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There are a fair few games these days appearing with 'Special Edition' versions, vying for just that little bit more hard earned cash from your pockets. Gears of War, Halo 3, Battlefield Bad Company, Frontlines and plenty more soon to join them.
But do they actually add anything? Are they worth the money? I’ve been thinking about this, triggered by the lovely looking Special Edition box for Fable 2 and the fact that it probably won’t contain anything I’ll use more than once (apart from the game itself). It’s all very nice to have these extra things, but surely some are more desirable than others?
Art Books
The mainstay of collectors editions seems to be the Art Book. From Gears of War to Lost Planet, the art is certainly pretty and the artists must have worked hard to get it right, but does the gamer really take that much interest, short of flicking through when they first get the game? These hard-backed gems are certainly worth a look at, often showcasing the concept art and initial ideas behind the game, but I’m betting they sit and gather dust before long.
Verdict: Pretty, but soon forgotton.
Making Of DVD
Making a game these days takes a lot of time and effort, so it’s always good to see how it got made. In some cases we also get a glimpse of the struggle to get it out on time (Gears) or the emotion that goes in to making the game. It’s admittedly nice to see this background to the title we’ve bought and probably doesn’t take up much more time to produce.
Verdict: Great
T-Shirt
Now this is one I wish they’d do more often. It’s practical and means you can advertise your favourite games. Of course, it does have to be a one-size fit’s all affair, so this is probably why not too many special editions end up with T-shirts in them. Maybe giving them out at retailers, once the buyer has specified their size, would be better?
Verdict: Nice, but could be size issues
Cards
Collectors art cards are even more likely to fall behind the sofa and never see the light of day than the art books. Ok, so some people might like to display them, but most of the time they just involve one look and they’re back in the box again.
Verdict: pointless
Soundtracks
Now we’re talking! Soundtracks to games can, of course, vary in quality, but with most big games coming with either a beautiful movie-like score or a collection of cult hits, it makes sense to showcase the soundtrack by including a separate CD. My favourite ever Soundtrack CD from a game was Dune, way back in the day. Very atmospheric, if a little electronic.
Verdict: Yes Please!
Figures/Stands
Last, but not least, are Figures. Those little models of characters from the game, or in Halo 3’s case a full blown helmet.
Figurines are great to display if you have the space, showing off the great character models. In fact, some games (Halo again) go as far as producing a range of toys separately from the game itself. I do think that these little trinkets look great on a shelf next to your console and as long as they don’t push the price of the game too high, they’re a worthy addition.
Verdict: A great addition.
As for things I’d like to see in a Special Edition box: Stickers/faceplates for modding your console, interactive figures that can plug into the USB of your console and points (XBLA, Wii Points or PSN Points) to download more maps or stuff later on.
But do they actually add anything? Are they worth the money? I’ve been thinking about this, triggered by the lovely looking Special Edition box for Fable 2 and the fact that it probably won’t contain anything I’ll use more than once (apart from the game itself). It’s all very nice to have these extra things, but surely some are more desirable than others?
Art Books
The mainstay of collectors editions seems to be the Art Book. From Gears of War to Lost Planet, the art is certainly pretty and the artists must have worked hard to get it right, but does the gamer really take that much interest, short of flicking through when they first get the game? These hard-backed gems are certainly worth a look at, often showcasing the concept art and initial ideas behind the game, but I’m betting they sit and gather dust before long.
Verdict: Pretty, but soon forgotton.
Making Of DVD
Making a game these days takes a lot of time and effort, so it’s always good to see how it got made. In some cases we also get a glimpse of the struggle to get it out on time (Gears) or the emotion that goes in to making the game. It’s admittedly nice to see this background to the title we’ve bought and probably doesn’t take up much more time to produce.
Verdict: Great
T-Shirt
Now this is one I wish they’d do more often. It’s practical and means you can advertise your favourite games. Of course, it does have to be a one-size fit’s all affair, so this is probably why not too many special editions end up with T-shirts in them. Maybe giving them out at retailers, once the buyer has specified their size, would be better?
Verdict: Nice, but could be size issues
Cards
Collectors art cards are even more likely to fall behind the sofa and never see the light of day than the art books. Ok, so some people might like to display them, but most of the time they just involve one look and they’re back in the box again.
Verdict: pointless
Soundtracks
Now we’re talking! Soundtracks to games can, of course, vary in quality, but with most big games coming with either a beautiful movie-like score or a collection of cult hits, it makes sense to showcase the soundtrack by including a separate CD. My favourite ever Soundtrack CD from a game was Dune, way back in the day. Very atmospheric, if a little electronic.
Verdict: Yes Please!
Figures/Stands
Last, but not least, are Figures. Those little models of characters from the game, or in Halo 3’s case a full blown helmet.
Figurines are great to display if you have the space, showing off the great character models. In fact, some games (Halo again) go as far as producing a range of toys separately from the game itself. I do think that these little trinkets look great on a shelf next to your console and as long as they don’t push the price of the game too high, they’re a worthy addition.
Verdict: A great addition.
As for things I’d like to see in a Special Edition box: Stickers/faceplates for modding your console, interactive figures that can plug into the USB of your console and points (XBLA, Wii Points or PSN Points) to download more maps or stuff later on.
I do sometimes get them at launch if they're not too much more. The Fable II and GOW2 ones both look very nice.
But I'll also get some when the price goes down if they appear later on and I still don't have the game.
The metal tins do look lovely on the shelf!
But I'll also get some when the price goes down if they appear later on and I still don't have the game.
The metal tins do look lovely on the shelf!
I dont think i have ever purchased a Special Edition, i dont think i would make use of any of the extras or not for the extra they normally charge.
I can understand some people like having them and if a game i really liked and knew was goign to be one of my favourites then i would be more inclined to buy it.
