The lights are on
This year set a new bar for elaborate and over-the-top special editions of video games. Take a look back at the best collector's editions of the year, plus some cool bundles that are still to come.
To keep things simple, the collector's editions are listed chronologically by their release date. Check out the grand total at the end to see how much a year's worth of awesome collector's editions would set you back.
LittleBigPlanet 2 Collector's EditionFormat: PS3Price: $79.99Release: January 18
LittleBigPlanet fans got even more charm than they bargained for with the collector's edition of LBP 2, which featured LBP-themed bookends, their own personal Sackboy, and a bunch of DLC costumes from Disney movies and other Sony franchises. Who would have thought that a character named Sackboy could be so adorable?
Contents:
Dead Space 2 Collector's EditionFormat: PS3, 360, PCPrice: $79.99Release: January 25
The Dead Space 2 collector's edition sounded great, until I realized that the included plasma cutter is just a replica, and not actually capable of melting off limbs. Then I found out that plasma cutters like the one in Dead Space don't even exist in real life! Looks like it's back to the workshop for me -- at least now I have a blueprint for what the final product should look like.
Two Worlds II Royal EditionFormat: PS3, 360Price: $99.99Release: Feb 04
The Royal Edition of Two Worlds II contained extras to keep players busy while they weren't playing the game as well. In addition to a figurine and map of Antaloor, this collector's edition comes with a 72-page art book, a mouse pad, and a deck of Two Worlds II-themed playing cards.
Killzone 3 Helghast EditionFormat: PS3Price: $129.99Release: February 22
Killzone 3's special edition put the enemy center stage with a DC Unlimited figurine, plus a model head of the Helghast Helmet and mask. You can't actually wear it, but it should scare off nosy co-workers.
Crysis 2 Nano EditionFormat: PS3, 360, PCPrice: $149.99Release: March 22
You know how sometimes people have ironic nicknames? Like when you call a fat guy "Slim," or a short guy "Stretch," or a fat, short guy "Slimmy-Stretch?" That must be what Crytek was going for when they named this oversized Crysis 2 collection the Nano Edition. It contains a full-sized backpack capable of carrying around a console in, along with the usual assortment of artsy-fartsy stuff.
Mortal Kombat Kollector's EditionFormat: PS3, 360Price: $99.99Release: April 19
The Scorpion and Sub-Zero bookends in this "Kollector's" edition are so cool that we're willing to overlook NetherRealm's incessant need to misspell every word that's supposed to start with a "C." At least they picked the right two fighters - it wouldn't have been nearly as cool if it was someone krappy like Stryker. Ah, krap - now they've got me doing it!
Infamous 2 Hero EditionFormat: PS3Price: $99.99Release: June 07
I always thought it was lame how Cole continued carrying around a messenger bag after he got his super powers, but I guess some gamers must have liked it, because it was a bonus item for Infamous 2's Hero Edition. I'd rather have that giant cattle prod that Cole bludgeons people with, but that's just me.
Duke Nukem Forever: Balls of Steel EditionFormat: PS3, 360, PCPrice: $99.99Release: June 14
You'd think that this collector's edition would contain some pretty highbrow stuff, based on the fact that it has the word "balls" in the title. But while the contents of this Balls of Steel edition might not impress the ladies in your mother's book club, they'd be at home in any sleazy casino, which is where you'd probably find Duke anyway.
Catherine "Love is Over" Deluxe EditionFormat: PS3, 360Price: $79.99Release: July 26
In case you didn't know this game was for perverts, the "Love is Over" edition comes with a sexy pillowcase and a pair of men's underwear. Alright, I know the game isn't actually just for perverts, but there's no denying an overlapping interest in the bonus items.
Gears of War 3: Epic EditionFormat: 360Price: $149.99Release: September 20
Not only can fans admire the Marcus Fenix statue included in the Epic edition of Gears of War 3, they can practically steal his father's identity. In addition to the usual art stuff, the pack contains Adam Fenix's Octus award medal, COG flag, and personal effects, including his Last Will and Testament.
Batman: Arkham City Collector's EditionFormat: PS3, 360, PCPrice: $99.99Release: October 21
Warner Bros. is packing in a statue of Batman in Arkham City's collector's edition, which is cool and all, but if you ask me the company is missing a big opportunity. After packing in a batarang with Arkham Asylum, the publisher could've upped the ante with an explosive gel gun that sprays shaving cream. With a shaving cream canister that cool, I'd shave my face every day. Or at least use it to prank my sleeping friends.
Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception Collector's EditionFormat: PS3Price: $99.99Release: November 01
In addition to your own personal Nathan Drake statue, the collector's edition for Uncharted 3 gives you the accessories you need to finish off your cosplay outfit. Just remember to keep half your shirt untucked, because that's how the coolest treasure hunters do it.
Lord of the Rings: The War in the North Collector's EditionFormat: PS3, 360, PCPrice: $129.99Release: November 01
War in the North's collector's edition lets you pretend to be an elf. If that's your bag, more power to you.
Saints Row The Third Platinum PackFormat: PS3, 360Price: $99.99Release: November 15
The Platinum Pack comes with a custom pair of headphones that have a built-in vocoder that will auto-tune your voice like the in-game character, Zimos the pimp. Unfortunately the headphones can't be used for online play, but if it makes me sound anything like Pimpbot 5000, I'm totally in.
Star Wars: The Old Republic Limited Collector's EditionFormat: PCPrice: $149.99Release: TBA
We're still not sure that BioWare's Star Wars MMO will come out this year, but the limited collector's edition will keep you busy until 2012 anyway. The best additions come in the form of in-game items, including a stone that lets you change your lightsaber color, a droid to act as your adventure companion, and your own personal holographic dancer - things are getting freaky in the Star Wars universe.
In-Game Items:
The Unknowns:That does it for the best collector's editions that have already been announced or released, but there are a trio of games we expect -- or at least hope -- will pack some extra goodness when they're released later this year. Keep reading to see what they are, and what your final bill is for all of the featured collector's editions.
Email the author Jeff Marchiafava, or follow on Google+, Twitter, and Game Informer.
I love collectors editions!
rayman origins art book.....i can haz?
why didn't they file the article under pimpbot 5000
I've bough the Halo 3 and Reach collector editions, not these.
I tend to not bother with special editions. They are getting too expensive and I would rather buy a second game in most cases. But I wish I had dropped the extra $20 and got the Catherine special edition. The standard edition is already proving to be hard to find. Which means the special edition could be worth a small fortune years down the road.
im getting the tor one
The Dead Space 2 Collector's Edition was garbage. The plasma cutter was lame and it didn't even come with an artbook or a metal case. The only good thing it had was the Zealot Force Gun (which is basically a "win" button) and the Zealot Suit.
And you guys left out The Witcher 2 collector's edition. I would kill a man to get that special edition! It's epic!
Already have the LBP2 Collector's Edition. Other than that, the only ones I'm interested in are for Uncharted 3, Batman: Arkham City, and Star Wars: The Old Republic. I'll probably ask for the Batman and Uncharted ones for my birthday, but SW:TOR still has me on the fence. Not sure if it's going to convert me to MMOs, or if any MMO can convert me to MMOs at this point.
Resistance 3 Collector's Edition anyone?
www.flickr.com/.../5758754662
I hardly find reasons to buy collectors edition priced at more than 80. Then again I only buy collectors edition when they bring so in-game content so I may be biased.
I'd get a Skyrim Collector's Edition... So fast it would scare me, in fact... I know it isn't this year but the ME3 one is pretty great, too.