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 Addiction and Departure

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savagerhelper12004
loniguseze
Kharistos
HoundR
aubade888
Ghost_Star
Tentacle Love
sycovenom
bluerexx
Yuan
Lionpunisher
Tattycoram
matakaw
Resetz
predator852
gambolice
darkenn
Blargod
Vaati
cliffbiram
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cliffbiram
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cliffbiram


Join date : 2012-12-12
Posts : 259

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PostSubject: Addiction and Departure   Addiction and Departure I_icon_minitimeSat Sep 21, 2013 12:33 pm

To all of my allies and fellow fantasica players,

I have decided to quit fantasica because I finally admitted something to myself.

I am addicted.

We often joke about this, but real addiction is a real problem. Real addiction is when you find yourself spending money you don't have. Real addiction is when you find yourself violating your principles and knowing that you are violating them, but you do so anyway because you simply can't stop yourself. Real addiciton is saying over and over again, "I won't spend any more, I won't spend any more, I won't spend anymore..." Then you spend more.

I acknowledge that many people can participate in this game in a healthy way. I also had to acknowledge that I am not one of those people. The game is designed with the sole purpose of frustrating you into spending money. They gate events with tickets, they gate ranking with special items, and they often gate both with special units. They build much of it off of straight gambling. After spending more money than I can count and collecting an impressive stable of 5*, 6*, and 7* cards, I realized it was never going to stop. I was never going to reach a point where I could personally sit back and enjoy all of the event with what I have. I would always be tempted or frustrated into making a last ditch purchase for TE or for Card Packs.

The last BA event was a classic example. Many of you read my posts on my issues with it. On the last day, I finally caved. After 6 hours straight of not getting a single ticket, I spent money. I spent quite a bit of money. I knew I should not. I knew it would make little difference in my prizes (other than a 5* bt prize i was never going to seriously use) and it would make no real difference in my ranking. I did it out of desperation because I just wanted to play the event. I fell for their trap, eyes wide open, and resisting all of the way.

I can't do that anymore. When you realize you've got a problem, you have to take real action. Telling yourself you can just have "one drink" or you can go to bars where other people are drinking but you will just have water never works if you have a real problem.

This is my bar and Fantasica is my drink.

I'm writing this for three reasons.

1. I wasn't able to personally tell each of my wonderful allies, and I wanted to give them an explanation, as a 1 year old veteran player leaving is usually cause for concern.

2. It is important to express these things out loud, before people in a community, because it will make it real for me and help me stay "on the wagon and away from the bottle."

3. It will possibly help other people who are struggling with the same problem I am.


I will dearly miss the art, the sprites, the rush of competition, and the vocal and avid community. That makes it very hard.

I would like to come back, but I realize now that can only happen if Fantasica changes into something more like some of its competitors. Where the gates are wider, the sense of participation without spending money is deeper, and where the urge to spend money out of desperation is not nearly so strong. I might be talked into coming back temporarily for the guild event by my wonderful guild mates in the Chocoboknights, but it would be an isolated thing at best.



I will miss you all. Good luck. Have fun. Spend wisely. Be safe. God bless.
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Vaati
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Vaati


Join date : 2013-08-17
Posts : 1320

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PostSubject: Re: Addiction and Departure   Addiction and Departure I_icon_minitimeSat Sep 21, 2013 4:03 pm

I wish you a rested recovery, and hope that you can find a game that suits your needs.

Stay well, friend.
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Blargod
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Blargod


Join date : 2012-09-29
Posts : 592

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PostSubject: Re: Addiction and Departure   Addiction and Departure I_icon_minitimeSat Sep 21, 2013 6:55 pm

Yes, I went "cold turkey" due to numerous reasons. It's effective to get yourself off of Fantasica that's for certain.
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darkenn
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darkenn


Join date : 2013-04-16
Posts : 243

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PostSubject: Re: Addiction and Departure   Addiction and Departure I_icon_minitimeSat Sep 21, 2013 7:12 pm

Best of luck Cliff!!!
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gambolice
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Join date : 2013-08-01
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PostSubject: Re: Addiction and Departure   Addiction and Departure I_icon_minitimeSat Sep 21, 2013 8:13 pm

Everybody knows the drop rate for Fantasica can be one douche.

