Question of the Day, August 14, 2010
- Thread starter The Escapist Staff
- Start date
I like those little extra somethings. I purchased SCII CE because of all the random stuff you get, Fallout 3 just because it was really cool, and just preordered Fallout New Vegas, and the Hardened COD Black Ops version. Price affects what I get more, I won't pay over $100 for a game like Halo 3 or Prestige edition for some RC car or helmet.
I hate games that make items with game-changing properties part of a special (i.e. more expensive) edition. Unless the differences are largely cosmetic, with minimal in-game effects, I'm significantly more likely to avoid the whole game altogether. Especially if it's an online game.
I don't really buy into the hype of special editions. It might be nice to get the toys or soundtracks or art books or what have you, but I just don't need more than the game. I'm getting a bit old for action figures, I usually shut the music off in games, and I'm not into art. When it comes to in-game items, some of the time it is nice, but in others it sometimes shuts off the ability to earn achievements. Eventually they either release the in-game as DLC or there is a code to unlock it in the game anyway, so I can save the extra $20-$100 they charge and just look it up on the internet.
I can appreciate they want to get the fans more involved in purchasing the games by offering things like that, but it just isn't for me. A lot of the time, they include things that just don't have much to do with the game, like actual night vision goggles or something you can already buy without having to invest in the game. Items like that which don't even enhance the playing experience, just something to sit around the house and collect dust. If a game would come along with a free one-year subscription card for XBL, I might think about that if they didn't charge you the extra $60 it already costs for the feature. I'm not that big on collector's tins/cases either... someone else will just latch on to them and use them for themselves instead of me getting any use out of them anyway.
I can appreciate they want to get the fans more involved in purchasing the games by offering things like that, but it just isn't for me. A lot of the time, they include things that just don't have much to do with the game, like actual night vision goggles or something you can already buy without having to invest in the game. Items like that which don't even enhance the playing experience, just something to sit around the house and collect dust. If a game would come along with a free one-year subscription card for XBL, I might think about that if they didn't charge you the extra $60 it already costs for the feature. I'm not that big on collector's tins/cases either... someone else will just latch on to them and use them for themselves instead of me getting any use out of them anyway.
I pre-ordered Reach's special addition (not that rediculously expensive Legendary one) just to get ahold of Halsey's notebook.
I wouldn't do that for many games, but if I really love the story, I'll dish out a bit extra for some cool stuff.
I wouldn't do that for many games, but if I really love the story, I'll dish out a bit extra for some cool stuff.
Art books and story books for me. I like being able to sit them on a coffee table like any other art books and pick up and flick through. My favourites are definatly the ones from Blizzard because the books are so nicely made with a good hard backing and good spine.
I dont really like the little minitures and statues, but thats mainly because I have nowhere to put them on display and they always gather dust really quickly.
In game items are cool too because I dont have to worry about them taking up space.
I dont really like the little minitures and statues, but thats mainly because I have nowhere to put them on display and they always gather dust really quickly.
In game items are cool too because I dont have to worry about them taking up space.
Extra scene cut seamlessly back into the movie and some neat, little knickknack. LotRs really set the bar.
If I'm putting extra money on the counter, I want something physical to put on my shelf. Although, I am surprised that we have yet to see a special edition come with real piece of apparel; you could wear it to let the plebeians know that your blood is better and your station secure.
If I'm putting extra money on the counter, I want something physical to put on my shelf. Although, I am surprised that we have yet to see a special edition come with real piece of apparel; you could wear it to let the plebeians know that your blood is better and your station secure.
I voted an art book, because I've seen some games with really, really good art books. The sad thing is most are pretty quick, little pamphlets. This also works with soundtracks, sadly, with only two or three tracks. (If even that many.)
Personally, I'd like to see more full art books, concepts, linearts, finished pieces, and such. Those often have to be imported and are expensive, but I find they're also often worth it. Especially for artists like Amano, or for the various Breath of Fire games.
Personally, I'd like to see more full art books, concepts, linearts, finished pieces, and such. Those often have to be imported and are expensive, but I find they're also often worth it. Especially for artists like Amano, or for the various Breath of Fire games.
A well crafted game box and physical items (preferably high quality figurines/statues--not toys) are the reasons why I buy Special or Collectors Editions.
Soundtrack and artbooks are a nice gimmick, but they just don't have the same appeal as something I can add to my collection of figurines.
Soundtrack and artbooks are a nice gimmick, but they just don't have the same appeal as something I can add to my collection of figurines.
Best special edition I got was a tie between Arkham Asylum and Alan Wake. Batman included a Batarang prop, and artbook and a special behind-the-scenes disc, all in a bat-shaped case. Alan Wake on the other hand, had behind-the-scenes, soundtrack, a well written 130 page book called The Alan Wake Files, and a voucher for DLC. So I would say in terms of physical material, Arkham Asylum is up there. But in terms of substance - I keep re-reading The Alan Wake Files- I'd say Alan Wake
Fun little extras. Like, remember how Fallout 3's special edition came in a metal lunchbox and included a bobblehead?
(/e taps the top of the bobblehead's head.)
Fallout Fred (it's what I call the bobblehead) says yes.
(/e taps the top of the bobblehead's head.)
Fallout Fred (it's what I call the bobblehead) says yes.
I have purchased only two special editions of games in my life, and I'm fairly sure that number will be set in stone for quite a while coming.
First was the Oblivion special edition set for the PC, which had a Pocket Guide to the Empire and a rather weighty life-sized Imperial Septim. The former was a meticulously well-constructed font of lore (one of the few things Bethesda does unequivocally well); the latter remains a fetish with which I idly fidget whilst playing PC RPGs.
Second was the Sims 3 special edition, which was a rather disappointing way to spend an extra ten dollars at the time. There was a code for in-game items that I never redeemed and a 2 GB flash drive/key chain clip with a removable cover in the shape of a plum-bob. In terms of capacity it has outlived its usefulness and I have been forced to seek out storage of greater utility for a comparable price, the fact that it is a) obtrusively-shaped and b) eye-catching means I usually bring the giant green monstrosity along with me for miscellaneous computer troubleshooting efforts, garnering enough intrigued looks and starting enough conversations to have earned its purchase price by now.
First was the Oblivion special edition set for the PC, which had a Pocket Guide to the Empire and a rather weighty life-sized Imperial Septim. The former was a meticulously well-constructed font of lore (one of the few things Bethesda does unequivocally well); the latter remains a fetish with which I idly fidget whilst playing PC RPGs.
Second was the Sims 3 special edition, which was a rather disappointing way to spend an extra ten dollars at the time. There was a code for in-game items that I never redeemed and a 2 GB flash drive/key chain clip with a removable cover in the shape of a plum-bob. In terms of capacity it has outlived its usefulness and I have been forced to seek out storage of greater utility for a comparable price, the fact that it is a) obtrusively-shaped and b) eye-catching means I usually bring the giant green monstrosity along with me for miscellaneous computer troubleshooting efforts, garnering enough intrigued looks and starting enough conversations to have earned its purchase price by now.