[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.
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You have a problem lol.
Hope this gets front-paged, it's worth it.
LOL, I have the Prey collector's edition too.
Aside from the GTA and Fallout stuff, I hate collector's edition crap. It's always some chinese cookie stuff for $10-$20 extra. Btw, the Halo Dew is actually good, folks.
I thought that panasonic gamecube was only released in Japan.. But i could be wrong though..
O yea nice write up too..
Also, search eBay. Those Panasonic cubes are pretty pricey ($500)
I have this number you need to call Kryp. 1-888-Get-Laid. That's 1-888-Get-Laid. Make sure you try calling it. They will help you with this addiction. ;)
Hey....I actually have a couple of twelve pack boxes of that mountain dew...and Prey collector's edition (it has toys!), GoW special edition, oblivion special edition, etc...
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.
Hey....I actually have a couple of twelve pack boxes of that mountain dew...and Prey collector's edition (it has toys!), GoW special edition, oblivion special edition, etc...
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.
Dammit...double/triple post ftl. :(
I think it's safe to say you have a problem, Kryptinite. My addiction stops at CE games (Most MMOs, Assassin's Creed, Spider-man 3, DMC4, GTAIV, and more than a few PC games off the top of my head). I don't go into the merchandising synergy spree, though.
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've reserved the Fallout 3 and Metal Gear Solid 4 Limited/Collector's edition last week. I'm going to get the Soul Calibur 4 Limited Edition. I already have the Bioshock and Devil May Cry 4 ones.
I have a guilty pleasure too. =(
I dunno, Im not usually into that stuff.
But the standard version of bioshock came with that cool sparkle bobber cover thing.
O man I have this too. I even have the Ass Creed collectors edition on my shelf. What really sucks is I don't really like the game.
damn, thats crazy. You must be making some good money to sustain a collecting hobby like this.
good read.
Great post. I'm a sucker for collector's edition for games that I'm anticipating as well. If I see it offered, I can't usually pass it up.
@das inchworm
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.
Check your email and stop burning holes in your pockets.
Frontpage is that away <--------------
Great Write up, Kryptinite !!!
How dare you hate on the livewire
Kryptinite, you're a man after my own heart. I can't afford to do this at the level you do, but I am also a sucker for these things. Let's be Internet friends.
I'm a sucker for collectors editions too but just for the games themselves. I see no point in limited edition consoles, beverages, or food. Unless you count the McRib as a limited edition food.
@DrNutt
consider it done
@King
No no, Limewire is awesome! Limewire plus Code Red is gross!
@Snaileb
I'll try and you check your email!
I usually want all those collector's editions too. They look very nice on the shelf and most have some really nice extras (my favorites are behind the scenes movies and artwork books), but it's been a long time since I bought a CE game. I see the price tag and I just can't bring myself to do.
The QCube (panasonic gamecube with dvd drive) is pretty much impossible to find nowadays, even though it was already nigh impossible before.
Livewire is delicious.
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 too usually go for the collector's editions. If there's a game I want and it has a CE, at least 95% of the time that's the version I go for. Like you said, it's that collector's mentality. I sometimes go for tie-ins too, like I have one of those cool metal Halo Mountain Dew bottles sitting on my shelf...
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 there is a title that I'm really looking forward to then I sometimes pick up the CE if its something that I'd like. The one for GTA4 while cool didn't appeal to me that much, so I opted not to get it.
I go for the collectors edition every time. I was devastated when I bought my 360 a year after launch and I couldn't find the collectors editions of GoW or Prey. That being said I'll trade you my regular copy of prey plus 10 bucks for your CE of Prey. I can haz pewter statues?
Also, frontpage this, now.
I too am a Collector's Edition whore. An extra ten, twenty, or even thirty dollars seldom scares me away from fancy packaging and shiny extra goodies. Hellgate: London came with a very nice graphic novel in addition to a soundtrack and an oversized box with unique art. Worth every extra penny.
@Big Z
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.
I'm holding off on the Batman Begins stuff until the trilogy is complete and I can get a deal on all three in a single CE.
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.
...If anyone had any idea how much $$$ these 'collectors editions' make the publisher, you would all be crying foul.
@JohnnyV: Yeah, I'm sure it only costs them about $4 more than the normal editions and we pay $20 more. But, realize that with a typical game, they're turning a big profit after the first 250k games sold. So, we're paying them a ridiculous amount of money regardless, at least with the CE I get something neat from it that I'll use to decorate the office or listen to once I'm done with the game itself. So, it's worth it in the long run.
Nice collection man!
I can’t afford to do this with games, but I do it all the time with my DVD collection. I don’t think there’s a single movie of mine where I own the single-disc edition instead of the two-disc special edition or something. I even sprang for the $35 Best Buy-exclusive collector’s edition of V For Vendetta. I don’t even watch the special features on most of the movies, but I just like knowing that I have the definitive edition. However, I won’t re-buy movies (and I’m really trying not to do so on Blu-ray — but that Batman Begins CE is calling to me) when they double-dip with a better edition.
That said, I’ve just decided to splurge and get the GTA IV SE. Nice write-up, dude.
