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My Favorite Collector's Editions
My work desk is cluttered with video game collectibles. When people walk into my office for the first time, most of them want to talk about the various objects on my desk before engaging in the original intended conversation. Role-playing fanatics are quick to comment on my Final Fantasy X action figure collection, and people who’ve been in gaming for decades lock in on the Sam and Max statue.
I also engage in a fair number of conversations over my Joker diorama from Batman: Arkham Origins, dragon figurine from The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and Scorpion and Subzero bookends from Mortal Kombat. People are always surprised that the majority of these collectibles came packaged with games. That conversation thread almost always leads to a discussion about video game collector's editions, their prices, popularity, and best and worst pack-ins.
As my desk illustrates, I’m a sucker for statue-like pack-ins. I usually won’t fork out extra money for day-one DLC, cloth maps, art books, soundtrack CDs, or anything that won’t look cool on my desk. I'm all about the display potential. Here are my favorite collector's editions in no particular order:
Halo 3 – Legendary Edition
Retail Price: $129.99
Current Black Market Price*: $150-$200
Contents: Scaled-Down Replica MJOLNIR Mark VI Helmet, Legendary DVD, Making Of Disc
I’m not usually a fan of statue busts or helmets, but Master Chief’s shining visor looks pretty damn sweet in my game room. I wish it was full-size, but then again, I’m glad I didn’t have to pay for a full-size helmet.
Assassin’s Creed II – Master Assassin’s Edition
Retail Price: $99.99
Current Black Market Price: $60-$130
Contents: 8.5” Ezio Statue, Hardcover Art Book, Exclusive In-Game Maps, Soundtrack CD, Tin Case
I still have the Ezio figurine from this collector's edition sitting on my entertainment center at home. It’s a nice-looking figure. To this day, Ubisoft continues packing in 8.5” figurines into every Assassin’s Creed game that introduces a new protagonist. 
Fallout 3 – Survivor’s Edition
Retail Price: $129.99
Current Black Market Price: $200-$300
Contents: Pip-Boy 3000 Clock, Tin Lunch Box, 5” Vault-Tec Vault Boy Bobblehead, Hardcover Art Book, Making Of Fallout 3 DVD
Bethesda knocked this collector's edition out of the park. The Pip-Boy 3000 clock is clever and something gamers won’t likely remove from their game rooms until they get another game-inspired clock to replace it. The addition of a Vault Boy bobblehead (a collectible item in the game) is also a nice touch.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Collector's Edition
Retail Price: $149.99
Current Black Market Price: $150-$250
Contents: “12 Dragon Statue, 200-Page Art Book, Cloth Map, Making of Skyrim DVD
It comes with a big, angry dragon. Yes, it’s an expensive dragon, but look at it. I don’t think there’s any person alive who can say no to it.
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch – Wizard’s Edition
Retail Price: $99.99
Current Black Market Price: $350-$500
Contents: Hardcover Wizard’s Companion, Drippy Plush Doll, Soundtrack CD, Artwork Cards, Exclusive Monster DLC
My store was sold out of the standard edition, so I was forced into buying the Wizard’s Edition. On my drive home, I remember thinking that I got ripped off, paying $100 for an art book and stuffed animal. I now look at this collector's edition as one of my favorites. The Hardcover Wizard’s Companion is a replica of the one found in the game, and is actually quite useful. 
Batman: Arkham Origins – Collector's Edition
Retail Price: $119.99
Current Black Market Price: $50-$60
Contents: Joker Diorama, 80-Page Hardcover Art Book, Batman Wanted Poster, Batwing Prototype Schematic, Gotham City Map, Wayne Family Photo, Assassin’s Intel Dossier, In-Game Batman Skins, In-Game Deathstroke Challenge Pack, Necessary Evil Blu-Ray
This is one of those cases where I should have waited to purchase this collectors' edition. Months after release, you can find it for half the original asking price. That said, I do love this set. The Joker diorama is at the front of my desk, and I usually turn on the LED TV sets seated behind him when I turn off my office lights for a game review. The Necessary Evil Blu-Ray is also worth a watch.
Titanfall – Collector's Edition
Retail Price: $249.99
Current Black Market Price: $249.99
Contents: 18” Titan Diorama, 190-Page Hardcover Art book, Full-Size Poster
I don’t have the funds to drop on this amazing set, but I wish I did. The titan diorama stands in at 18” in height and features battery-powered LED lighting. This towering collectible lords over the desks of both Matt Bertz and Matt Miller…for now. Since I have no shame, I think I’m just going to steal it from one of their desks. 
Mortal Kombat – Kollector’s Edition
Retail Price: $99.99
Current Black Market Price: $50-$60
Contents: Scorpion & Subzero Bookends, Klassic Costume DLC, Avatar Costumes, Art Book
People still read books, right? Someone at NetherRealm or Warner Bros. Interactive seems to think so, as bookends are the big ticket item included in Mortal Kombat’s Kollector’s Edition. Scorpion is spearing a wall on one side of the bookend, and Subzero is taking that spear to the chest on the other.
Dark Souls II – Collector Edition
Retail Price: $119.99
Current Black Market Price: $199.99
Contents: 12” Warrior Knight Figurine, Cloth Map, Hardcover Art Book, Soundtrack CD, Metal Case
I wasn’t sold on this set until I wrapped my hands around the Warrior Knight figurine. Yes, he’s just standing there taking a breather, but his sculpt showcases an impressive level of detail in the armor and paint. Additionally, I like being reminded of Dark Souls II whenever I enter my office.
*Black Market Prices are for NEW versions of the game
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