intend but still.

What I meant to imply on its most basic level is that I feel the people here can understand different views, I see that as a sign of maturity and as an ironic twist, it would be immature to consider others as immature for having different ideals.

I think the folks around here are a little perspicacious and instead of all the thoughts relating simply to a free game, some might wonder why I and others have done it, think it's a good idea and they might continue the trend themselves. I have nothing against the simplistic stance of just wanting a free game but if the gesture in itself says something more to a group of people then all the better for it.

Sure, it's a giveaway and it'll be fun. What I meant was that the attitude behind those here is a little different to what it might be on other forums, some might dig a little deeper than just seeing that alone, that's a good thing.

Earlier you stated that you "approved of" the idea of sharing games because it was "wonderfully communistic"

A man gives what he is able and receives what he needs.

and that it makes all people equal regardless of "monetary stature"

Equal int his particular context, yes. Since everyone is able to do what I stated above.

(which, frankly, is ridiculous; people with no money would most likely not have the computer or the time needed to play the game or make posts at online forums).

Eh, you'd be surprised.

I don't think it's that ridiculous at all, I just think that we've seen different parts of the World. I've seen a homeless person visit a library frequently and share the benefits of society. I tend to be a sharing person, I know some folks that aren't well off so I pass along items of worth and money along to them.

I think that as far as sharing goes, it is an equitous practice. I think you're just taking this out of context.

Those comments give a strong impression that you are doing this as much to make a political statement as to do a good deed.

Why must it be a political statement? I think this is where the implications begin. I see this problem with a lot of people, that a cultural choice must be a political choice, why do these lines blur in such a way for you? From my particular stance, it has absolutely nothing to do with making a political gesture or politics at all.

The divide between culture and politics is a big one and people do things fueled by either for entirely different reasons.

I did notice that you said you were not entirely serious about your rule, but "not entirely serious" is not the same thing as "not serious".

Oh, that. Heh.

That's British.

We have a habit of inserting unnessescary words into the middle of sentences, at the end of sentences and so on. I didn't mean to imply anything with that, I didn't mean for it to have some secret, shady, lawyer-bound and hidden meaning. I'm saying this here and now so that no one will have to think that I did. I'm not a deceitful person so my mind doesn't really work like that.

----

I think I'll add a little more to that. Don't take what I've said as having an agenda, it's not meant to be that way. The only message I have is that 'sharing is fun'. I have said that it's a communistic practice and that's simply because it is. This does not mean, however that I have to be painted into a corner.

I had two reasons for doing this, firstly because it's a fun game and it hasn't really got the press it deserves. It'll spread awareness about the game and someone will get the choice to enjoy it, I think that anyone here who does get it will truly appreciate the game. The other reason was a respectful gesture following on from someone who had done similarly.

I saw a person sharing a game and instead of just thinking to myself "Oh, a free game!", I instead realized what a wonderful gesture that was, that there was someone sharing on the internet without asking for anything in return and that there could be a little more of that around than there is. Of course, if I'm going to say there should be more of something, I might aswell add to something that I like to see myself.

So I'm providing a good game to a nice person for them to enjoy and learn about and I'm promoting good will because I believe that the World could always use a little more good will. That's all there is to it.

----

Oh and the final word on this because I don't really want to come back to it again, I'd rather have this thread be for people who want to ge their chance ...

I am not going to put a tracking chip in the game's box. If you don't share the game on, I won't track you down, accompanied by a couple of burly men in order to force whatever agendas I don't have upon you. I won't ask you to even think of this as anything more than a free game. I will ask the things I asked in the first post but I won't force those, I won't make a fuss about those and if they're completely ignored, I won't bat an eyelid.

Q.E.D.

[Scoville]

Also: don't take anything I say too seriously, as I am a big ol' bed-wetting doody head, after all.

[Cathy1]

Hi Rowne
So who won the contest ?

Cathy

[I Love Cookiemonster]

who is the winner?

[frozenhamster]

Were we supposed to find out the winner on the 8th or was that the last day to enter?

[bigjko]

Is it too late to enter now? :(

[Rowne]

Sorry for the delay, life caught up with me. I had some stuff going on RL that I won't get into.

Anyway, Fienepien is the winner! I'll PM you, Fienepien, so I can get your address and I'll get it right in the mail.

[I Love Cookiemonster]

Congratulatios Fienepien:kiss: :kiss: :kiss:

[Rowne]

I just spotted that he's started his own giveaway too. I blame karma. :p I'll likely have other giveaways up for grabs in the future too though if I can find anything interesting enough to give away, so look out for that! You might not have had your chance with this one but with the next, you just might.

[Melanie68]

I know it doesn't say in her profile but Fienepien is a woman. :)

[Alfredo]

Is she from Belgium or The Netherlands?

[beatchef]

Fienepien is going to give the game to a kid :o who's not really going to appreciate it. Fienepien, get yourself a DS Lite and play the game :)

[Wimli]

Is she from Belgium or The Netherlands?
The Netherlands.

Fienepien is going to give the game to a kid :o who's not really going to appreciate it. Fienepien, get yourself a DS Lite and play the game :)
No no, I think the kid is going to have to hand over the DS so Fienepien can play Phoenix Wright. ;) Let us know what you think Fienepien! Must say the game looks intriguing to me. If it's really good, and if some more adventures come out for the DS, I might consider buying one myself.

