Image via Complex Original
Though the days of extraneous bric-a-brac for doodad-hungry gamers seem to be coming to an end with the all-digital future looming ever closer, there's still some sweet swag to plunder. And it comes mostly in the form of collector's editions. Drop a little more cash on your favorite new release and you're guaranteed some righteous extras. We've got some particularly rad bundles on the horizon throughout now and 2013, and we've chosen ten of the best. With crying wallets and impending nerdgasms, we bring you 10 collector's editions we covet.
10. Far Cry 3 Insane Edition
Release Date: 12/4/2012
In another piece of "sometimes the UK gets all the best swag, no fair" news, Far Cry 3 is receiving a sweet set of extras in the Far Cry 3 Insane Edition, which comes packing new missions, additional weapons, a Vaas Wahine bobble head, an Island Survival Guide, and rugged packaging that mimics a real-life survival kit. Awesome? Yes. Fair? Not at all.
9. Doom 3: BFG Edition
Release Date: 10/16/2012
It seems like only yesterday, we were tearing into intergalactic menaces with Doom 3 back on the original Xbox. Now we're itching to do it all again. While it's not a big fancy package with t-shirts, or keychains, or even a replica BFG, (which would have been amazing) it's all about the content: Doom, Doom 2, Doom 3, and the Resurrection of Evil levels for the taking. We're practically drooling at the thought of all those fallen cacodemons.
8. Journey, Flower, and flOw
Release Date: 8/28/2012
A physical copy of each of these games is enough to get us excited, but thatgamecompany took things a step further with a physical release of Journey, Flower, and flOw with a cavalcade of extras: documentaries, creator commentaries, brand new mini-games, and concept art from the popular releases. Free stuff and access to some of the most gorgeous PSN titles ever? Yes, please!
7. Darksiders II Collector's Edition
Release Date: 8/14/2012
Darksiders II allows you to put on Death's mask, literally. This collector's edition comes with a life-sized replica of the mask from in-game as well as an art book, digital soundtrack, and other digital goods. The mask is what really takes the cake, though -- stand and all.
6. Halo 4 Limited Edition
Release Date: 11/6/2012
The concept of Halo 4 was only a myth until this past year, and now that it's arriving in a few short months, a Limited Edition bundle is up for grabs as well. It's a little more subtle than Halo 3 and Halo: Reach in presentation, but still an attractive package with plenty of in-game DLC like armor skins, emblems, and avatar props, map packs, and more. For physical goodie junkies, the Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn miniseries is included as well as the UNSC Infinity Briefing Packet, and a swanky collector's case.
5. God of War: Ascension Collector's Edition
Release Date: 3/12/2012
Kratos' shining return to consoles after a brief departure to HD releases and whatnot is accompanied by the God of War: Ascension Collector's Edition, which rocks (like most others these days) a steelbook case, the soundtrack to the game, a pass for double XP in multiplayer, a pass for future DLC, and a menacing Kratos statue. Do you want to anger the God of War? Well, better pre-order this set then.
4. Resident Evil 6 Collector's Edition
Release Date: 10/2/2012
The survival horror classic returns later this year with an explosive new campaign, characters, and more of that Shinji Mikami magic...and plenty of sweet loot. This special edition for European customers comes packing the game (of course), a special hardback art book, avatar DLC codes, an Ivy University hoodie, Resident Evil 6 forces emblems, and a lenticular needle bomb collector's box. And of course if you're filthy rich, you could opt to actually purchase some of Leon's clothing. We'd be content with this glorious European set, truth be told.
3. Aliens: Colonial Marines Collector's Edition
Release Date: 2/12/2013
Perhaps to assuage us since the game has taken so many years to be released, Gearbox is sweetening the deal with the Aliens: Colonial Marines Collector's Edition, complete with power loader replica, in-game DLC, and other decadent goodies perfect for any wannabe Nostromo crew member. The leg curl machine at the gym may slightly resemble a power loader, but a miniature replica is just so much cooler.
2. Borderlands 2 Ultimate Loot Chest Limited Edition
Release Date: 9/18/2012
Leave it to the Borderlands team to juice up a game we all know and love. The Ultimate Loot Chest Limited Edition rocks a replica loot chest straight from the game, a Marcus Kincaid bobble head, stickers, a comic, ID chart, a new character class, a hardbound art book, and more, as well as the game of course, in a steel book case. Obviously for serious looters only.
1. Assassin's Creed 3 Collector's Edition
Release Date: 10/30/2012
As if the promise of a new numbered entry to the Assassin's Creed mythos weren't enough, the Assassin's Creed 3 Collector's Edition should lure you into a purchase. Just check out that statue. And if you've been trying, you know it's already hard enough to get your hands on a steel book case.