Since you are leaving, what will you start doing now? Keep yourself busy , otherwise the visions of Fantasica will keep coming back to haunt you since you are addicted as what you mentioned.
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predator852
Gingerbreadian [SPECIAL]
predator852


Join date : 2012-10-04
Posts : 1326

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PostSubject: Re: Addiction and Departure   Addiction and Departure I_icon_minitimeSat Sep 21, 2013 11:10 pm

If you need something to help you transition (When I stopped playing there was this huge void in my life and I was SO BORED) you should pick up Monster Warlord. It's a lot less money based than any Mobage Game, but it's also a lot less community based. Still, it's a nice little time waster.

Also, and you might already know this, but drowning yourself in the console world can be refreshing. If you already have a healthy library of game (Like I did) then just play your favorite ones for a little while each day, and focus your mind on limiting how long a day you play those, instead of how long a day you aren't playing Fanta.

If you don't have a huge library, a lot of really old classics (The current gens are like 8 years old afterall) that are dirt cheap. Ultimate Alliance, borderlands, arkum asylum, fallout 3, soul caliber 4...you get the drill. All loads of fun for hours upon hours.

And last but not least, Enjoy life!
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Resetz

Resetz


Join date : 2013-07-18
Posts : 88

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PostSubject: Re: Addiction and Departure   Addiction and Departure I_icon_minitimeSun Sep 22, 2013 5:32 am

I barely known you, but glad you know your problem and take action to deal with it.
Good luck with your life outside the fantasica world.
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matakaw
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matakaw


Join date : 2013-09-16
Posts : 281

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PostSubject: Re: Addiction and Departure   Addiction and Departure I_icon_minitimeSun Sep 22, 2013 9:33 am

Likewise, this game will be dominated by some free and bad players. How really frustrating that one of the old players are going to leave just like basketball players retired because of some bad reasons.
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cliffbiram
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cliffbiram


Join date : 2012-12-12
Posts : 259

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PostSubject: Re: Addiction and Departure   Addiction and Departure I_icon_minitimeSun Sep 22, 2013 1:08 pm

Thanks for the suggestions and the encouragement everyone! I'm going to try to focus on playing some PsP games that I never even started like Final Fantast Disidia in my liesure time.

I'm currently playing Monster Match as a stop gap mobile "time waster." it's fun but I don't feel compelled to spend anything on it.

I'm also going to try to get some editing projects started, and I think I'll do some miniature painting. there are so many hobbies I have dropped or neglected because all of my money and focus was going into Fantasica.

it's not easy right now, but the huge sense of guilt is now gone and that feels wonderful. i just hold onto that feeling everytime I think about re-installing.
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Tattycoram
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Join date : 2013-01-20
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PostSubject: Re: Addiction and Departure   Addiction and Departure I_icon_minitimeSun Sep 22, 2013 3:44 pm

Thank you for sharing this. I think there are a lot of people in a similar situation and I commend you for identifying this problem for yourself and taking action to address it. I conducted a poll here on the forum several weeks or so ago about why people quit and was surprised how many people chose "spent too much or afraid I might spend too much" as a key reason for leaving. So you certainly are not alone.

Certainly, as you point out, Fanta taps into this tendency and exploits it in many ways and it is relentless. There is neve any significant break/gap from giving a huge edge to spenders, one short event right after another. I personally have to make a real effort to find balance and I have often wondered if I will have to call it quits one day not because I tire of the game but because it may become too all-consuming.

Thank you very much for sharing this to perhaps inspire others to take stock of their relationship to the game (or other addictive activities) and/or to provide support to their allies/friends who might be struggling along these lines. I have noticed messages on walls of people who get a lucky pull on the rcr where their ally is surprised they are spending - messages like "thought u weren't spending more" etc. I think there may be a lot of gambling addiction in this game.

Best of luck in your future endeavors and taking back your life!
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Lionpunisher
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Lionpunisher


Join date : 2012-09-11
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PostSubject: Re: Addiction and Departure   Addiction and Departure I_icon_minitimeMon Sep 23, 2013 4:32 am

I'm glad you are triumphant on your quest to freedom against Fanta the evil warlock..

