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What's So Special About These "Special Editions"?
When we spy the words "limited," "special," or "collector's" on the packaging of an Xbox 360 title, one thing immediately pops into our minds: "70 bucks -- WTF?!" But once the wallet-shrinking shock wears off, we wonder if these enhanced editions are really worth the extra ten (or more, in some cases) clams, or if they're just quick cash-in attempts by money-plundering publishers. While early attempts at pricier 360 special editions have landed in the latter category -- we're looking at you Perfect Dark Zero -- most of the more recent brimming-with-goodies packages have earned a spot in the former. As these content-packed editions evolve past the days of tin box packaging -- barely filled with "exclusive" comic books and DVDs bloated with concept art -- 360 owners are faced with some hard choices. No worries though; OXM has slogged through countless hours of DVD extras, sustained multiple art book-inflicted paper cuts, and even tried jamming that Halo 3 Legendary Edition helmet onto our enormous egg-heads, all in the name of ensuring you don't end up with a lame lithograph of some dude you could give a rat's ass about. So, standard or special? Read on to find out.
Mass Effect: Limited Collector's Edition
($69.99)
Includes:
-Fiction Book: Galactic Codex: Essentials
-Mass Effect Art Book: A Future Imagined
-DVD with exclusive videos about Mass Effect (Art of Mass Effect, Interactive Storytelling of Mass Effect)
REVIEW:
This one doesn't stray too far from the old tin-full-of-filler formula, with superfluous art and fiction books that would've been better served by just being part of the game's manual. That said, the exhaustive, well-produced bonus DVD contains tons of cool behind-the-scenes goodies; complementing the art gallery with artists' audio commentaries is an especially nice touch that other publishers should take note of.
FINAL VERDICT:
If you're an obsessive sc-fi fan searching for your next Star Wars-sized addiction, then just the informative DVD is worth the extra ten space bucks. More casual galaxy-spanning gamers, however, should find the engaging, cinematic game experience alone provides an adequate sci-fi fix.
BioShock: Limited Edition
($69.99)
Includes:
-6" Big Daddy Figurine
-Behind the scenes DVD
-Original Moby CD: The BioShock EP
REVIEW:
The behind-the-scenes DVD is a pretty bare-bones offering, sharing less insight than the many extensive -- and more interesting -- interviews with Creative Director Ken Levine that can be found for free online. However, the Moby CD -- slickly decorated to look like an actual old school vinyl EP -- is worth adding to your iPod playlist, and the Big Daddy figure is, in a word, awesome. This ain't no Happy Meal toy; we're talking a hefty, solid sculpt that'd put most store-bought action figure collectibles to shame.
FINAL VERDICT:
The Big Daddy alone makes this package easily worth the extra ten spot. Honestly, you needn't be a mom's-basement-dwelling obsessive toy freak to appreciate this amazing figure. Just don't place him too close to that molded-plastic Master Chief you've got displayed in your cubicle -- they probably won't play nice.
Call of Duty 4: Modern Combat Limited Collector's Edition
($69.99)
Includes:
-Bonus DVD
-Hardcover art book
REVIEW:
COD 4's pricier edition takes the less-is-more approach offering a lengthy DVD with plenty of quality content -- the British S.A.S documentary is a highlight. The art book is pretty standard fare, but at least its hardcover gives it a more collectable feel than the glamorized paper manuals other sets try to pass off as books.
FINAL VERDICT:
The quality-over-quantity approach is refreshing, and most gamers -- especially military nuts -- will find the extra content interesting and entertaining. Foxhole fanboys might, however, find it difficult to tear themselves away from COD4's addictive, multiplayer-fueled front line long enough to enjoy the extras.
Assassin's Creed: Limited Collector's Edition
($69.99)
Includes:
-Special limited edition tin box packaging
-Altair figure
-Penny Arcade comics
-Mini-strategy guide
-Assassin-themed short films
-Additional Assassin's Creed videos, including: making-of, trailers, developer diaries, interviews, etc.
