Some non-game playing exec at Namco Bandai has decided that the gun controller that ships with Time Crisis 4 for the Playstation 3 cannot and will not be sold separately, even though there’s a 2-player mode in the game. Their CSR’s helpful suggestion? “You will need another copy of Time Crisis 4.” It’s as if the game is a license to use one gun controller—if you want more gun controllers, simply buy more licenses!

Here’s the transcript of a very helpful chat one reader had with ‘Brian’ at Namco Bandai’s Live Support Chat Supercenter Headquarters:

Please wait for a site operator to respond.?You are now chatting with ‘Brian’

Brian: Thank you for contacting Namco Bandai’s Live Support. How may I help you?

Alfredo: Hi Brian, I am contacting you because I would like to purchase a second guncon controller to be able to play Time Crisis 4 with 2 players on my PS3 but have failed to find any place to do so online and would like to get some help in finding out where it could be bought

Brian: I’m sorry, but the Guncon 3 is not sold separately. It is only sold bundled with Time Crisis 4.

Alfredo: huh ? But the game supports 2 controllers, doesn’t it??

Brian: Yes, it supports two Guncon 3s for split screen multiplayer.

Brian: But the Guncon 3 is not sold separately.

Alfredo: so, isn’t it unfair to ask a person to buy the game twice if he/she only intends to use it in one PS3 (my case) if he/she wants to do split screen multiplayer?

Brian: You can play the split-screen with one Guncon 3 and a controller. If you wish to play two players using two Guncon 3s then you will need another copy of Time Crisis 4.

Brian: Is there anything else I can help you with?

Al fredo: but the game is supposed to be played with guncons ! It is a LIGHT GUN game 😦 Also, what happens when somebody’s guncon gets stolen or is broken, how can you get a new replacement guncon??

Brian: We do not sell replacement Guncon 3s. If the Guncon 4 is defective, then we can provide an RMA exchange where we’ll inspect and repair or replace your Guncon 3.

Brian: Is there anything else I can help you with?

Uh, no, thanks anyway Brian. You’ve been great.

(Thanks to Alfredo!)

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