I started as a free player too until I got my first 6* last december, but now I'm spending alot of money for the events I'm ranking for... The only event that would not require too much spending would be the BA but they have screwed that up for me too. Now I will try my very best to control myself from spending anymore on this game which is getting more and more pointless.

Thanks you OP, you have set a good example for us all.
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Yuan
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Yuan


Join date : 2013-02-19
Posts : 722

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PostSubject: Re: Addiction and Departure   Addiction and Departure I_icon_minitimeMon Sep 23, 2013 9:44 pm

Yeah, after the last couple events I've barely logged on. I don't want to quit, but at the same time I feel I'm wasting a lot of money that I shouldn't be spending on a virtual game. I can't bring myself to part with my cards though D:
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bluerexx
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bluerexx


Join date : 2013-07-23
Posts : 276

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PostSubject: Re: Addiction and Departure   Addiction and Departure I_icon_minitimeTue Sep 24, 2013 1:18 am

Its tough to admit that you have a problem, its even tougher to take action.
Its always sad to see players go, but Fanta has become more and more pay2win (its getting closer to pay2play in some events), and it will eventually hit some players.

I think this was posted somewhere on this forum that talks about how games are designed to make you spend:

Read here

So take a read, reflect, and see if this game is still 'fun' for you. I still find it fun since I still have a goal, and will most likely go very casual after hitting that goal.
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Yuan
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Yuan


Join date : 2013-02-19
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PostSubject: Re: Addiction and Departure   Addiction and Departure I_icon_minitimeTue Sep 24, 2013 10:43 am

Yeah, I have announced to my dear allies I am on hiatus and might as well be considered 'quit' for now... I miss the days when everything was exciting instead of 'oh, I need money for this too'.

But mostly I'm trying to fight my addiction to spending money. I removed my CC from my google play account.
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sycovenom




Join date : 2013-05-08
Posts : 140

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PostSubject: Re: Addiction and Departure   Addiction and Departure I_icon_minitimeTue Sep 24, 2013 5:58 pm

bluerexx wrote:
Its tough to admit that you have a problem, its even tougher to take action.
Its always sad to see players go, but Fanta has become more and more pay2win (its getting closer to pay2play in some events), and it will eventually hit some players.


I think this was posted somewhere on this forum that talks about how games are designed to make you spend:

Read here

So take a read, reflect, and see if this game is still 'fun' for you. I still find it fun since I still have a goal, and will most likely go very casual after hitting that goal.
Like this upcoming event where the chance to get a decent unit is probably 2%, and its $50 a shot?


But to the OP good luck on beating the addiction. I've quit some games I was addicted to and know how hard it can be when they run your life.
I too am thinking of quitting this game as like you I found myself spending cash, and insane amounts of time on a game I wasn't even having fun playing, and only getting the booby(or maybe the you didn't spend all your cash) prize for all the effort put in. Since the 2nd day of the current event(when I had my realization) I've only logged in once a day for the roulette just to build up items in case they ever make a fair event like the Doomsday tower again where people have the chance to get 5*, and 6* cards without spending cash.
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Tentacle Love
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PostSubject: Re: Addiction and Departure   Addiction and Departure I_icon_minitimeTue Sep 24, 2013 10:32 pm

it's not the chance to get a decent unit, it's the chance to get one of those three units. There will still be plenty of event units to go around, but for the first time they're putting a cap on the amount you can spend on the ripoff packs.
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Ghost_Star
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Ghost_Star


Join date : 2012-10-02
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PostSubject: Re: Addiction and Departure   Addiction and Departure I_icon_minitimeWed Sep 25, 2013 7:43 am

you'll be back... they all come back. ^^
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cliffbiram
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cliffbiram


Join date : 2012-12-12
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PostSubject: Re: Addiction and Departure   Addiction and Departure I_icon_minitimeThu Sep 26, 2013 9:45 am

Ghost_Star wrote:
you'll be back... they all come back. ^^
this is every bit as encouraging as all of the previous comments. I'm a contrarian in some ways, so this will encourage me to not come back, just out of a contrarian backlash.