REVIEW:
Like tin box titles of old -- we're still eyeballin' you Perfect Dark Zero -- the Assassin's Creed limited edition is packed with plenty of hollow, filler-feeling content. Thankfully, Ubisoft's marketing masterminds stole a page from BioShock's playbook, and appealed to our plastic plaything-loving inner child, by including a cool Altair figure.
FINAL VERDICT:
Some of the docs and making-of stuff is worth a quick spin in your 360, but you'll post the Penny Arcade comics and mini-strategy guide on eBay faster than your in-game avatar picks his first pocket. Still, the Altair action figure mostly rescues this mediocre mix. Display tip: he looks especially cool cowering under your Big Daddy's giant drill-arm.
Halo 3: Legendary Edition
($129.99)
Includes:
-2 Bonus DVDs
-Storyboard art book
-Spartan Mjolnir Mark VI helmet
REVIEW:
This one's the cream of the collectible edition crop, and its hefty price tag certainly reflects this. The double-DVD set offers a ridiculous amount of content that hardcore Halo fans could pore over endlessly. It's not all must-see material, but there's so much here, you can pick and choose according to your specific Halo hunger; from the usual assortment of making-of docs to re-mastered Halo 1 and 2 cinematics -- complete with commentaries -- these DVDs are brimming with fan service. But who are we kidding, this baby's all about that shiny Spartan helmet! Sure, it's the reason for the steep price, but short of a virtual-reality sim, allowing us to "interact" with Cortana, we can't imagine a more fan-pleasing bonus.
FINAL VERDICT:
Lots to love here, but it's really all about that well-constructed piece of head gear. It is on the small side -- it won't fit on your noggin' -- and while it'll certainly look badass on your cat, expect lots of hissing and scratching if you attempt to fit it on your furry, four-legged mini Master Chief. No doubt this package will break the bank, but the purchase justifies itself every time you see your admiring reflection in that golden face-shield.
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Dreyvius
February 13, 2008 at 10:51pm
"...short of a virtual-reality sim, allowing us to "interact" with Cortana..."- Genius, pure genius. LOL
barkerm79
February 13, 2008 at 8:44pm
I think that it is up to the individual to determine if the "Special Editions" justify the extra cost. I know that there were some of them that I passed on because I wasn't interested in what made it special. However, there were/are others that are definitely worth the extra cash. Just remember that when you go to trade it in most places do not value them differently than the standard edition (even if you trade it complete). So you're better off keeping the gooodies, and just trading the game.
spartan 012
January 16, 2008 at 1:18pm
i think all games should come with figures. imagine Master Cheif loking like he is facing marcus fenix, big daddy ,altair and soap fron CoD4. let the battle begin
Mystakill
January 02, 2008 at 11:24am
Even though I'd previously purchased the Limited Edition at launch, I bought Legendary Edition on Amazon when they had it on sale for $60 about a month ago. Anybody want a slightly-used Limited Edition with a brand-new Halo 3 disc (it's still sealed)?
oldguygamer
January 01, 2008 at 2:21pm
I've been buying limited edition stuff ever since before Working Designs closed shop. The latest was a Bungie offering of their Halo 3 game with the 2 DVDs and the Helmet. It was worth it just to get the DVDs! I paid $99.99 at Game Stop. Some extras in other "limited Edition" games are not a good as Bungie's latest. I almost always get the limited edition if it includes DVDs with the "making off..." included. In the past, I've gotten puppets (Lunar 2,Eternal Blue-Working Designs), watches (Final Fantasy 8), and other misc nonsense. The big thing to remember here is that we can always buy just the game if we don't want to hand out the cash. For me, I don't automatically buy teh limited edition. I always evaluate on a case-by-case basis.
spartan 012
December 30, 2007 at 1:35pm
to khz glitch, i saw a couple of limmated addition of bioshock at the gamestop that i go to and it was used for 44$ but insted since i dont think i would like bioshock i got the reagular mass effect.
dallasquake
December 24, 2007 at 6:29am
The Halo Legendary Edition, is no longer $129.99, but $99.99 at Gamestop.
