OXCGN’s Special Edition Games Packs Part 1 –

‘Tis The Big Release Season!

by BOONY for PM

© 2009 Aaron Dove

Well get ready boys and girls and prepare that holiday leave of yours, for the season of game feasting and giving is fast approaching.

The spoils the developers have prepared for us this season may not be as large a variety as years past, but the tantalising flavour of this year’s holiday fare will no doubt challenge the game-making chefs of 2010.

However, some developers have realised that it takes more than just the experience itself to satisfy the hunger of the gaming community and have given us the option to take away a souvenir to remember our time by, if our wallets allow it.

The following begins the delicious ‘happy meal’ Special Edition Menu that game publishers have served for us this holiday season, some including toys and goodies that may or… well let’s face it some probably will not, fit into you stocking.

First up on the plate is none other than…

1) Modern Warfare 2:

I don’t believe it is the question of if you are or are not getting this game. It is more the question of which one of the following you will be obtaining come November.

Prestige Edition:

First of all, for those that want this edition you have probably already pre-ordered it at your local retailer. For those that didn’t you have probably missed out.

But if you still want it your best bet is probably going to be the profiteers on auction sites come November.   However, despite its unavailability, it still deserves mention because of its pure awesomeness!

So what do the lucky devotees to the franchise obtain when they pick this beauty up in November?  Let us see.

It includes:

• Modern Warfare 2 Game
• Limited Steel Tin
• Redemption Code for Original Call of Duty game.
• “Behind The Lines” exclusive art book
• Functioning Night Vision Goggles… That’s right you can put your washing out at night!
• Sculptured Soap McTavish head to rest those NVG’s when you are done putting out your washing.

• Prestige Unboxing

Hardened Edition:

For those who missed out or weren’t prepare to lavish on Infinity Ward’s uber premium priced version of their upcoming blockbuster, but still want that extra something, then the Hardened Version should be straight up your alley. [Editor's Note: Ummmm.....that didn't seem to come out quite right...]

Basically remove the NVG’s and the sculptured head from the Prestige Edition and that is your Hardened Edition. Again this too is limited and most retailers are taking pre-orders now so enlist yours soon to ensure your copy.

It includes:

• Modern Warfare 2 Game
• Limited Steel Tin
• Redemption Code for Original Call of Duty game.
• “Behind The Lines” exclusive art book

Pricing wise on this version, Game has a good Web only pre-order offer for AUD$104, plus your postage of course. If you want yours day 1 then in store JB Hi-Fi look to have theirs at AUD$119 saving you AUD$10 off a boosted RRP.

No trade deals have surfaced yet from retailers, but given the limited stock of this version, I don’t expect any to arise.

2) Dragon Age Origins:

Bioware’s upcoming sexed up, death metallised, fantasy role-playing game definitely looks to be one of the sleeper hits of this holiday season. Okay so I’m biased and a big fan of Bioware’s previous work but let’s face it:  Bioware + RPG = Awesomeness.

So for those hardcore Bioware devotees or those fans of rare relics, here is what Bioware are offering you if you take them up on their Collector’s offer.

Collectors Edition:

It includes:

• Plastic Collectors Box
• Bonus DVD with a ‘Making of’ documentary, Soundtrack, Trailers, Wallpaper, Concept Art Video and Strategy tips.
• 3 Pieces of exclusive in-game content – Bergens Honour, Grimoire of the Frozen Wastes and Final Reason – plus Memory Band
• Unlockable Mass Effect 2 in-game item: Original purchasers of DAO will receive the Blood Dragon Armour which will be usable in both DAO and Mass Effect 2
• The Stone Prisoner unlockable bonus quest and unlockable character, Shale.

Finding prices for this version is a hard task: only JB Hi-Fi has released their pricing for the Collector’s Edition and for 360 you can get it for AUD$109.

3) The Beatles Rockband Limited Instrument Bundle

This extremely limited edition is a must for fans of the fab four. Unfortunately the Wireless Gretsch and Rickenbaker guitar won’t make it to our Aussie shores.

Don’t let that stop you from importing them (I am wanting to grab a Gretsch for my collection personally), but the instrument bundle release itself is extremely limited, so grab it while you can.

Collectors Edition:

It includes:

• Wireless Hofner Bass Guitar Controller
• Wireless Ludwig Drum Controller
• Microphone and stand
• The Beatles Rockband game with original master recordings.
• Pricing wise you should find this for around the $350 at participating retailers, but be quick.

Plus something everyone would love, but will never get – a one-off custom The Beatles Rock Band Themed  Xbox 360 which is up for auction at The Beatles Rock Band Blog – so go check it out NOW if you’re keen. For a good charity, so be involved.

4) Forza 3:

There is bit of competition in the racing market this holiday season, but with the tie in of V8 Supercars firmly in Forza’s hands, this title is the front runner for Australian motorsport enthusiasts. Don’t just think that this is the only thing that Turn 10 has going for its latest racing simulator. This title looks finely tuned and revved up and if you decide to give them that little extra cash, Turn 10 promises to treat you like their pit crew.

Collectors Edition:

It includes:

• Forza Motorsport 2GB USB Storage and keychain
• Forza Motorsport VIP Membership* – Get special treatment within the online Auction House, Community Storefront and on the forums.
• Exclusive Collector’s Edition Car Pack* – Includes 5 custom painted and tuned cars from Turn 10.
• Exclusive Forza Motorsport 3 Theme*

*denotes Xbox Live required.

[Ed: There's the high likelihood that there will be a new SKU released alongside Forza 3 - a Forza 3 Xbox 360 250 gig Bundle that may have the new Vallhalla Unified CPU/GPU motherboard.

The release of an Amazon and BT Games advert showing the actual bundle was promptly removed from their respective sites. Thing is, they are on opposite sides of the globe, which is just more than coincidence, with a price tag of 299 Euros - $US400

Although, I do have it from a solid source, that the console WILL be released as a bundle, but not the 250gig one - at this stage, but with the "new 120gig Elite" - how do I know, the person doing art for the actual shop/store bunting is how.]

If you are looking for the best price then it seems that JB are going to be selling the Collector’s Edition for $99 which is about an AUD$20 saving off RRP, with Game being your next best with their web pre-order offer at AUD$104.

No trade deals have yet to be announced on this or the standard edition, but keep your eyes open if you are wanting to save some coin.

And that does it for the first part of this menu. Stayed tuned as we look to try and dismantle the Assassin Creed II Special Editions in their black, white and rainbow coloured offerings.

We will also be looking at the insanity of what Tekken 6 is about to hit us with, as well as a few more… stay tuned to OXCGN for Part 2.

© 2009 Aaron Dove

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Filed under: 1st Party Titles, 3rd Party Games, Console gaming, Forza 3, Microsoft Games, New Xbox 360 Games, Software News & Updates, Support Australian Stores, Xbox 360, Xbox 360 3rd Party Games, Xbox 360 News, Xbox 3rd party exclusives Tagged: | "Dragon Age Origins Collectors Edition", "Limited Editions", "Modern Warfare 2 Hardened Edition", "Modern Warfare 2 Prestige Edition", "Prestige Edition", "Special Editions", "The Beattles Rockband Collectors Edition", "The Beattles Rockband Limited Instrument Bundle", COD Modern Warfare 2, Collectors Edition, Dragon Age: Origins, Forza 3, forza 3 collectors edition, Hardened Edition, Modern Warfare 2, The Beattles Rockband, Xbox, Xbox 360