[I Love Cookiemonster]

Fienepien is going to give the game to a kid :o who's not really going to appreciate it. Fienepien, get yourself a DS Lite and play the game :)
Or do both.

[Cathy1]

Congratulations Fienepien. Enjoy the game.

Cathy

[I Love Cookiemonster]

The Netherlands.


No no, I think the kid is going to have to hand over the DS so Fienepien can play Phoenix Wright. ;) Let us know what you think Fienepien! Must say the game looks intriguing to me. If it's really good, and if some more adventures come out for the DS, I might consider buying one myself.

There are some more adventures on DS arn't there. Wasn't there something like another code. I believe it was a launchtitle for DS. You know i find that there are a supricing(sp?) amount of Dutch(speaking) posters here, i never thought that there would be so many

[Fien]

I WON! WOW! I WON! :7 :9~ :7


No no, I think the kid is going to have to hand over the DS so Fienepien can play Phoenix Wright. ;) Let us know what you think Fienepien!

Hehehe... you've got that right, Wim!
Don't worry, beatchef, the kids (10 and 12) are not interested in adventures, but even if they were, their English would not be good enough yet to play the game.

[TigerShard]

Hi everyone!

Rowne, I think it is really cool that you did this give away! I am currently playing Phoenix Wright and loving it (though my DS is out of batteries because I can't charge it here in Korea).

Anyway, for those of you who really want to play this game, I don't know if this info has been spread on the board or not, but the re-released Japanese version of the game is actually billingual, you can change it to english. It is also available right here for $30:
Play Asia (http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-9g-49-en-15-phoenix%2Bwright-70-1bpr.html)

[bruno321]

Congratulations Fienepien! Enjoy it :)

[WRMW]

Heh I find this very amusing and... fateful (is that a word?).

Fienepien was the first one to start sharing games, AFAIK, and has given out many to board members (of which I was lucky to receive IHNMAIMS).
I think it's really fitting that she should profit from the chain that she started.

Congrats Fienepien! Hope you enjoy it and I'm glad you get to enjoy the other side of the adventure gift giving!

William

[Fien]

Yeah, it's very nice to be on the receiving end, William. ;)

I can't make any promises about giving it away again when I've finished it. I might like it so much that I want to keep it. Even more so if it scores high on replayability. But I might lend it to people I trust and I do promise I'll give away other games at AG.

[Rowne]

Oops, sorry about the gender mix-up, should've checked.

Anyway, don't worry about that Fien, as I said before, those were only guidelines and as far as I'm concerned, it seems you've given more than enough back anyway. If you want, keep the game, you honestly do deserve it. I'm convinced of it being karma now that I've learned you were responsible for other giveaways in the past now, too.

As for replayability, count on it. There are little things I kept finding out in the game that I missed before, something I didn't explore, a joke I skipped past, an item I didn't examine and the dialogue, like a really good TV-show or movie, warrants at least one more play through. I think I played it through four times and a fifth partial before I finally stopped. By that point I think I could quote the game from memory.

Another part of what makes it so great though is that it is so very quotable, it has some great characters. It's the most absurd representation of law I've ever seen, sure but the characters are more charming and genuine than any others I've seen in any recent Western adventure, which is why I'm convinced that the feature about the Wii/DS saving the adventure genré is right.

It just seems that it's more of a labour of love for them right now.

Oh, 'nother thing, there are a few points that can change the outcome (in small ways) of the end of a case's storyline, so you want to watch out for those. That's another warranted playthrough, get those wrong the first time (as I did ...) and you'll want to see what happens if you actually get them right.

It's the first game since Fahrenheit I've enjoyed that much to be honest and it's the only game in a long while where I've liked all the characters, whether they're supposed to be heroes or villains.

It's one to remember, that game is. That's why I knew that for my first giveaway, that's the game it had to be.

[Fien]

I think I played it through four times and a fifth partial before I finally stopped. By that point I think I could quote the game from memory.

Which makes it even more generous of you to give the game away because you might like to replay it again in a few years.

I only give games away when I've bought or traded a better copy -- boxed, with manual, unscratched CDs, etcetera. And I only buy better copies when I either love the game or the box art. Or when it's a rare old game that may be impossible to find in a couple of years. But I'm a weird emotional kind of collector cause I also have a couple of unboxed badly scratched games I would never part with, and I've sold very rare boxed games in mint condition without regretting it one moment. :crazy:

[Fien]

Phoenix Wright arrived this afternoon! :7

Now all I have to do is distract those damn kids so I can snatch their DS away from them...

"Hey guys, look! A three-headed monkey!"

[Rowne]

Huzzah! Glad to hear it survived the mail.

As for the game and wanting to replay it, I find that in the UK, a lot of stores (especially online stores, warehouses and the likes) keep ludicrous backstocks, the only format I've ever found these stocks lacking in is PC (which is irritating because a lot of the best adventures are PC-bound) but when it comes to console games, they stay in circulation for years.

Should I ever want to pick it up and play it again, I can always repurchase it, from what I've seen, I know it'll be available five years down the road, likely from a bargain bin. So considering the ease with which I can reobtain it (if desired) and the difficulty that others in other countries are having to come by it, I figured that it was a good choice for a giveaway.

Besides, Justice for All is coming up soon and that'll keep me plenty busy. I'm really looking forward to that one, too. If they keep the translation quality to the level of the first game (and I hope they do) then it'll be just as enjoyable and as far as Phoenix Wright is concerned, more of the same is definitely a good thing.