117 réponses à ce sujet

[javierabegazo]

*****WARNING LONG DRAWN OUT THREAD*******   :happy::happy::happy:

Hello guys 'n' gals.

I wanted to devote a thread for serious discussion on what makes a Collectors Edition special, and why I feel BioWare and EA should go all out for Mass Effect 3's Collectors Edition. This is the final game in an incredible video game trilogy that I feel is one of the games that stands out, and says that video games are an equally valid art medium. Especially considering how devoted BioWare is to its story and characters, I'm sure they can appreciate this sentiment.

I was inspired to write this after watching the  CDP Days 2011 Spring Conference . Watching that led me to looking The Witcher 2 on gog.com, and clicking on the Preorder button brought up a free download of extras, notably a 'visual tour' of CDProjekt's studio. This is really something that I'd love to see BioWare do. I think it'd be great to include videos taken during the creation of Mass Effect 3. I would like to think that Collectors Editions are for die-hard fans.

Now there are a couple of things that I feel are integral to every Collectors Edition

• Official Game Soundtrack (OST) - Its the audio that we spend 40+ hours minimum listening to[/b]
• Art of some kind - Be it concept art, comics or in game render art, it's all really lovely and very interesting and shows all of the artistry that goes behind Video Game design. To really win big in the hearts of die-hard fans, we all LOVE a nice gorgeous full size hard cover art book with nice pages. give us a good production
• Behind-The-Scenes Footage - this is really A++ for big fans because I'm not only interested in Mass Effect 3, the game, but also the creators of such. Looking at Rodin's "The Thinker" only makes me want to see more of Rodin as well, same concept here. Things like "deleted scenes" or character renditions, or even just goofing off in the work place is really great, and I think the more fans are in touch with the people who create their video games, they can only get more interested
• X-Factor - This is always a wild card and can be things like a sculpture, to a model, to special tokens such as rings, or medallions, maps, you get the idea.
• Special Packaging - this is a very important feature that I feel many people over look. It's really wonderful to sit and just look and appreciate the level of quality that goes into decent Collectors editions packaging. Not simple plastic with a cover slip inside, it's more than your average bear. It's special, of some kind, whether it's metal, tin, or even special embossed glossy shiny covering on paper, it's nice to have special packaging.

*******************************************************************************************************************************************************

Lets take a look at what BioWare did for Dragon Age 2



This, I feel, is a perfect example of what I do NOT want to see in   ME3's CE. Taking a look at all the offers, the only notable things that were given were

• DLC Equipment
• "Bonus Character"
• Downloadable OST (soundtrack)

What's wrong here?

A lot.

• Lets cover DLC Equipment. This is all nice, and it's a nice inconsequential bonus to getting to enjoy it while playing the game, but lets not stress too lightly that all things considered, it's pretty inconsequential. In the long run, you'll be (rightfully so) spending time with the other many items in any RPG video game.
• "Bonus Character". For a bonus character that anyone can buy later, it's really not that special. I want to be adamant, in that there's a great deal more special about Video Games than just the finished product. It's an elaborate collaboration of very talented individuals, and I think a great deal of die-hard fans know this.
• I feel that Collectors Editions are for Die-hard fans, and everything on that list, can barely be accounted for as "exclusive".  Now to get things out of the way, Soundtracks in a CE are pretty elementary, I feel every CE should have its corresponding OST. But here's where I feel they sort of screwed up.   Downloadable

I don't like how that sounds. It means that I have no special packaging at all, no "official" disc with a nice embossed label on a cover. All it means is that I have a collection of Mp3 files that anyone can download. Collectors of items they cherish, buy collectors editions so they can have it on the shelf, and go through it, and materially appreciate it. There's a very tactile pleasure in having an OST in material form. If I want it in digital form, I can do that. but I would really like a hard copy of the Soundtrack to Mass Effect 3

All of the DA2 SE went for the same price as the standard edition IF you preordered it within a certain timeframe.  You get what you pay for, huh?

I was very disappointed with the DA2:SE. Granted, I got it a normal price for preordering early, and well, I "got what I paid for", but thing is, I WANT to pay more money.




Now lets take a look at the Collectors Edition for Dead Space 2.