They do tend to drop in price fairly quickly aswell, if your just wanting the nicer box (or tin sometimes) then you can pick them up at the same price as the normal game after a month or two. The downfall is that they are used and will very rarely have all extras if any!
I can understand some people like having them and if a game i really liked and knew was goign to be one of my favourites then i would be more inclined to buy it.
They do tend to drop in price fairly quickly aswell, if your just wanting the nicer box (or tin sometimes) then you can pick them up at the same price as the normal game after a month or two. The downfall is that they are used and will very rarely have all extras if any!
There are a fair few games these days appearing with 'Special Edition' versions, vying for just that little bit more hard earned cash from your pockets. Gears of War, Halo 3, Battlefield Bad Company, Frontlines and plenty more soon to join them.
But do they actually add anything? Are they worth the money? I’ve been thinking about this, triggered by the lovely looking Special Edition box for Fable 2 and the fact that it probably won’t contain anything I’ll use more than once (apart from the game itself). It’s all very nice to have these extra things, but surely some are more desirable than others?
Art Books
The mainstay of collectors editions seems to be the Art Book. From Gears of War to Lost Planet, the art is certainly pretty and the artists must have worked hard to get it right, but does the gamer really take that much interest, short of flicking through when they first get the game? These hard-backed gems are certainly worth a look at, often showcasing the concept art and initial ideas behind the game, but I’m betting they sit and gather dust before long.
Verdict: Pretty, but soon forgotton.
Making Of DVD
Making a game these days takes a lot of time and effort, so it’s always good to see how it got made. In some cases we also get a glimpse of the struggle to get it out on time (Gears) or the emotion that goes in to making the game. It’s admittedly nice to see this background to the title we’ve bought and probably doesn’t take up much more time to produce.
Verdict: Great
T-Shirt
Now this is one I wish they’d do more often. It’s practical and means you can advertise your favourite games. Of course, it does have to be a one-size fit’s all affair, so this is probably why not too many special editions end up with T-shirts in them. Maybe giving them out at retailers, once the buyer has specified their size, would be better?
Verdict: Nice, but could be size issues
Cards
Collectors art cards are even more likely to fall behind the sofa and never see the light of day than the art books. Ok, so some people might like to display them, but most of the time they just involve one look and they’re back in the box again.
Verdict: pointless
Soundtracks
Now we’re talking! Soundtracks to games can, of course, vary in quality, but with most big games coming with either a beautiful movie-like score or a collection of cult hits, it makes sense to showcase the soundtrack by including a separate CD. My favourite ever Soundtrack CD from a game was Dune, way back in the day. Very atmospheric, if a little electronic.
Verdict: Yes Please!
Figures/Stands
Last, but not least, are Figures. Those little models of characters from the game, or in Halo 3’s case a full blown helmet.
Figurines are great to display if you have the space, showing off the great character models. In fact, some games (Halo again) go as far as producing a range of toys separately from the game itself. I do think that these little trinkets look great on a shelf next to your console and as long as they don’t push the price of the game too high, they’re a worthy addition.
Verdict: A great addition.
As for things I’d like to see in a Special Edition box: Stickers/faceplates for modding your console, interactive figures that can plug into the USB of your console and points (XBLA, Wii Points or PSN Points) to download more maps or stuff later on.
But do they actually add anything? Are they worth the money? I’ve been thinking about this, triggered by the lovely looking Special Edition box for Fable 2 and the fact that it probably won’t contain anything I’ll use more than once (apart from the game itself). It’s all very nice to have these extra things, but surely some are more desirable than others?
Art Books
The mainstay of collectors editions seems to be the Art Book. From Gears of War to Lost Planet, the art is certainly pretty and the artists must have worked hard to get it right, but does the gamer really take that much interest, short of flicking through when they first get the game? These hard-backed gems are certainly worth a look at, often showcasing the concept art and initial ideas behind the game, but I’m betting they sit and gather dust before long.
Verdict: Pretty, but soon forgotton.
Making Of DVD
Making a game these days takes a lot of time and effort, so it’s always good to see how it got made. In some cases we also get a glimpse of the struggle to get it out on time (Gears) or the emotion that goes in to making the game. It’s admittedly nice to see this background to the title we’ve bought and probably doesn’t take up much more time to produce.
Verdict: Great
T-Shirt
Now this is one I wish they’d do more often. It’s practical and means you can advertise your favourite games. Of course, it does have to be a one-size fit’s all affair, so this is probably why not too many special editions end up with T-shirts in them. Maybe giving them out at retailers, once the buyer has specified their size, would be better?
Verdict: Nice, but could be size issues
Cards
Collectors art cards are even more likely to fall behind the sofa and never see the light of day than the art books. Ok, so some people might like to display them, but most of the time they just involve one look and they’re back in the box again.
Verdict: pointless
Soundtracks
Now we’re talking! Soundtracks to games can, of course, vary in quality, but with most big games coming with either a beautiful movie-like score or a collection of cult hits, it makes sense to showcase the soundtrack by including a separate CD. My favourite ever Soundtrack CD from a game was Dune, way back in the day. Very atmospheric, if a little electronic.
Verdict: Yes Please!
Figures/Stands
Last, but not least, are Figures. Those little models of characters from the game, or in Halo 3’s case a full blown helmet.
Figurines are great to display if you have the space, showing off the great character models. In fact, some games (Halo again) go as far as producing a range of toys separately from the game itself. I do think that these little trinkets look great on a shelf next to your console and as long as they don’t push the price of the game too high, they’re a worthy addition.
Verdict: A great addition.
As for things I’d like to see in a Special Edition box: Stickers/faceplates for modding your console, interactive figures that can plug into the USB of your console and points (XBLA, Wii Points or PSN Points) to download more maps or stuff later on.