spartan claus
December 23, 2007 at 6:16am
I wish someone did not already buy me halo 3 for my birthday. I would have loved to have that helmet
Eviltattoo
December 20, 2007 at 4:40am
I completely agree with the disappointment in COD4's Collector's Edition. The cardboard box is useless, and the extra disc probably should have come in a 2-disc metal box. NOT worth the extra $10 bones...the thing is, the GAME is worth the cost.
lotsofgames
December 17, 2007 at 12:58pm
I posted two videos on youtube. 1. Mass Effect Limited Edition 2. Call of Duty 4 Collector's Edition Both videos show you up close what you will get with these 2 games. Youtube username: lotsofgames
agentrekon
December 15, 2007 at 7:55am
I purchased the C.E. of C.O.D. 4 and must say I was dissapointed. It came in a cardboard box instead of a metal case like most C.E., the artbook was cheesy and the bonus material disk was nothing to write home about. Save your $10 dollars when it comes to buying this C.E.
Axe Argonian
December 14, 2007 at 12:43pm
Matt,you forgot to mention that Mass Effect's Limited Edition came with new gamerpics!
Axe Argonian
December 14, 2007 at 12:12pm
Oh! I also forgot to mention that the cover art of the BioShock Limited Edition was fan-made. Hear were some of the best entries: http://www.2kgames.com/cultofrapture/coverartcontestwinners.html Now that's true fan-ship!
Axe Argonian
December 13, 2007 at 8:02pm
I disagree about the DVD part on the BioShock edition. Sure,it was pretty standard fare,but you have to admit: Hearing them talk about their earlier ideas for the Little Sister-Big Daddy thing was down-right hilarious. I wanted that Limited Edition of Assassin's Creed. Sadly,it wasn't available at launch at my Best Buy. :( However,if anyone from the OXM team can hear me,could you edit the BioShock section to add the fun fact that this BioShock edition was fan chosen. Here's the link to the thing: http://www.websitetoolbox.com/cgi/view/results.cgi?username=profmillen&id=10443 This link was to the results from what fans wanted from the edition. Of course,Big Daddy,DVD,and CD were the top three voted for items. And in this link: http://www.petitiononline.com/bioshock/ fans were asked if they wanted to have a limited edition. Note to Microsoft:When you guys make limited editions of Too Human and Lost Oydessey,add little figures. Please,I would rather see a figure with my edition,rather than,say,standard-fare art books, collector's tin editions,and art books. Great article! :) P.S. When are you going to post your GOTY 2007 awards?
kHz Glitch
December 13, 2007 at 6:13pm
Is there anywhere you can still buy the Bioshock CE other than Ebay?
PaperLantern
December 13, 2007 at 5:42pm
I have never bought a collectors edition game. I was almost tempted to buy the CE of BioShock, solely for the "soundtrack" (if you could actually call that three-song disaster a soundtrack), but I decided not to. Personally I thought the Big Daddy was stupid. So I got the $60 edition. I remember we discussed the Halo 3 LE on the OXM forums at Xbox.com, and most of us agreed that if there was a version of the game for $50 that came with only the game and a paper sleeve, that would be the one that we got.
JohnDoe101
December 13, 2007 at 1:56pm
I'm not a huge fan of collectible editions. No matter how "cool" something may be it is just a scam for money. In this great HooHah the Halo 3 edition is the grand master of scams and shenanigans. "Yay, I have a crappy plastic helmet and two dvd's I could get on eBay for 5 dollars each! I'm so excited." Honestly, get over it its just a crummy set of action figures and cheaply made DVD's.
El Patro13
December 13, 2007 at 11:25am
TYPO ALERT: The Assassin in Assassin's Creed is named Altair, not Altier. However, it is an honest mistake since it is pronounced the same way. Isn't it great to have people like me around?
lakai
December 12, 2007 at 6:14pm
I only have 5 limited editions in my vast game collection, and it just so happens that those 5 are all these.
Cherub23
December 12, 2007 at 6:09pm
Too bad they didn't give a Marcus Fenix action figure with Gears... I would have payed top dollar for that. Maybe next time...(fingers crossed)...
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