Alright, so we've got

• toy model of the Plasma Cutter
• Hard copy of DS2 OST
• DLC Equipment
• Concept art Card
• Special Packaging
• Original vanilla game case ******

Now the Plasma Cutter was a neat inclusion, and more towards of what I want to see the ME3 CE include. Then we've got a hard copy of the OST, nice, DLC Equipment, (meh), and Concept art card, that when I saw in person, I was pretty underwhelmed, and then lets not forget the special packaging, it had this fold out cover that's actually a pretty cool design and makes it something original and special. But here's the problem, notice the ******? Inside this gorgeous box, all that was inside was the original case of Standard Edition Dead Space 2. Basically, the actual game case was nothing more special than any piece of plastic anyone could buy months and years after the game's been out. Not that special

So once again, almost there, but not quite.

All of that went for $80.00, so 20 dollars more than the normal version.

Keep on truckin' folks.


Now lets take a look at the Collectors Edition of Fallout:New Vegas.

• Let it Ride! In a huge, open world with unlimited options you
  can see the sights, choose sides, or go it alone. Peacemaker or Hard
  Case, House Rules, or the Wild Card - it's all in how you play the game
• "Lucky
  7" poker chips. Each of the seven poker chips was designed to represent
  chips from the major casinos found on the New Vegas strip and
  throughout the Mojave Wasteland.
• A fully customized Fallout:
  New Vegas deck of cards. Each card in the pack has been uniquely
  illustrated to depict characters and factions found within the game. Use
  the cards to play poker, blackjack or Caravan, an original card game
  that was created by Obsidian especially for New Vegas!
• A recreation of the game's highly coveted "Lucky 38" platinum chip.
• A
  hardcover graphic novel "All Roads", that tells the story of some of
  the characters and events that lead up to Fallout: New Vegas. "All
  Roads" was written by Chris Avellone, the game's creative director, and
  created in conjunction with Dark Horse Comics.
• The Making of
  Fallout: New Vegas' DVD. This documentary DVD will contain exclusive
  video content, including interviews with the developers in which they
  take you from concept to creation and discuss topics such as story,
  setting, legacy of the Fallout franchise and more.

Alright, now we're getting even closer folks. Poker chips, a deck of cards, there's that x factor, the special box packaging, a HARD COVER graphic novel, not just a flimsy one, and most notably, the Making of Fallout DVD. Exclusive video content, interviews with develops, concept, creation, story, Hell YEAH, now we're talking :happy:

All of that went for $80.00, so once again, another CE that's 20 dollars more than the standard vanilla edition.



But still, this is Mass Effect 3 we're talking about, the end game of a trilogy, that's arguably going to be one of the most important video game trilogies out there.


Lets look at The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings Collectors Edition:



Hoowah, I'm liking the look of this:
Got the game, Making of DVD, OST, Game Maual, World Map, hardcover artbook,Temerarian Coin, Dice set, palying cards, and a Geralt sculpture, holy hell, that's one heck of an X Factor, and all of this in very special, nice, original irreplacable Special, Collectors Edition Packaging.


All of this for $130.00. Yes, that's [b]3 times the cost of the normal standard vanilla edition, but guess what, you get what you pay for.

This is the closest I've seen to a collectors edition that I want for Mass Effect 3. I would not mind in the slightest if I had to pay 3 times the normal cost to get something very very special.

BioWare, you're got in your employ an incredible wealth of artists and storytellers. Let us see them, let them be more than just a name in a long list of names called "Credits"



:wizard:Comments/Suggestions/Discussion, Come on in folks

New thread additions include:

- Mass Effect 3: Adding In-Game Audio Commentary (Mass Effect - Mass Effect General Discussion

by DominusVita

Where's the TL:DR  ??

TL:DR Version: You're in the wrong thread bud <_<

Modifié par javierabegazo, 14 avril 2011 - 10:22 .

[javierabegazo]

Just wanted to bring up a tweet by Mr. Patrick Weekes,

[Khayness]

Well, it isn't a Collector's Edition per se, but the PC Assassin's Creed Brotherhood trillogy steelcase is damn awesome. I'd love to have something similar for ME to place the game discs into.

[javierabegazo]

Very good point Khayness, steel cases are really lovely and I think ME1 had the sweet spot, with ME2 losing in 2nd place.

YouTube - Mass Effect Week Episode 1 (Mass Effect 1 Limited Collectors Edition Unboxing)

[OmegaJudgement]

A full size Shepard's N7 helmet - Halo had the Master Chief's helmet.

