Ok, so I have a hard time believing anyone is actually doing anything evil here, but I do want to point out some partially misleading information that I saw on the retail package for the GW:Factions "Pre-Order Gift Pack" at Fry's Electronics today.

First, I am discussing the Pre-Order Gift Pack CD, which is clearly labeled "Pre-Order Only, Full Game Not Included." It is NOT the pre-order of the game, and it does not entitle you to anything except 24 hour early access to Factions, and some trial keys for some other games. Unfortunately, the manufacturer's intended message is obscured even further by the sticker that Fry's has put on it, which conveniently eclipses some of the important text on the package from NCSoft / Arenanet.

Second, Fry's has labeled it "Guild Wars Factions Preorder / $9.99 / Receipt Required / $9.99 off Full Version" or similar, in some crazy abbreviations that are deciphered with some thought.

Third, Fry's has a full size (8.5"x11") sign on the shelf that says in no uncertain terms "Guild Wars Factions Pre-Order $9.99" This is where most of the confusion is, because if you actually inspect the package and Fry's label, you will quickly discover that this is NOT the true pre-order.

Is this fraud? No. But you need to be doing a double-take if you are trying to acquire the Pre-Order package in a retail store, because this $9.99 package is available on Amazon for $2. Also, you get it shipped early free if you buy the true Pre-Order Box at the same time.

I did not see the true Pre-Order Box at Fry's. However, the implied discount (with receipt ) is roughly equal to the deal on Amazon for the Pre-Order Box + Pre-Order Gift Pak. I don't personally feel like fooling around with this, I'll just order on Amazon. However, the nearest Fry's associate did attempt to assure me that if I were to buy the $9.99 disk at Fry's, I'd get the $9.99 off the $49.99 retail version when it hits the shelves.

Again, not fraud, but possibly misleading. Especially if you are somewhat distracted when browsing or otherwise in a hurry.

Happy NOLFing...

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