I just bought this game yesterday and am already incredibly annoyed by it's micro transaction system, it kind of defeats the purpose of leveling.

So I'm trying to play the game without paying real money for it (I dont MIND micro transactions but the price ratio is OUTRAGEOUS in this game). But it seems that when I visit a store where I spend in-game currency rather than GB I have no preview window for weapons and clothing. Is there no way to preview items before buying them?

 You should NEVER, EVER buy vendor clothing and weapons unless you have money to burn already and just want to collect useless items (See Shinigami's used needle collection). 

Black Market custom clothing is acceptable to spend on and does have a preview option, however it is bought only with gold bars.

You never need to pay real money to play the game to it's fullest. +1 CrimeCraft.

Greeting Naatan,

I thought you might appreciate the opinion of someone who has also recently started playing CrimeCraft (albeit via free download 2 weeks ago). 

Microtansactions:

For me, Crimecraft fits into the category of free2play exceptionally well. There isn't really any necessity to buy from the blackmarket unless you're aiming to make lvling easier or enhance your avatar's esthetic.

That said, notable BlackMarket items worthy of purchase would include the Bleedout episode 'tickets', an additional 'Profile' and perhaps a '2nd craft'. Yet seeing as GoldBars can be gained via forum surveys/promo/videos or won in-game by rare appearance and chance... Well, it means non-subscribers can still benefit from gold-bar purchases - with a little patience - without spending any real £$.  In any case, these are hardly game-breaking limitations, but rather expanding upon existing features.

NB: If you want exorbitant microtransactions and gameplay limitations that truly force your hand, check out the Champions Online C-Store! 

Preview Items:

Yes. I have to say that the lack of a preview option (other than in Blackmarket) stings somewhat. I agree with Avarice that you shouldn't ever find yourself buying from any NPC traders. I find all my gear from PvE & crafting, and if needing something specific you can always try the Auction House... 

BUT... My issue would be the lack of a preview option commits you to wearing/equipping said item in order to see the visual appearance. Thus the item becomes 'bound' to your avatar and thereby unable to trade. I guess you have to learn the hard way, and be prepared to try many WMK & Clothing until you hit upon the look you want.

So there we have it. I suggest the quickest way to gain in-game cash is to complete the PvE payphone missions & avoid PvP until at least lvl 20... Oh, and Welcome to Crimecraft!

 Thanks guys, I was under the impression that the game very much so forced micro transactions on you and I thought that the majority of players were those who would frequently spend real money on the game, I guess I was wrong.

I'll give the game another try tonight, I do enjoy the gameplay but the microtransactions were just a major turn off for me.

Honestly I would prefer to pay a monthly fee and be done with it.