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CCV: Collector's Editions According to Kat

Collector's Editions are a bit of a new phenomenon as gaming goes. Sure, there have been gaming bonuses in previous generations (like a gold cartridge for the first so-many copies of Zelda: Majora's Mask sold on N64), and lots of goodies to buy on the sides. But having extras exclusive to a bundle complete with game is a somewhat fresh idea in the gaming world. Is it working? One would have to assume so, based on how many games (and films) have Collector's Editions with a lot of extras anymore.

Are they worth-while for gamers? I suppose that depends on the gamer, and the game. For me, Collector's Editions need to be judged very carefully on a game-to-game basis. Here's my checklist for deciding whether or not to pony up the extra dough for a collector's edition:

  • Does it have a book? (This option means I will almost always buy the Collector's Edition if I am already interested in the game).
  • Is there a decent percentage of the included goodies I will actually use? (Pens are nice. As are pads of paper, exclusive art, behind-the-scenes things, trophies or exclusive figurines, mouse pads, etc).
  • Alternately, how much of the included stuff is likely garbage? (I was looking forward to the Batman: Arkham Asylum bundle – turns out the Batarang plus display stand included was a piece of junk).
  • Does the included content at least match the additional price point? (Gears of War's Lancer comes to mind - I wish I had the cash at the time for the GOW2 Lancer Pack).
  • Do I care about the game, or developer enough to fork over that hefty chunk of change? (Sure, I may enjoy Marvel Ultimate Alliance, but I probably wouldn't spend more than I did on it).

That last point takes me to the actual games that I have sold-out and purchased a Collector's Edition for, and what “made” me do it:

  • Alan Wake: Manuscript book, soundtrack
  • Batman: Arkham Asylum: Journal/art book (and Batarang, which was a bummer of cheap plastic – but I purchased the bundle a year late, so it was less expensive overall)
  • Dead Rising 2: Zombrex Pen, mini poster, concept art book
  • Halo Wars: Comic book, art/character cards, coaster

*Each of these bundles contains more than what I listed here. These listed items were merely the specific things that encouraged me to spend the extra money.

What do all of these games have in common? They're all in my top-rated games of the present generation (and contain a book of some kind). I played and enjoyed each of the games themselves, and thoroughly enjoyed the additional content as well. As for recommending Collector's Editions, they can all be a risk. As I discovered with the Arkham Asylum bundle, some of the stuff may not be as phenomenal as it seems based on the carefully crafted picture on the box.

As with purchasing games, Collector's Editions can be very hit-or-miss, and should be carefully considered for this reason. I wouldn't ever recommend jumping into a Collector's Edition just because everyone else is, or you really like the game attached. Look at the content and measure out the cost versus items included, and whether or not they actually appeal to you long-term. I don't like to think of Collector's Editions as status symbols, but too many people do. To me, if you didn't get the Alan Wake Collector's Edition, you're not any less of a fan of the series as I am – you just didn't see the need to invest in the items included, or didn't have the money to.

Let's face it, these babies aren't cheap – and many don't last long enough with retailers to end up in the bargain bin (at a still-expensive $49 for the Batman: Arkham Asylum bundle). So there you have it. My limited, but thoroughly enjoyed list of Collector's Edition games, and apparent addiction to book-related content. Question: Is it weird that I almost like concept art (the rough sketches associated with final art) more than the finished product? Just something I think about when enjoying pretty things.