Loading Times A Game Killer?

Do ultra-slow loading times lead to your hatred of the game that has them? Did you chuck your copy of Mass Effect out the window after your 10th “elevator ride”? If this Japanese discount bin is any indication, gamers in that country won’t bite if a game has slow loading times–even if that game is otherwise awesome.

In this picture, we’re looking at the Xbox 360 version of Hokuto Musou (based on the Fist of the North Star series) languishing in discount purgatory for less than half its release price. This is a game that looks fantastic, has a strong following, and sold like gangbusters on the PS3, but the Xbox edition was panned for painfully slow load times and consumers kept their distance.

So, when it comes to Japan, it looks like rotten loading times can truly kill a game.

Personally, I’ve suffered through many an awful loading time. But, if a game is great (Mass Effect, I’m looking at you) I’ve been willing to wait it out. In fact, I’d take the opportunity of a long loading time to get in a bit of a work out. You know: do a few sit-ups and push-ups.

Can you be so forgiving? Or are loading times a deal-breaker?

[via Kotaku]