Hangin’ with Gravity — Top Collector’s Editions We Can’t Forget!

Remember when a collector’s edition meant a box packed with amazing statues and cool physical extras?

Now, they often feel like a cash grab with nothing more than digital code in a steelbook. We asked the team to share their most unforgettable collector’s editions (CEs) and other memorable collectible items. These are the amazing triumphs from back in the day that made us feel proud (and appreciated) to be a gamer.

 

Andrew S, Production

As a huge fan of the Metal Gear Solid franchise, I just had to get the Collector’s Edition of the series’ final entry, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. It came with the usual industry-standard goodies you’d expect like a steelbook case, a map, and some exclusive DLC costumes and weapon skins for both single-player and multiplayer. But the main reason I wanted it was for the scale replica of Punished “Venom” Snake’s (yes, that’s his codename) bionic arm! Sadly, it turned out to be only about 10 inches tall. I really wish it were bigger.

Even though I was happy with my purchase overall, one thing left me completely bewildered was the behind-the-scenes disc that came with it. I love seeing how games are made, but this one revealed something that slightly soured my experience with MGSV. One of the biggest criticisms of the game was how abruptly it ends. The behind-the-scenes footage showed that a proper ending did exist at one point, featuring storyboards, concept art, and unfinished cutscenes of what was clearly meant to be the true finale. It’s frustrating knowing that the series never got the full, masterful ending Hideo Kojima intended.

Maybe if the arm had been full-sized, I wouldn’t be so bitter about it.

 


 

Kevin D, Client Success

My most memorable collector’s edition is the Titanfall Collector’s Edition, treasured for its remarkable contents. The highlight is a stunning 18-inch statue, featuring built-in LED lights that illuminate its intricate details. Alongside the statue, it includes a hardcover art book with over 100 pages of breathtaking artwork and a massive, detailed schematic poster. While the collector edition lacked exclusive in-game items, this didn’t bother me, as I find physical collectibles far more thrilling than digital bonuses. I’ll always remember picking it up at my local GameStop, utterly astonished by the enormous packaging.

 


 

Justin J, Product Strategy

My most memorable personal game collection is from MapleStory. It wasn’t a well-known collection, and it might differ from what my colleagues would typically consider a collection, but MapleStory had its own unique charm in that regard. I collected guidebooks, TCG cards, stickers, and more.

In the early years after MapleStory launched, computers and blogs weren’t as advanced or widespread as they are now. We relied heavily on printed materials—books and magazines—so it became a trend to release small guidebooks containing information about monsters, maps, and job traits.

Then came the sticker craze. When you bought a one-dollar bread snack at the market, it often came with a MapleStory sticker inside, and it became a fun challenge to collect them all. Lastly, there was the TCG series. Although it was an attempt to follow the success of Digimon and Pokémon, it didn’t perform very well commercially. Still, for nostalgic collectors, it became another beloved part of MapleStory’s legacy.

 

Mace T, Product Strategy

The Kingdom Hearts Final Mix Platinum Limited Edition was pure nostalgia gold. It felt like a proper gift to fans. You got the Sora block figure, stickers, a calendar with Tetsuya Nomura’s art, and three badges. That was all in addition to the game, and everything came in a high-quality, sturdy box. It was the complete opposite of today’s CEs, which are often guilty of removing items actually worth collecting and swapping them with digital perks that leave you feeling like you paid for early DLC, at best.

Kingdom Hearts: Final Mix set a high bar and let the fans know they were here to stay!

 
Some Other Notable Collector’s Editions

 
The best Collector’s Editions clearly focused on quality, size, and a genuine connection to the game. Comparing those awesome physical items to the focus on in-game bonuses in modern CEs shows a huge difference!

Thanks to the team for sharing their favorites and thank you for reading!

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See you next time!