I'm struggling to make my mortgage payment this month due to constant spending on this game.

Honestly, if I ever come back, it will be under very specific and controlled conditions. the only two things I can think of would be the next Guild event, and that is specifically to help out my guild mates. I've asked them all to keep me "sober" if that happens. that is the price. they won't be able to rank with me, since I can't buy tonics and I can't buy event units, and they are aware of that. we'll see.

the only other reason I could see myself coming back is if they take a serious change in course for this game.

Ultimately, games like this are designed with massive "Churn" in mind. they plan on players leaving the game in 3 to 6 months. it's built into their strategy. everything in it is psychologically designed to ecourage reckless spending. I had to admit to myself that I am vuleenable to those tactics. the only way to resist, is to not even step into the trap in the first place.

thank you everyone for the continued comments and support. the more i read, the more I am convinced that this is absoluetly right.
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Yuan
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Yuan


Join date : 2013-02-19
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PostSubject: Re: Addiction and Departure   Addiction and Departure I_icon_minitimeThu Sep 26, 2013 12:39 pm

From what I can see there are 'quit' auctions and sales everywhere. The 'black market' has exploded with people trying to offload their cards.

I know they expect high turnover but this is more than I normally see in this game. I wonder if they realize that by making it too difficult for 'free' players they lose the chance of those people dropping a bit of money to get one more rank once they're invested in the game.

Still logging in for my daily bonuses but I can't see myself enjoying any of these events and my wallet will be happier with the money I'll be saving. It really IS a trap.
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aubade888
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Join date : 2012-11-24
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PostSubject: Re: Addiction and Departure   Addiction and Departure I_icon_minitimeThu Sep 26, 2013 12:41 pm

Just a few recommendations that might help you find help locally and connect to people. I think it's more important to find people to connect with, rather than just filling the fanta space with another game. I would first suggest:

http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/

There is no shame in finding a local group and discussing what is bothering you. You can find strength and support in talking about gambling addiction with others.

I would also suggest:

http://www.meetup.com/find/

You can find a local group of people and try out a new hobby and activity to relieve stress. They have cool stuff like nature hiking groups or boardgame playing groups. Pretty much anything you can think of.

Giving up something that you are attached to is difficult. I wish you the best and I hope you lead a happy and fulfilling life.
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Yuan
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Yuan


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PostSubject: Re: Addiction and Departure   Addiction and Departure I_icon_minitimeThu Sep 26, 2013 12:51 pm

That's exactly what it is.. I noticed it with Gachapon in games too. It's a total gambling addiction.

I've found if I stay away from games that encourage it I'm fine, and I've no desire to step foot in a casino. I'm honestly surprised this kind of micro transaction strategy is even legal..
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aubade888
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PostSubject: Re: Addiction and Departure   Addiction and Departure I_icon_minitimeThu Sep 26, 2013 12:57 pm

They keep trying to increase the stakes of the gamble. To make people go "all in" even more. The challenger packs are evidence of that.
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Yuan
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Yuan


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PostSubject: Re: Addiction and Departure   Addiction and Departure I_icon_minitimeThu Sep 26, 2013 1:49 pm

Haha, fortunately that's my limit. 5* cards are basically worthless these days, why would I want to spend $50 to get a chance at only one? Step-Ups are more interesting.
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HoundR
Gingerbreadian [SPECIAL]
HoundR


Join date : 2012-12-05
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PostSubject: Re: Addiction and Departure   Addiction and Departure I_icon_minitimeThu Sep 26, 2013 2:51 pm

I had a similar problem. I spent on EVERY SINGLE EVENT ever since I joined, up to Guild Arena. That was the last time I spent because, even though I like the game, even though I know you either cheat or spend to win on this game (grinding nonstop for all events is too demanding and it isn't worth it, it may have been, but it's not anymore with all those rewards devalued on the first day someone gets them), it's never enough. There's always someone who either spends more than you or someone who found a way to get free stuff the easy way, avoiding money, but ruining market along the way.

