[Editor's note: I hate to admit it, but I suffer from wanting collector's edition of videogames too. I'm more controlling than poor Kryptinite here, but I do break down every so often. I'll be happily getting the collector's edition of GTA IV next Tuesday and will promptly asphyxiate myself with the duffel bag when I get home ... anyway, here's Kryptinite's contribution to April's Monthly Musings. -- CTZ]
Hi. My name is Jermaine Pulliam and I'm addicted to collector’s editions. More specifically, I'm addicted to limited editions of anything. I'm not sure exactly when my addiction started nor do I see an end coming to this horrible problem in the foreseeable future. I can't explain why I'm addicted to collector’s editions but I can share my experiences so that you know that you're not alone.
Hit the jump for more.
Most people complained at the start of the current generation of consoles that videogames were becoming too expensive. I however was use to paying $60 dollars for games because ... well I have a problem. Remember when Halo 2 came out with the limited edition that came in a very attractive metal case? Not only did I opt to buy that version, but I also purchased the limited edition Halo themed Xbox even though I already had an Xbox sitting at home. I've bought both the limited edition and the Legendary edition of Halo 3, the limited edition of Prey, Splinter Cell Double Agent, Stranglehold, Lost Planet, and Resident Evil 4.
I know what you're thinking and it's OK. Go ahead and judge me. I can't honestly tell you why I purchased the limited edition of Prey, except to say my addiction is getting stronger.
My addiction doesn't stop at limited releases of consoles and games; it also spreads to movies, electronics, and also game related drinks. Yes, not many people can say this but I did have some of the Final Fantasy inspired drinks.
With every new release, my addiction becomes more expensive. The Grand Theft Auto IV Special Edition has already been ordered and will arrive to me from Amazon on May 1st. Why did I buy it from Amazon? Because if you order it from there, you get an exclusive license plate that you can't get anywhere else. It cost me $89.99 plus shipping for this fix.
Metal Gear Solid 4 is also coming out with a limited edition that will cost $85.00 for me to soothe my urges; I don't even know what makes it a limited edition but it doesn't matter. I already own a PSP and I love God of War so you can see where this is heading. That's right, come June I will own the red Kratos themed PSP, which comes with a copy of the game.
I've tried to stop in the past, honest! I've withheld my urge and didn't get the super special versions of Gears of War, BioShock, Oblivion, or the MGS themed PS3. I'm making progress right? Not really, because I still want all of those things I've mentioned. I one day hope to get control of this because I don't know if my wallet or soul can take much more of this abuse.
If I really had to pinpoint a reason to why I'm such a sucker for limited edition merchandise, I would have to say that I enjoy collecting things. Videogames are what I do and what I want to do in life. Some people collect rocks, Pogs, stamps, or coins. I collect electronic forms of entertainment.
In the end I'm okay with my addiction; my guilty pleasure. I'm responsible with my money, all my bills get paid on time, and I get to indulge in what I think are the finer things in life. So if you have the same addiction I do, it's okay. Embrace it. At least we aren't on coke.
Contest:
7:10 PM on 04.22.2008
| 
Hope this gets front-paged, it's worth it.
And I just blew $90 on the GTAIV limited edition...I think I have the same problem as you. And now that I've seen what comes in the Fallout SE, well dammit, I'ma have to get that too.
And I just blew $90 on the GTAIV limited edition...I think I have the same problem as you. And now that I've seen what comes in the Fallout SE, well dammit, I'ma have to get that too.
The red PSP does look pretty nice, though, and I'd think about getting it just because I don't have one yet and that one doesn't look bad.
I have a guilty pleasure too. =(
But the standard version of bioshock came with that cool sparkle bobber cover thing.
good read.
That and my girlfriend is amazing.
@hito
I didn't even know there was a CE for Ass Creed. Otherwise I probably would have bought it.
@bigpopa
LOL...tell me about it.
@J Blaze
I think you're right. If I could find it for 100 bucks, sadly I'd buy it even if I couldn't use it.
@Grim
Sweet, I'm not the only sucker. I still don't even know why I bought it let alone the CE.
Great Write up, Kryptinite !!!
consider it done
@King
No no, Limewire is awesome! Limewire plus Code Red is gross!
@Snaileb
I'll try and you check your email!
Also I do want that Fallout 3 Collector's Edition. I am still sad that I didn't get the Bioshock CE. Personally I have never bought a Collector's edition before.
I don't go for those systems though, that's too much. I mean, as much as I've wanted the likes of that Spartan 360 or a platinum GCN, if I have a working console I'm not buying another just for a cosmetic difference. At least not with my paychecks...
If I had a PC, I would have gotten that as well. I had my eyes on that.
@DaedHead
LOL...sorry, I have to keep my precious :).
In other news, Batman Begins is coming out on blu ray....SE is like 35 bucks with a series of coupons. And I get a ticket for the movie. Needless to say I'm buying it.
Probably the best CE I've purchased was the City of Villains CE. Got some nice super hero gaming minis from that. Don't play the mini game, but they're not bad pieces. The Assassin's Creed statue was less than what I expected.
The #1 thing I look for in CEs is soundtrack, though. If it's a good enough game to have a soundtrack CD in the CE, I typically pre-order it as soon as it's available.
That said, I’ve just decided to splurge and get the GTA IV SE. Nice write-up, dude.
If you look at it in another way, every Atlus game is a collector's edition, seeing as they only produce 20 of each game for us all to fight over.
I MADE THE FRONT PAGE!!
After writing this, I realized that I need to slow down with the ridiculous spending.
....then I said screw it. I CAN'T WAIT TO GET THAT GTA4 PACKAGE IN THE MAIL!
=p
Anyways great article. Its nice to hear the confessions of other addicts
2. i have 2 BD's dueling from my bioshock limited edition (broken fixed one and new one sent to me). best video game purchase ever.
I too unfortunately know the incredible drawing power of the Collector's/Special/Limited editions. Every game I own that has one, I have.