The holidays are here, and you know what that means – a plethora of must-have games. A lot of game publishers are going all out with their releases, between multi-million dollar advertising campaigns and huge deals at local retailers, along with pre-order goodies like downloadable weapons and characters. There’s a huge market out there of stuff to buy, no matter what genre you’re into.
And a few of those companies are going even further by offering special editions of their games – and some of them are actually worth it. With that, we’ve decided to put together a guide talking about some of the better Limited/Special Edition packages out there. Sure, they might be a little more expensive, but consider all the cool stuff you get as a result. And you can show some of it off to your friends as well.
Stock up on that cash, because we’re breaking down the best special edition stuff right now…
Forza Horizon Limited Collector’s Edition (Xbox 360, out now)
Hitting stores today, the limited edition of Forza Horizon is a must for racing fans. It comes with the game, along with a custom designed steelbook, and a special Horizon Festival Ticket that gives you access to a number of downloadable goods. These include a Day One Add-On Pack (featuring five cars), a VIP Membership (five additional cars and VIP priveliges), a Horizon Accelerator Token Pack (with more map unlocks and fast travel locations), and an exclusive LCE Car Livery pack. Most of it’s downloadable, but the collector’s case does look pretty swanky. Snag it now for $79.99
Assassin’s Creed III: Limited Edition (Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, October 30th)
Out of all the limited edition releases out there, Assassin’s Creed III looks like the most stunning to date. Though more expensive at $119.99 than most of the $70-$80 bundles, it’s more than worth it. You get a magnificent 9.44″ Assassin statue featuring Connor and an American flag behind him; an embroidered 28″ x 48″ Colonial flag (like the one in the game), a 3″ x 3.25″ metal belt buckle with the Assassin’s Creed insignia; and George Washington’s notebook, which notifies you about the truth and secrets behind the Assassins’ group that Connor belongs to. You’ll also learn a thing or two about Templars. On top of that, Best Buy and Gamestop are offering exclusive downloadable goodies as well. Don’t hesitate to pre-order this bad boy if you get the chance.
Zone of the Enders HD Collector’s Edition (Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, October 30th)
This remixed package of Hideo Kojima’s highly regarded mech action games was anticipated enough, but the special edition, which goes for $59.99, is a must for true fans. It features the game and the Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance playable demo, along with a 100-page artwork featuring concept art and illustrations from the Collection games, as well as an imported ReMIX Selection soundtrack and awesome gold metallic Limited Edition packaging. If robots are your thing, you shouldn’t be without this package.
WWE 13: Stone Cold Edition (Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, October 30th)
“Austin 3:16 says I just whipped your ass!” There’s a reason “Stone Cold” Steve Austin is so highly respected in the annals of WWE history, so you can bet fans can’t wait for his particular edition of the game. It comes with a copy of WWE 13, along with a special hand-autographed Steve Austin card, exclusive Mike Tyson DLC, and a metallic case featuring Austin’s traditional skull design. This version is being sold exclusively through THQ’s shop, and, sadly, at the moment, appears to be sold out. But more copies may open up once the game releases next week, so be sure to check back on it. “Oh, hell yeah!”
Halo 4: Limited Edition (Xbox 360, November 6th)
If you didn’t pre-order this bad boy already, well, you’re out of luck, because it’s sold out EVERYWHERE. And for good reason. The Halo 4: Limited Edition comes with a number of goodies ideal for fans of the series, including exclusive Forward Unto Dawn digital content, a special Bringing Gaming To Reality featurette, exclusive Xbox Live Avatar props, a UNSC Infinity Briefing Packet with Spartan armor customization schematics, nine exclusive maps, and a collector’s metallic case. It’s $99.99 if you can manage to find one, so keep those fingers crossed. Or try eBay, maybe.
Call of Duty: Black Ops II Care Package (Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, November 13th)
It’s not enough that Call of Duty: Black Ops II comes with one special edition – it has TWO. Along with the Hardened Edition (with the case and a couple of other goods), dedicated players can also drop an additional $100 on this deluxe Care Package. It comes with a collectible case which holds a remote controlled Quadrotor Drone and Stand; a limited edition two-sided Steelbook case, collectible challenge coins, the official soundtrack featuring Jack Wall and Trent Reznor; exclusive Xbox Live goods; and plenty of in-game content, including the Nuketown 2025 map and Zombies stage, as well as card backgrounds. It’s expensive and in high demand, but there’s no question Call of Duty lovers would be enthralled with this. We certainly want one. (Hello, Activision?)
Hitman: Absolution Professional Edition (Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, November 20th)
Agent 47 is ready to make a killing again next month, and fans everywhere should definitely pick up on the Professional Edition. For $20 over the normal edition price, you’ll get the game, an exclusive making-of video, a Hitman art book and the Agency Gun Pack, giving him just the weapons he needs to do some damage.
The Walking Dead: Collector’s Edition (Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, December 4th)
Finally, we have this Gamestop exclusive package, which includes all five chapters of Telltale Games’ stirring video game adaptation of Robert Kirkman’s hit comic. In addition, you’ll snag a collector’s edition box, as well as The Walking Dead Compendium 1, which features over 1,000 pages across the first 48 issues of the comic book series. That’s quite a collection for only $69.99. Don’t miss out.
