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:
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:
*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.