OXCGN’s Special Edition Games Part 2

‘Tis The Big Release Season!

by BOONY for PM

© 2009 Aaron Dove

Continuing on from our previous delicious menu of Special Edition games packs being released this AAA season from Part 1, we do have a few more chef specials that we would like to recommend to you.

First up on our gaming menu is the Ubisoft Special:

1) Assassins Creed II:

While mixed critical reception is one thing, the success of the original game cannot be faulted. There was a lot of praise for the fresh take at trying to recreate a stealth action game in a historically accurate setting.

There was also much flak shot its way for exactly the same thing. One thing is for sure though, that whilst the main antagonist and historical setting may have changed, Ubisoft have not taken a sword to the core of the gameplay experience but added to the diversity of experience.

For this they should be praised and for fans of the original and for those giving it another chance our old mates at Ubisoft have prepared a couple of delicious servings of the latest wrist knifed caped avenger. They are called the Ying and Yang… oops I mean Black Edition and White Edition.

Limited Edition Black Edition:

• Rare “Master Assassin” upgrade Ezio figurine: This highly collectible figurine produced in limited quantities introduces a unique and powerful design of upgraded Assassin cloak that Ezio will only access in the advanced stages of the adventure.
• 3 in-game bonus quests: -Enter and explore the Renaissances most prestigious monuments to reveal mysterious unique artefacts hidden within their walls: – Palazzo Medicis in Florence -Santa Maria Dei Frari In Venice – Arsenal Shipyard Warehouse In Venice

• Conspiracy book: – This unique piece of art regroups exclusive development team insights on the game art, story and background, revealing secret faces of the Assassin’s Creed overarching conspiracy. The 64 pages book comes with finely crafted leather style hardcover and parchment finish pages.
• Game Soundtrack by Jesper Kyd (British Academy of Film and Television Arts nominee for “2009 Best original score in a game”).
• All videos, behind-the-scene interviews and e-goodies about Assassin’s Creed II.
• Collectible black packaging featured with unique authenticity holographic signature.

This pack is exclusive to EB Games in Australia. Expect to pay AUD$149.95, but if that is a bit pricey, you may want  to trade in 3 games and get it for AUD$29.95: be sure to check the eligible games though before you begin creeping your way into any of their stores.

Limited Edition White Edition:

This one is a stripped down version of the Black Edition and contains:

• White collectable Ezio figurine.
• Collectible white packaging.
• Bonus in game content.
• In Game Quest: Discover a mysterious and unique artefact in one of the most secretive and underground monuments of the renaissance.

You can expect to pay AUD$109 for this edition at JB Hi-Fi or GAME. JB are giving away a hooded Assassin’s Creed II shirt for those that pre-order. GAME has a bonus Prima mini guide and satchel bag for their pre-orders.  So if getting some extra cotton to go with your game is something you wouldn’t mind then climb over you city rooftops to get yourself one of those.

Next we have the Namco’s special:

2) Tekken 6:

2009 has easily been the revival year of the fighting genre. Soul Caliber IV, Street Fighter IV and even a new King of Fighters have hit retail shelves, as well as a Marvel Vs Capcom 2 remake hitting the Xbox Live Arcade. We have also suddenly become once again familiar with the sound of “Shoryuken!” and our character being on the end of it. I am really hoping none of you reading this are Ken fighters!

For those of you (like myself) getting sick of the being pummelled by one of these “Shoryuken!!” then Tekken 6 is going to be a safe place for you. Namco understands also that there are some avid fighter genre fans out there that like to show off their stuff whether it be in or out of the game. So here are the upcoming offers for Namco’s latest fighter.

Tekken 6 Collector’s Edition:

This includes:

• Tekken 6 Game.
• 100 page art book made by the development team.
• The Tekken Limite Edition White Sweat Shirt (for 360, black for PS3).
• Tekken Poster.

This version is limited and seems to be available at either EB Games of JB Hi-Fi. JB Hi-Fi has the better price at AUD$129.

Limited Edition Tekken 6 Fighting Stick Bundle:

This includes:

• Tekken 6 Game
• 100 page art book made by the development team.
• Tekken poster.
• Exclusive wireless Tekken 6 Hori arcade stick.

Once again this version is extremely limited. This one is available at either EB Games, JB Hi-Fi and Gametraders at AUD$269.

On a side note, I do prefer the Hori arcade sticks as the buttons are well spaced out and the stick isn’t as clunky nor does it ever feel like you are losing control over it.

Last but for certainly not the least is the Master Chiefless entry from Bungie,

3) Halo 3: ODST

(or Firefly: The Game as I like to call it)

Whilst it is still safe within the confines of the Halo franchise, Halo 3: ODST might be the franchises biggest risk in its long running history. But personally it isn’t the game itself that excites me the most. It is the voice acting caliber that is attached to this game.

Names like Nathan Fillion, Adam Baldwin and Alan Tudyk might not be the glamourous names in Hollywood, but Sci-fi fans will recognise these names from the cult-classic Firefly series and its cinematic entry Serenity. Throw in some hot Tricia Helfer (from Battlestar Galatica) voice work and you’ve got and impressive cast to help tell a darker and grittier story within the confines of the Halo universe.

It’s a challenge that this cast should easily be able to achieve. But that is not the only special treatment that Halo 3: ODST is receiving.

HALO ODST Game & Controller Pack

Fans have the option of picking up the Halo 3: ODST Game & Controller pack which contains the Halo 3: ODST game and a exclusive custom Halo designed wireless controller.

This pack is retailing for around AUD$129 in most places. There are also multiple pre-order incentives around with EB giving away a SGT Johnson unlock code with pre-orders. GAME are giving away a 1 Month Gold Subscription and JB Hi-Fi are giving away 200 points to use on the Xbox Live Marketplace.

That just about wraps up the Special Edition menu for this season.

Hopefully there is something there that has you licking your chops this holiday season. Undoubtedly though, whether you take up their chef specials or decide to go for something from the standard menu, you are going to walk away satisfied.

Once again we gamers are in for a treat.

What do you think of the Special Editions outlined in Part 1 and 2?  Were you hoping for more, or are you satisfied?  Let us know in the comment box below.

Please share us around

Filed under: 1st Party Titles, Console gaming, Editorial, Game Industry News, Hardware News, Interviews, Microsoft Games, New Game Information, New Xbox 360 Games, Software News & Updates, Xbox 360, Xbox 360 News, Xbox Community Network Tagged: | "Limited Edition Tekken 6 Fighting Stick Bundle:", Assassin's Creed 2, Assassin's creed 2 black edition, assassin's creed 2 collectors edition, Assassin's creed 2 white edition, Halo 3 ODST collectors, Halo 3: ODST, ODST, tekken 6, Tekken 6 collectors edition, Tekken Hori Arcade STick