Will You Buy These Video Game Special Editions?

For many consumers, $59.99 is the most they’ll spend on a video game. Others, particularly hardcore fans of different franchises, open their wallets a bit wider to own special collector’s editions that come with a variety of extras, from figurines to exclusive downloadable content and packaging.  

Naturally, the rest of 2014 and early 2015 will play host to multiple bundles for different titles. Here’s what you’ll be able to pick up. 

Destiny (September 9) 

Activision and Bungie’s highly anticipated MMO FPS debuts September 9, and there are a few different ways to buy it. First you have the $449 PS4 bundle, which not only comes with the game, but also a visually stimulating white console and matching controller. If you’ve yet to pick up Sony’s system, consider this your invitation.  

If the standard $59.99 copy of the game feels too bare bones, consider the $99.99 Limited Edition of Destiny that includes a plethora of goodies. The game comes packaged inside a SteelBook Case, along with an Arms and Armament Field Guide, Postcards from the Golden Age, an Antique Star Chart and various forms of digital content, like an exclusive emblem, ship variant and access to the Expansion Pass (think Season Pass). 

There is something to be said for living by the saying, “go big or go home.” If that’s you, the $149.99 Ghost Edition includes all your needs, starting with a replica of the Ghost, a motion sensitive model featuring lights and audio effects. You also score a special letter presumably inviting you to kill as many aliens as possible, Golden Age Relics (a Destiny patch, sticker and two slides) and all of the Special Edition content.

Assassin’s Creed Unity Collector’s Edition (October 28)

Ubisoft usually does a fine job with its Assassin’s Creed collector’s editions, and with that being said, we give two thumbs up to Unity’s. The 16-inch statue of assassin Arno Dorian is the most attractive piece, but you also have an art book, a wooden music box that plays the game’s theme song, Notre Dame Cathedral showcase box, the official soundtrack and two in-game missions, Killed by Science and then Chemical Revolution. Not bad for $129.99. 

WWE 2K15 Hulkamania Edition (October 28) 

Let Hulkamania run wild with this very attractive bundle that should appeal to every WWE fan. Although it costs $99.99, you receive a collectible card personally autographed by former WWE champ Hulk Hogan, a Hulk Hogan figurine, a piece of the ring canvas from his appearance on Raw (March 10, 2014) and DLC variations of not only the Hulkster, but also Sting. The autograph and canvas alone make this worth buying, brother. 

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (November 4) 

Not to be outdone by Destiny, the team at Sledgehammer Games collaborated with Activision on two premium editions of Advanced Warfare, beginning with the $79.99 Atlas Limited Edition. You start off with the bonus multiplayer map, Atlas Gorge, which is a re-imagined version of the classic Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare map, Pipeline. From there, you have the Atlas Digital Content Pack, complete with the Bal-27 AE Assault Rifle and 45 AE Pistol. The Atlas Exoskeleton follows, as well as a cool helmet, player card, five bonus supply drops and a single player exoskeleton upgrade. As for more tangible items, the pack comes with a Soldier Manual with concept art and various bits of info, the official game soundtrack and SteelBook case.

For $119.99, you can buy the Atlas Pro Edition. This comes with all of the content we just mentioned, and the Advanced Warfare season pass (four map packs set to debut at later dates). 

Super Smash Bros. Wii U Bundle (Holiday 2014)

If you consider Super Smash Bros. Melee the best in the series and have fond memories of the GameCube, the $99.99 Smash Wii U package is a must buy. In addition to the game, you receive a Super Smash Bros. branded GameCube controller and adapter for the Wii U console. 

On a side note, you can buy the controller(s) separately for $29.99, so you only need one bundle. As you can see, the adapter includes four controller ports. 

WoW: Warlords of Draenor Collector’s Edition (November 13)

Blizzard’s World of Warcraft collectors editions are especially good.  This consistency carries over to Warlords of Draenor, with fans shelling out $89.99 for a two-disc behind-the-scenes feature on Blu-ray and DVD, the soundtrack, hardcover art book and a smorgasbord of digital content, ranging from a Dread Raven mount and Hatchling Pet to a Diablo 3 Warsong pendant and custom Hearthstone card.

Dragon Age Inquisition Deluxe Edition (November 18) 

Thus far, BioWare’s RPG appears to be quite a time sink, so you might as well head into battle with lots of digital content. The $69.99 Deluxe Edition includes a Skyhold Throne, two mounts (Red Har Halla and the Bog Unicorn), Flames of Inquisitor Gear (armor, weapons, horse) and a digital copy of the soundtrack, in case you must jam to something on the go. 

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Collector’s Edition (2015)

Announced this morning, the exclusive Witcher 3 bundle costs $149.99 and the price appears to be worth it based on the number of goodies held within. For the Xbox One version, it begins with Gwent, a card game that you’re free to play in the game and outside of it, thanks to 150 physical cards (two decks) split among four distinct factions; there’s also a cloth map of the game world. This automatically makes the Xbox One version the most appealing.

In addition, and for all versions, there’s the soundtrack, stickers, a Witcher medallion, SteelBook case, Witcher universe compendium book and perhaps the biggest prize of all, a hand-painted Polystone figure of Geralt of Rivia fighting a Griffin, guaranteed to brighten up any room.