1. OSTs can be enjoyed by people who don't buy the CE through this magical thing called piracy, making it less special.
2. Art is nice, but can be scanned by one person and shared to everyone from there on.
3. Special packaging may be nice for people who use consoles as their medium of choice, but for PC gamers the case is inconsequential once it is installed.

I'm also not keen on DLC items, they are usually replaced early on with better items or later DLC, non-exclusive DLC is also as bad as it makes the collector's edition pointless.

Material items attached to the collectors edition are possibly the best route in my opinion, or just... everything like the Fallout one.

[Maugrim]

I will be buying the most comprehensive/expensive CE of ME3 that they will release 80, 90 130 whatever. And I think they should release something on par with TW2. However I've always felt that if you do a SuperDuper CE you should also release a Limited Edition with out all the extra physical crap that some people really don't want (The Halo helmet, Geralt Bust, RC Car from Blops etc.) Give it a nice steel case, anything physical that can fit in said case and downloadable access to everything that makes sense like soundtracks, behind the scenes videos, dlc etc.

Modifié par makenzieshepard, 14 avril 2011 - 09:54 .

[Khayness]

Well, steel cases are amazing, but most of them really don't want to let the discs go.

I've made a handmade plain white box with a ME2 logo out of a BioWare 1600 points case for the ME2 playdisc, just to spare it.

The DA:O CE made the game disc fracture a bit upon repeated removal, the best thing about Awakening that it lets the DA:O discs rest peacefully in their steel case.

[robtheguru]

I think you've put what everyone wants into a nice, clear, constructed way. As you said, CE's are for the collectors, the fans and those wanting to part with the money for something exceptional. With ME3 being the last in the series I think the "uber item" (night vision goggles, bobble head, batarang etc) needs to be something that makes everything CE before it look tame. Briefly a side note in terms of packaging, there is no reason the packaging can't be the CE uber item. Killzone 3 special edition case was a Helghast head, it is awesome!

So why not go with a large Normandy that slides open to reveal all the art books, DVD's, CD's etc.

[eternalnightmare13]

I could give a vorcha's ass about special packaging. Please, after the two seconds of geeking out of over it it'll sit on a shelf or the floor gathering dust.

Shepard's dog tags with some sort of holographic logo of ME on the backside on a chain.  They'd have a distressed/battered look to them to reference Shepard's death in ME2.

Soundtrack - or compilation of music from all 3 games.
DVD documentary of at least an hour about the process of the story/game/design and future projects.

Some type of print based on ME either an 8x10 or 5x7. Something that won't release to the general public.

In game dlc equipment/weapons.

A good sound track is the most important since the music in ME is great, and something I'd listen to long after the games are out dated and forgotten.

Modifié par eternalnightmare13, 14 avril 2011 - 10:06 .

[javierabegazo]

OmegaJudgement wrote...

A full size Shepard's N7 helmet - Halo had the Master Chief's helmet.

1. OSTs can be enjoyed by people who don't buy the CE through this magical thing called piracy, making it less special.
2. Art is nice, but can be scanned by one person and shared to everyone from there on.
3. Special packaging may be nice for people who use consoles as their medium of choice, but for PC gamers the case is inconsequential once it is installed.

I'm also not keen on DLC items, they are usually replaced early on with better items or later DLC, non-exclusive DLC is also as bad as it makes the collector's edition pointless.

Material items attached to the collectors edition are possibly the best route in my opinion, or just... everything like the Fallout one.

Under your OSTs, Art, on how it can be "reproduced" digitally, it still is no match for a nice thick hardbound large full size artbook, or a jewel case/at the least, paper insert with the Official OST printed out on it. Anything's better than just a "digital download" as you pointed out, can be stolen through piracy.

As for the case being inconsequential to PC gamers, i'm sure that PC gamers are still fond of nice packaging, just take a look at TW2's packaging. But you're right. the X factor, material items, is essential.

[Icinix]

I think it definitely is the pieces that last outside the game world long after the game has been put away.

I love having all my CE's on the shelf. My MW2 buggy, piece of Berlin Wall, Assassins Creed figure, Civ V pewter figures, DAO cloth map, etc. etc..
Its my way of looking up on the shelf and going 'ahhh, memories'. They're the game equivalent of family holiday photos.

