Play On, Philippines.

[Solemn_In_Berlin]

THE CULT OF PERSONALITY

Alright, just want to introduce myself.

I'm Solemn_In_Berlin (you can just call me Solemn) from the Philippines and I'm very humbled to be here. The username's actually the name of my band and it came from three things: 1) Our main inspiration for our music is Anberlin (which I believe is the greatest band in the world right now) among others, 2) we're (my bandmates and I) usually described as "calm and solemn" by friends and family and 3) Berlin's always been that place that I'd like to visit given the chance. So yeah, that's also why I chose "Play On, Philippines" as the title. Because I play (both as a musician and as gamer) and I'm a Filipino.

In gaming, I'm a racer and Gran Turismo has always been my favorite racing game series. I also love platforming and action RPGs and for those particular genres, LittleBigPlanet and Dark Cloud are what always come to mind first. I'm actually versatile and can be good at all genres but that doesn't mean I love all of them. For example, I don't like FPS that much and if there are three games that I could name that will make me enjoy FPS games, Call of Duty and Battlefield don't make the list. They're Deus Ex, Bioshock and System Shock.

Top 5 Games: Dark Cloud 2, System Shock 2, Bioshock, Deus Ex: The Conspiracy and Disgaea 4: A Promise Unforgotten.

What I find most wrong about the video game industry today is the lack of personality. I mean, whatever happened to unrivaled narratives and compelling storylines? I miss those stories that let you immerse beyond the art and gameplay. Stories like Deus Ex 1, System Shock 2, Planescape: Torment, Chrono Trigger, Ocarina of Time, Dark Cloud 2, Pander Dragoon Saga and Grim Fandango among others. Final Fantasy VI only had little sprites with expressive eyes yet it stands today as the greatest Final Fantasy ever made (yeah I said it) because of the story. Most video game stories nowadays are chewed up and spat out for flashy graphics with little-to-no substance at all. That's the saddest part. I mean, it's okay to have style, but don't forget the substance.

Alright, I know that the main purpose of this forum is to introduce as a collector and not as a gamer. Well the problem is, I still have a very little and very humble collection. I only have three CEs right now: R1 LittleBigPlanet 2, R3 Gran Turismo 5 Collector's Pack 2nd Edition and R1 Bioshock 2 Special Edition. The Bioshock 2 SE and the Gran Turismo 5 Collector's Pack 2nd Edition are the only ones I have sealed (I don't keep my CEs sealed unless there's a window box to view the collector's item).

Oh yeah, the reason why I have such a small collection is:

1) The Philippines is a third-world country so we don't get as much CEs as we could. And because video game stores here get their CEs from America (they don't get CEs exclusive to Europe), they tend to get more expensive than they should. I know I could import, but I'm afraid of how pristine the condition will be once I get it. Besides, Philippine customs would kill me.

2) I just started at the start of 2011. The CE that got into collection video game CEs is the LittleBigPlanet 2 CE because of that adowable wittle Sackboy.

3) Most of my savings go to my other collections. Particularly my and my dad's 1:18 diecast collection. In contrast to my video game CE collection, that is one big and proud collection. If there are no good diecast models out, then I go buy Koto statues or a new guitar.

4) This is the main reason why I have such a small and humble collection. I'm only 15. Which means my student budget is not even close in sufficing the price tags for all these collector's editions. I could buy at most only three collector's editions a year, and that's such a small number since I only pay 50% of a CE's price tag. The other half goes to my mother.

Well that's that. tl;dr I know, but I'm very happy to be here and I hope my collection will grow as big as yours.

Pics (My room's too small so I had to take pics while they're laid on my bed). Looks sloppy here, but rest assure that I care for my CEs.

Gran Turismo 5 Collector's Pack 2nd Edition






Bioshock 2 Special Edition

[bbki]

TL;DR but Hello
One small collection is a giant leap toward poverty and big pile of junk.
Welcome to the club kiddo.

[AJLareneg]

Any collection is welcome, small or big!! I think everyone here appreciates gaming and I think it helps make the introductions more personal to speak a bit about yourself too!

Everyone that wants to get into collection has to start somewhere too.

Welcome to the forum!

[Solemn_In_Berlin]

Thanks guys for the warm welcome. And thanks for telling my collection won't be small for long.

Anyway, out of curiosity, am I the only one from the Philippines here? Am I the youngest?

[matze1975]

Hello and welcome!

[Solemn_In_Berlin]

^ Hi and thank you for the welcome.

[foreverflash]

I think there are a couple other filipino members. I really like your CE of Gran Turismo. That must've been a EU exclusive right? Has to be because the American version came entirely enclosed, in a smaller box (cheaper material) and with a red color 5 on front. I like yours better though. You can see which one I'm talking about when I post pics for my introduction thread (which will come soon!).

[Solemn_In_Berlin]

^ Thank you for the welcome, dude.

I am actually aware of the Gran Turismo 5 CE in the United States since I've seen unboxing videos of it as well as the pics Twistedsymphony provided. This edition is actually exclusive for Asia (I don't buy Euro-exclusives. Customs and taxes will kill my parents' wallets ) and yes, I prefer this one. The enormous sleeved box, that neat, little keychain, and the certificate of "authenticity" were all traded in for a smaller box with a cute windowpane to reveal the GT-R model, the Stealth Models Pack (totaling 11 downloadable cars extra) and a significantly cheaper price tag.

[Solemn_In_Berlin]

Small update, and a very late one at that. These are all the CEs I got in my first year as a collector.

LittleBigPlanet 2 Collector's Edition




Gran Turismo 5 Collector's Pack 2nd Edition




Bioshock 2 Special Edition




Dante's Inferno Divine Edition




Driver: San Francisco Collector Pack




Atelier Totori: The Adventurer of Arland Premium Edition w/ NISA poster




Killzone 3 Limited Helghast Edition

[Fitzgera1d]

Welcome, from one pinoy to another. I am quite new here too and everyone has been extremely nice.

Although u don't get much CEs, you guys get all the JDM Honda engines we have to overpay to get.

Lol, after reading my post, I found out this is an old thread, lol.. Oh well...