This makes me miss the days of Working Designs, who always included SOMETHING with their games, from an OST, to the scary-yet-strangely-fun Ghaleon puppet (whom I reenacted the scene from Raging Bull with much gusto).
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 want the damn Warhammer online collectors edition.
Nice writeup Kryptinite, definitely worthy of the front page. I love getting Collector's editions too but the difference between you and me is that I can't afford them! >_<
WOOO HOOO!!!
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!
I'm totally a Collector's Edition whore (namely because I'm a packrat). For crying out loud, I have the Oblivion special edition and I don't even have a 360, and I'm thinking about getting the Soul Calibur IV one for the art book.
=p
I can't blame you. A lot of developers are making some sweet ass packages with the special edition. I want that V for Vendetta mask (totally forgot the dudes name from back in the day).
I feel your pain. Although my addiction is limited to games mostly. Im a complete sucker for any game in a metal box. I bought the Halo 3 Legendary for $130 and i dont even like Halo. I had already been planning on getting both versions of Soul Calibur 4. Now theyre coming out with a collectors of which ill be forced to get both. Both collectors of GTA4. Mass Effect, Gears of War, Assassins, Bioshock, Prey, CoD4, Devil May Cry, Viva Pinata, Forza 2, Lost Planet, Perfect Dark. IT NEVER ENDS!!! I also picked up the Metal Gear Essential when ive already got all the games. Lately ive been resorting to importing collectors editions from other regions like UK and Japan....i cant even play them
Anyways great article. Its nice to hear the confessions of other addicts
1. game fuel was the greatest thing EVAR
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.
Starving college student is mildly jealous, but I'm usually able to convince myself I don't need the special stuff. My version of CEs is waiting for PC ports of XBox games A) for the new content they inevitably tack on to the end and B) because I don't actually own an XBox.
I got a 48 piece case of Game Fuel bottles for like, $3 when they were clearancing them...
Yea I gots me a lil Altair
Don't feel so bad...I went so far as to buy the GameStop exclusive Collector's Edition of Jericho...yeah...
I too unfortunately know the incredible drawing power of the Collector's/Special/Limited editions. Every game I own that has one, I have.
And another thing, anyone else notice the disturbing trend of $79.99 now being the typical price point for a Special/Collector's edition?
I was browsing through the upcoming releases, and almost all the Collector's editions were $79.99 and up. I guess companies are well aware of our particular problem.
I kinda wish gamers would send the publishers the nessege that they're more discerning about special editions. LIek I think Bioshock SE and the upcoming Fallout Special editions and Special Editions done right. A tin case with a 20 minut making of docu hardly seems worth it.
I admit, I got the Halo 3 Limited Edition but it was mostly for the calibration tool. Kinda wish it was included in the regular edition. The art book was nice but not $10 extra nice.
The Bioshock SE sold out, so I better preprder Fallout soon, cause I can see the same thing happening there if the pre-release word of mouth and marketing brings the hype to Bioshock pre-release levels.
I'm quite the opposite. I will almost always resist the urge to buy Collectors and Limited Editions, because I am extraordinarily cheap.
Excellent article though. Grats on the frontpage!
Do you ever make any profit off of selling your limited edition games? I assume if you only bought CE's of big-name games (and ignored the shitty ones) and waited a few yrs, you could sell for well above retail price to other collector whores like you.
STOP SPENDING YOUR GIRLFRIEND's MONEY!! ........*Feed the children*
Nice write up, you made it to the FP!!!!
@orangedude
I never sell any of my merch. I use to do the Gamestop thing when I was younger with no money but those days are over.
If I have the money at the time of release, I'll get the collector's edition (Example: Oblivion collector's edition with the Elder Scrolls Pocket Traveller's guide and the Septim. I regret nothing). I REALLY want the Fallout one as well. but I can usually hold back if it's just a bunch of dumb stuff, or a game I don't really care about.
I don´t have any :(
I totally just bought the GTA IV collectors edition only because it came with too much nonsense to pass up.
yea I have to say, it can be a sweet deal with all the extra stuff, but I find special editions can be very impractical for daily video game usage. For example, with Gears of War in the tin case, it is hard to get to the game disc because it's inside another sleeve inside the tin, etc, etc. But the GTA box doesn't look like that which is good.
GTA IV's Collector's Edition is the only one so far that has tempted me (though if I liked hand-helds, I'd buy me up some KRATOS PSP action!), but I probably won't get it. It's an extra $30+ and I just don't need it.
The music collection is probably going to be nice to have, though. I hear GTA IV's music playlist is the best yet. And the duffle bag and key chain are also pretty cool.
Argh...Maybe I'll get it. Maybe. But only if they have some in-store (I doubt it!), because I'm so not ordering it and waiting 3 days longer than I have to. I need GTA IV. I'm going in Monday, the 28th and midnight and I am going to get it like a good little fanboy.
I agree with MechaMonkey. I've never wanted a collector's edition. I'd prefer to save the cash for additional games. However, I do like to collect games themselves and display them like prized possessions long after I've reached the point where I will never revisit 90% of them. All games are a collector's edition to me! Or something.
grats on the frontpage Kryptinite. You know where to go if you're ever looking to trade that CE of Prey... =P
Awesome writeup. Congrats.