The Best Video Game Compilations

It’s no question that a lot of games over the past few years have held our attention quite well, stuff from the PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube…even the old, old stuff from the arcades.  Tracking these games down individually to add to your library is rather easy, unless they’re out-of-print or hard to come by in your area.

There’s a solution to this, as a lot of companies these days offer up virtual compilations of your favorite games for today’s game systems – and a lot of them are rather good deals.  Not only that, but some of them also come with added-on goodies, including online leaderboards, concept art and other nifty features that add on to the already overflowing value.

Which ones should you buy, though?  Have no fear, as Prima Games is ready to walk you through the ultimate game compilations you can get your hands on for this generation.  Grab you wallet and get ready to add these unforgettable titles to your library.

Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii)

Though the 360 and PS3 versions of this game are hard to come by, they’re worth hunting down, as each of those come with a dozen of the greatest pinball games to ever be produced by Williams, recreated in fine digital format by Farsight Studios.  (The Wii version only has about 2/3 of the tables, but is still worth grabbing.)  With a variety of pinballs to choose from, including Whirlwind, Funhouse and Pinbot, all the games play just like you would find them in classic arcades, complete with online leaderboards and multiple views, including one where you’re peering right over the table, as if you were standing in front of it.  If for some reason you can’t find this one, don’t worry – Farsight’s The Pinball Arcade for Xbox Live and PlayStation Network should eventually get them all.

Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection (PlayStation 3, Xbox 360)

Back in the old days of gaming, all we needed was a Sega Genesis and a handful of cartridges, and we were set for an evening of fun and excitement.  To those who don’t feel like picking up a dusted-up 16-bit system, Sonic’s Ultimate Genesis Collection is the next best thing.  Featuring over 30 classics from the system’s era (including all three Streets of Rage games and a number of Sonic titles), it provides hours worth of fun for only about $20.  It comes with a bevy of unlockables as well, including interviews with the game’s creators, a few arcade classics (ready for Zaxxon?) and Achievements/Trophies galore.  Genesis still does!

Ico/Shadow of the Colossus Collection (PlayStation 3)

Both the original Ico and Shadow of the Colossus on PlayStation 2 are fetching a good amount of money on eBay right now, but why drive yourself broke when this remastered high definition collection will only set you back twenty bucks?  This collection features two of the finest games ever produced for the PS2 era, thanks to the savvy development of Team Ico.  Out of the two, Shadow of the Colossus remains a favorite, thanks to behemoths that require a great deal of figuring out to bring down and stunning locales to visit.  Ico’s not bad either, though you may get tired of your female companion running off on you to get in danger.  It’s still worth checking out – and flicking on the 3D support doesn’t hurt either.

The Sly Collection (PlayStation 3)

Before you dig into Sly Cooper’s latest adventure, Thieves In Time, this Tuesday, you might consider checking out the first three capers that put him on the board.  Originally put together by the masterminds at Sucker Punch (the creators of Infamous), all three PS2 Sly Cooper games have been done justice here, complete with beautiful remastered visuals, fun gameplay and plenty of unlockable secrets.  It supports 3D as well, and really brings each adventurous world to life.  For $20, this is a steal.

God of War Saga (PlayStation 3)

Chances are you own some God of War game in your library already, but just in case you don’t, consider picking up this wonderful package.  Fairly priced at $40, Saga features five of the superb God of War chapters – the original HD Collection; God of War III; and the downloadable Origins Collection.  That’s hours’ worth of pummeling for a reasonable price, and plenty of bloodshed to boot.  And just think about what kind of warm-up it’ll give you as you await the arrival of God of War: Ascension in March.

Metroid Prime Trilogy (Wii)

The original Wii has been put out to pasture, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get mileage out of the Metroid Prime Trilogy on your Wii U.  Featuring three of the best first-person shooters for the console (with reconfigured motion controls and stellar presentation), each of the Metroid Prime games have something to offer here, including terrific aiming and plenty of twists and turns.  The multiplayer in part two is a lot of fun as well, when you have friends around.  Best of all, this package comes with a sweet Steelbook case, along with a few other Metroid-related goodies.  It’s out of print, but well worth hunting down – especially if you’re a Nintendo fanatic.

Metal Gear Solid HD Collection (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3)

The Metal Gear games continue to stand out as some of the best stealth action you can find right now, and that’s why this is our favorite Konami compilation out there.  (Sorry, Zone of Enders.)  Featuring three of the better sequels in the series – Sons of Liberty, the unmatchable Snake Eater and the stellar Peace Walker – Metal Gear is well worth revisiting, with its luscious visuals and awesome gameplay options.  The multiplayer may be missing, but all of the sneaking around remains intact – and that’s what we like.  Where’s that cardboard box?!

Ratchet & Clank HD Collection (PlayStation 3)

Finally, we’d be complete chumps if we didn’t manage to recommend this out-of-this-world package, which happily restores the first three games in the Ratchet & Clank saga – the original, Going Commando and Up Your Arsenal.  Featuring terrific visuals reconfigured by Idol Minds (with some help from the original team at Insomniac Games) and a lot of jam-packed action in each episode, this HD Collection is worth its weight in gold.  And the addition of online multiplayer in Up Your Arsenal make this a competitive experience that All 4 One was simply missing.  Lock and load, because you’ll have a blast with this one.