The art-books are great if you need a little inspiration or just want to be awed. They usually have a high quality feel and you have to delicately turn the pages.
The soundtracks can be cranked and left as awesome background music to make anything more epic, even bridge games for your local rose society.

Yeah DLC for Collectors Editions, I don't mind it, indeed I think it can work well (Shale), but I won't go out my way to buy a CE if that's the only bonus.

[Dominus]

Javier, THIS is what I would like to see. In-game Audio Commentary. I posted it a long time ago, it was positively recieved, and I still believe they should absolutely do this.
 

Modifié par DominusVita, 14 avril 2011 - 10:12 .

[Icinix]

OmegaJudgement wrote...

3. Special packaging may be nice for people who use consoles as their medium of choice, but for PC gamers the case is inconsequential once it is installed.

As a PC gamer I declare LIES! 
But I'm old fashioned and like my sense of ownership. Not to mention I proudly display my games and it's usually the first port of call when new people come to my home.

The steel cases are a great way to keep those discs protected and looks fantastic to boot. Plastic cases fade, go saggy and crack.

I also like the feel when I do re-installs and open up that shiny pristine case and get all nostalgic

For the record. I greatly dislike digital games. Give me hardcopies anyday.

[Black_Arrow141]

Great thread.

[Bolboreta]

-Artbook
-Soundtrack
-Mini Normandy
-Blasto plushie

I would pay for that

[javierabegazo]

eternalnightmare13 wrote...
Some type of print based on ME either an 8x10 or 5x7. Something that won't release to the general public.

This is also a very important thing to note. Back during ME2's pre release, we were told that the Collector armor and rifle will NOT be released as DLC, but lo and behold, it was packaged for PS3 users as DLC later
Recon Operations Pack - Mass Effect Wiki -

Jarret Lee
The armor and weapon will not be released as separate DLC. It's very unique to this edition.

Source:http://meforums.biow...3335&forum=144' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'> http://meforums.bioware.com/viewdevposts.html?topic=703335&forum=144
2nd link: http://img844.images...110414at611.png
ME2 Contents High-Res Picture


To be fair, I'm sure Jarrett didn't foresee a PS3 version being released then, but all the same, the armor wasn't as exclusive as we thought.

[javierabegazo]

DominusVita wrote...

Javier, THIS is what I would like to see. In-game Audio Commentary. I posted it a long time ago, it was positively recieved, and I still believe they should absolutely do this.
 

THAT would be amazing and something I wouldn't mind paying an extra 30 dollars for, that alone!:wizard:

[Dominus]

I'm glad you think so - even Amnesia: TDD, an independent game by Frictional, took the time to do that, and it adds an enormous amount of depth to explaining from conception to finality of how a game was made. After the first playthrough or after you've done everything imaginable, it gives the player a chance to see examples both audio and visually in-game of how it was produced. Relatively speaking, it couldn't be impossible to program and adding voice bits from developers with the free time wouldn't be that difficult. Valve especially takes advantage of this beyond audio commmentary by triggering animations and cueing cinematic movements towards points of interest.

Modifié par DominusVita, 14 avril 2011 - 10:24 .

[Herr Sovereign]

I agree that the soundtrack should be a physical CD with its own special packaging. I should change my proposal to reflect that...

[DxWill10]

Why would I want a Collector's edition? Didn't we spend the entirety of the second game trying to kill them!

Seriously though, I agree. I wouldn't mind paying more for an awesome stuff. Make it happen Wiobare!

Modifié par DxWill10, 14 avril 2011 - 10:26 .

[Sesshomaru47]

Collector editions are great providing they're done right. Bungie have done a neato job with their previous 2 games. My brother got the Reach Legendary edition and the Diorama is kind of cool. I'm getting the Witcher 2 one which has loads of stuff. People like things they can look at, like statues or un-painted heads. As long as it's not a stupid art book, a boring making of DVD, a soundtrack and crappy content that got cut so they could make you think you were getting something good I'm ok. I want a Normandy Model. Or a statue of Shepard that wasn't made by whoever did Ezio because that thing is bad...but it's too late to be thinking of that now I would guess.

[Someone With Mass]

Audio/video bloopers from the record booth would be awesome.

[Razgriz9327]

I second this javi's post... for those of us who are willing to pay the extra, I am really excited about the possibilities. However, please make the quality better than the plasma cutter replica, which was cheap and had a giant MADE IN CHINA stamped on it. Thanks for the thoughtful post!