I knew way back that this game was going downhill when I saw 7*s announced in Jap, but I couldn't leave my allies. Then Revere was released and I lost it, I had to get her, but, as we all know, getting TE nowadays is as hard as getting a good deal from the RCR.

I told some of my allies I'd stop spending maybe twice or three times, yet I still did it, even if I did spend less every time. Gambling-type games are a slow poison, and it's awful knowing you're poisoning yourself, yet you continue doing it.
There's two ways out of this: You either get help or you help yourself. If you know you can control yourself (and I mean it, you have to know you're strong-willed), you're good to go. If you're not (even if it's just a little bit of doubt), get help. Friends can do it, but there's also groups and pros to help with that.

As Yuan said, 5*s are worthless nowadays, so the risk of spending and not getting anything good is even bigger than ever before. You used to think "hey, I may not get a 6*, but I could get a 5* and sell it". Not anymore... unless you think spending real money to get 2-4 TE is fair. Even the in-game store gives you a better deal, and that's saying something.

For me, spending recklessly on games is over. I'm playing another cellphone game atm, but I don't feel the need to spend on it to rank or to get good stuff. When I do it, it's because that games deserves it. (and because I get free monthly iTunes credit Razz) That game rewards players for their dedication, not for the size of their wallet.

I bought GTA 5 and FFXIV instead of spending it on Fanta... and I'm having a better time than doing 2-7 or whatever-whatever over and over for 18 hours, 7 days, every two weeks. (I'm exaggerating, but you get the point).

The only reason I still haven't deleted the game is because of my awesome allies, and even some of them are already leaving or are planning to do so in the near future.

[this is a quote] Ultimately, games like this are designed with massive "Churn" in mind. they plan on players leaving the game in 3 to 6 months. it's built into their strategy. everything in it is psychologically designed to ecourage reckless spending. I had to admit to myself that I am vuleenable to those tactics. the only way to resist, is to not even step into the trap in the first place. [here ends]

Indeed. They don't give a damn about their customers, even paying ones. During Xmas f*ckfest, many paying players left due to being screwed over... but there's always another paying player waiting to take their spot. Some of them will stay, some of them will quit, some may even "quit" (look at some of the current rankers and how many times they've said "hurr durr this is my last event, I won't spend anymore", yet they're up there on the next event)

To finish my train of thought, if you want to stay, do it, but only play when you remember to, don't go overboard, and remember it's a game, so don't make it a routine. That's why I love console games, as you don't have to think "OMG I missed my next quest grinding for two minutes! My rank is going down!!! " which can lead to "Crap! I can't go up in ranks by grinding anymore... I have to spend!!"

(sorry if there's mistakes or repeated ideas, I didn't proofread on this one)


Last edited by HoundR on Fri Sep 27, 2013 12:19 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Kharistos
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PostSubject: Re: Addiction and Departure   Addiction and Departure I_icon_minitimeFri Sep 27, 2013 12:11 am

Ill throw in some of my own thoughts as well. I started Fanta earlier this year and I actually spend a bit from event to event probably spent about maybe $100 so far for my like 6 months of play.

I like Fantasica's art and the sprites for the many units I have but recently SS has been getting greedier. The new challenger packs that promise 5*s and above for "just $50" and the reduction in the duration of Large event items for Battle Col from 15mins to 10mins to just 2mins now. It just encourages pple to spend more and more and as such I decided to step away from this current event and just get my 190 wins for free TEs and Pots.

Fanta as it is right now really is a game that you have to spend A lot to get what you want. The addition of 6* head start ranking rewards further amplifies the spending.

So i decided that Fanta at its current state isnt worth my effort playing like 16 hours a day or more. My first 6* was actually Pregare and it was a heck load of grinding but at least at that point of time L event items were 15mins and you could do two rounds of PVP and PVE in one event item. Fanta has been relegated to like a second choice game for me now. I play it whenever I feel like and i try to get some free TEs and Pots like for this event and free L items to sell for units. I got a Lev from selling L Fruit so it was sorta worth it.

Well my thoughts are that you can actually play it casually if you arent so intent on wanting to get every card you like. But it does take quite a bit of restrain and self control to not spend copious amounts of money on this game.

I
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