Today, collector's editions, pre-orders and digitally downloaded games all offer “exclusive” in-game items. These virtual accessories are digital candy to the video game elite and provide endless hours of bragging rights and kudos to their owners. With hardcore players of both sexes willing to shell out extra money to obtain these pixelated prizes, the list of video game companies offering these cybernetic trinkets continues to grow. Here is a list containing some of the simulated accessories and outrageous promotional packages you can buy for you or your avatar this year.
Dragon Age: Origins Collectors' Edition–When Bioware finally releases Dragon Age, players can expect to pay $74.99 for the console version and $64.99 for the PC version. Gamers who succumb to their baser need to accessorize will find three exclusive in game items: Bergen's Honor, a stat-boosting helmet; a magic-user's staff and a special book that adds three to each of your character's stats when read. All of this comes wrapped in a steel box and if you pre-order the game you will also receive a ring called the Memory Band. With this ring equipped, players earn an extra one percent experience on top of their normal gains. Bling!
DJ Hero: Renegade Edition – Excited about DJ Hero but afraid that all the other DJays out there will outshine you in the club? Well, fear no more! Activision has you covered with this hot package that is sure to lighten your mood and your wallet. Gamers willing to shell out $199.99 dollars to get down with their bad selves can look forward to a special turntable, a hardshell case that converts into a stand and a two-disc CD set of Jay-Z and Eminem music that features some previously unreleased tracks. So, get down, get down, get down... to your local game store if you want a party in the USA to happen near you.
Editorial note: I know all of those puns were awful and I just wanted my readers to know that for a second I did feel kind of bad about writing them. However, I am sure you will all be happy to know that after my daily session of shock therapy and a dose of Prozac I decided to let you enjoy my razor keen wit! Careful! It's sharp!
Batman: Arkham Asylum Collector's Edition – You might be wondering why I have included a game that has been out for quite a while on this list. Well, I was in Gamestop the other day and I still saw a few copies of the collector's edition edition of this game...well... collecting dust. So, its not to late to get your hands on all the wonderful toys included in this package. For those of you with the kind of walking around money that might impress Bruce Wayne, you will get a Blu-ray with a bunch of trailers and 30 minutes of behind the scenes features, a 48-page book on the insane asylum's inmates, a 14-inch plastic Batarang (I know... a metal Batarang would have ensured that there would be no collector's editions available after the midnight release), a case to store all this stuff, and a code to download the exclusive Crime Alley challenge map. Arkham Asylum was awesome and the only reason these beauties are still on the shelves is because an unreasonable price ($100) met and unmovable object (People's wallets). Still, if you have got the urge to splurge you can't find a better game to do it on than Batman: Arkham Asylum.
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Collector's Edition – Also know as the “Fortune Hunter Edition”, this package features a replica of the Phurba Dagger Artifact and stand, collectible art book and collector case autographed by Naughty Dog, and a few extra downloads. This is easily one of the best games to come exclusively to the PS3 and anyone who owns Sony's monster console should pick up this game. However, this collector's edition has something special that sets it apart from all the other collector's editions in this article. You can't buy it! You can only win it. Various sites are offering sweepstakes and contests giving gamers a chance to score this rare bundle. Only the most dedicated treasure seekers and the luckiest of accessory hogs will win it. So, good luck and good hunting!
Mad Catz Interactive's Wireless Fender Telecaster – Playing rock band but feel you didn't spend enough money? Are your friends not as impressed with the amount of disposable income you have like they once were? Well, worry not my fake guitar fondling friend! I have some great news! Mad Catz Interactive, Inc (say that three times fast) has cranked the amp up to eleven to bring you this shining example of how gamers with too much extra money to spend are just plain better than the rest of us. The Fender Telecaster ‘Player’s Edition’ guitar features: fast action ‘Shredderz’ Fret Keys, touch-activated Overdrive and a custom ‘Road Worn’ body decal, delivering an authentic distressed appearance which is available in both ‘Sunburst’ and ‘Butterscotch’ designs. Mmmm...Butterscotch! Best of all it is wireless! After all, who wants to trip over a lose wire when your friends are worshiping your insanely high credit card bill?
Aion: Tower of Eternity Collector's Edition – Not to be left off the gravy train, NCSoft has released a collector's edition of its new and popular MMO Aion. For a mere $69.99 you can pimp your avatar with some exclusive in-game items and be the envy or everyone on your channel. Those with the dough will have access to the following: Black Cloud Wings (gives 40 seconds of additional flight time), Black Cloud Earring (gives an HP and an MP boost), Special character title with stat boost, Color dye to tint one in-game item and Two character emotes. Also, you will receive: 6.5"-tall, hand-painted figurine of Aiva, a winged Asmodian Daeva, The official Aion soundtrack CD, Two dual-sided, full-color posters, Full-color and a tri-fold quick reference card. All of these items are guaranteed to win you major props with all your guild mates and those awesome accessories will make your avatar the talk of the server. Even though this game is already released, it is not too late to get this awesome bundle!
