Hmm, that actually made me consider what exactly is so annoying about sites such as GameSpot that require a subscription. Let's see~
Get everything included in a free GameSpot membership PLUS these premium features:
Blazing-Fast Downloads
-Download every file FAST with exclusive subscriber-only file servers!
*Well sweet! Most of the files are/were/should be available from the game sites themselves. Sometimes it turns out that GameSpot and similar pals are miraculously the only ones offering certain files, creating a download monopoly that is very annoying if the file is something that used to be or should be free to download. Such as a patch or a modification (which are never made by GS people).
No Intrusive Ads
-Enjoy GameSpot without intrusive commercials or banner ads!
*Woohoo! No evil, evil ads! But who the hell put those ads there in the first place! Hmm?! This is like the hoboes in america who toss a bucketful of foamy water on your windshield when you stop at the traffic lights, and only clean it off if you pay them.
Downloadable Game Guides
-Play like a pro with PDF GameSpot strategy guides! They're downloadable and printable!
*These might be good. However, I've tried out some strategy guides for MMOs, but found out that they're mostly not imbued with even half of the expertise that can easily be found from the forums of these games. But dunno, maybe GameSpot guides are an exception...
![Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes](./images/smilies/icon_rolleyes.gif)
Exclusive Contests
-Take part in subscriber-only prize contests!
*...such as beta testing opportunities. Yeah, this seems to be one of the major reasons people subscribe, when they can't wait to get their hands on an ultrahyped game. Seen it with EQ2 and WoW. But I'm sure game companies could find avenues for finding beta testers even without GameSpot just as well.
Members Only Tournaments
-Compete against other subscribers for pride, glory, and prizes!
*Yaay! PvP between SUBSCRIBERS! Ain't for no noobs! ...at least if you can draw a connection between gaming skillz and being a GameSpot subscriber.
And more!
*There's always an "and more!", but if there was something significant left they'd have included it in the list. This only means something if ever item on the list is superb.
![Twisted Evil Twisted Evil](./images/smilies/icon_twisted.gif)