Rumors have been floating around the internet about an even better CE release of Gran Turismo 5 than the one previously announced by Sony. These originated from an interview on Indian Video Gamer where Atindriya Bose (country manager for Sony Computer Entertainment India) stated:
For GT5, there are two collector’s editions. One is the game plus some added content and collectibles, which (has already been announced), while the other is in a really big package with a lot of paraphernalia that goes beyond the game. It’s all car-related, but I’m unaware of the exact contents. That being so expensive, we may not directly order it from Europe, but we could bring in limited quantities from Sony in the Middle East. We’ll also be working with Mercedes in some way around the GT5 launch, but we’re yet to decide the specifics of that.
To lend credence to this news Amazon’s French site recently put up a listing for an “Ultimate Edition” of the game in addition to the Collector’s Edition that was previously announced. Sadly aside from a name and release date it is devoid of details.
During EA’s press-conference at E3 this week the not only unveiled some new games but they also announced that both Dead Space 2 and Medal of Honor would be receiving the CE treatment exclusively on the PS3.
Dead Space 2 Limited Edition for the PS3 will include a re-release of the formerly Wii exclusive title Dead Space Extraction. This bonus re-release will feature HD graphics as well as trophy support and will also be compatible with the up-coming Playstation Move controller (you will be able to use a Six-Axis controller as well), and it will feature support for co-op game play. Release date is set for January 25th 2011. It’s not clear if all copies of the PS3’s Dead Space 2 will be the Limited Edition or if it will actually be a limited edition run separate from the regular edition.
Medal of Honor Special Edition for the PS3 will include a re-release of the last generation title Medal of Honor Frontline. Similar to the Dead Space Extraction re-release MoHF will feature HD graphics and trophy support. Release date is set for October 12th 2010 in North America and October 15th in Europe. Once again, it’s not clear if all copies of the PS3’s MoH will be the Special Edition or if it will be a separate release from a regular edition.
UPDATE (6/29/2010):
Based on the Gamestop listing the “Limited Edition” of Dead Space 2 for the PS3 will be the only version of the game made available. The Same holds true for the listing of the “Special Edition” of Metal of Honor.
Play.com recently added a Limited Codex Edition, of the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood.
Scheduled for release on September 7th at a price of £69.99 for PS3, Xbox 360, and PC, the Limied Codex Edition of Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood will include:
Renaissance Collector Chest
Exclusive Codex
Map of Rome
Multiplayer characters cards
Lineage DVD
Bonus DVD and game soundtrack
2 Exclusive single player maps: Aqua Gear & Trajan Market
Shortly after the official release date was announced at E3 Gran-Turismo.com posted details of a forth coming Collector’s Edition for Gran Turismo 5.
Scheduled for release on November 2nd (of this year) at a price of $99 the Collector’s Edition will include the following:
a Die-Cast 1:43 scale 2009 Nissan GT-R Spec V with a Gran Turismo livery produced by Kyosho
a Custom etched Gran Turismo key chain
a 300+ page book covering everything from car history, to driving technique, to tuning tips.
a voucher for five (5) exclusive high-end cars with custom Gran Turismo livery and performance upgrades
Numbered certificate of authenticity
Custom collector’s packaging
Those who pre-order will also get bonus cars including a “Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Nissan GT-R GT500, McLaren F1, and more.”
This looks to be releasing in both North America and Europe, most likely the rest of the world as well. They state that “production will be limited” but there’s nothing that really states HOW limited that is.
The included diecast car is an exclusive 1:43 scale 2009 Nissan GT-R Spec V with a custom Gran Turismo livery designed by Polyphony Digital, produced by well-known collectible car maker Kyosho,
GameStop recently listed a Collector’s Edition of the upcoming Star Wars The Force Unleashed II. Slated for release for both Xbox 360 and PS3 on October 26th this CE will cost just under $80 and includes the following content:
Steelbook Case
“Exclusive” In-Game Content
Three challenge mode levels
Ralph McQuarrie concept “Deak Starkiller” skin
Lightsaber crystal
Mimobot USB Designer Drive Preloaded with Bonus Content
Starkiller 2GB Flash Drive designed by Mimobot
Digital art book
With bonus content being included by way of a USB flash drive, here’s hoping it does fall victim to the same problem that plagued the Splinter Cell Conviction CE.
It seems severalUKretailers are listing an Assassin’s Creed II Complete Edition for release on June 4th. What makes it “Complete” is apparently the inclusion of the two DLC packs and the secret location that were previously only available to Uplay subscribers.
I’m guessing this is probably the same thing as the previously rumored “Game of the Year” Edition.
So I picked up my Pre-Order of God of War III Ultimate Edition last night, there were a few stacked on the counter behind the register and one of the clerks tried to get me to give-up my pre-order, lamenting that he neglected to order one for himself. Apparently they only got in 7 of this edition, and that only covered the pre-orders that had been placed. Already this sounds good to me because rarity makes these CEs appreciate, unlike bin-fillers that flooded the market such as the Halo 3 Legendary Edition.
Once again we see special edition content being sold separately, this week it’s the God of War III soundtrack. One of the biggest features of the Ultimate edition in North America as well as the Trilogy Edition in Europe is the fact that the game includes a heavy metal soundtrack by well known bands inspired by and specifically for God of War III.
Not content with having these be exclusive to the buyers paying a premium for the CE releases the Soundtrack is available for purchase right now for about $6. Of course right now you can only buy the 6-track EP which is significantly shorter than the full length album that comes with the CE, but content is content. At least European collectors get their money’s worth with the inclusion of the first two God of War games. Then again the “God of War Collection” hasn’t been released in Europe and I’ve been enjoying my copy here in the US for some time now.
Here’s hoping Pandoras Box is as pretty in person as it looks in the pictures.