Rayman Origins released in late 2011, initially for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii. In Europe, buyers could also purchase a special collector’s edition, for Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3. This is the Xbox 360 version.

This is one of the more unique and original collector’s editions I have seen. If you pull out the ‘drawer’, the paper characters and backgrounds will fold out to form a diorama in front of your eyes. This represents the actual style of the game, with layers of hand-drawn graphics.

In the box you will find the regular case of the game.

The game also comes with a soundtrack cd in a separate paper sleeve. Both the disc and the holder a richly decorated with artwork from the game.

Also included is a small, but hard cover art book. The cool thing about these arts is that the game looks exactly like this. So it’s not just concept art, in a way it shows the actual backgrounds, enemies, and objects that are in the game.

This is a great collector’s edition because it’s very original, and it uses the style of the game itself for the presentation of the box. There’s something magical and playful about a  tridimensional world created of paper.

Also, for a collector’s edition of this size it comes with quite a few extras, aside from the diorama it also has a soundtrack (and an actual one in its own sleeve, not just digital) and a hardcover art book. Despite this it’s still compact in size, and therefore easy to store, and it’s also pretty sturdy. In conclusion, a very well done collector’s edition.

The Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch Wizard’s Edition was released in Europe on February 1st 2013. Being a critically acclaimed game, this is one of the more sought after special editions. It sold out well before the release date at most stores.

It comes in a fairly large box with the logo on the top and line drawings on the sides. It looks quite classy, simple and clean.

Removing the outer sleeve and opening the box reveals the following:

One of the main items included in this edition is a replica of the spell book from the game, called the Wizard’s Companion. It is really impressive: it has a hardcover adorned with golden, embossed decorations and a shiny ‘gemstone’ in the middle.

The pages are made from light brown paper and full of information, accompanied by colorful and impressive artwork. Little details such as decorations around the page numbers and colored swirls representing the different chapters make it feel like a meticulous work. It’s the exact same book Oliver has in the game, so you can also use it while playing without having to open a menu.

With this edition comes also the regular case of the game, with a minimalistic print depicting only the logo and a thin line drawing, on a parchmentlike background.

The manual of the game comes separately, probably due to it being thick because of all the different languages in it. The game case itself doesn’t carry a manual, but it does include a redeem code to download two familiars.

There’s some artwork on the inside of the case too.

The plush doll that is included looks alright, not much to complain about. More or less what you would expect.

All in all this is a good collector’s edition. It’s not too expensive and while it may not be exceptionally rich on content, the things you do get are well made. The book is obviously the main attraction for this edition, and it doesn’t disappoint. If you can find it for a good price, this edition is definitely worth it.

The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks was released in 2009, for Nintendo DS. Along with the game, early buyers were offered a limited edition tin box in Europe. Nintendo isn’t known for doing many limited editions, and this version is an elusive one to begin with.

This version is actually pretty valuable, probably due to it being a Zelda item (and a game in the series at that), and also because it’s fairly rare (being a PAL exclusive). Apparently it was a pre-order bonus in certain stores in the UK, but the version I own is Dutch. However, I’ve never seen this edition anywhere in any store, so there can’t be too many of them.

The most prominent feature of this edition is the packaging itself: the relatively large tin box with relief artwork drawing of the game on it. If you open the box, you will find both the game in its case, as a set of figurines nestled within the protective foam.

Unlike the large packaging may suggest, this limited edition doesn’t come with a lot of extras. This is basically everything you get: the box, the game and two small figurines. But for collectors it’s a sought after item.

It’s already quite strange to have a limited edition for a Nintendo DS game to begin with, and this big, metal box catches the eye in particular. It’s not a great package in terms of contents (though it should be noted that it was also quite cheap at release), but for a Zelda fan or game collector this is an interesting item to own.

God of War 2 was released in Europe in April 2007, after the PlayStation 3 had already come out. Its release was accompanied by a special edition.

This is one of those special editions whose main appeal is the nice presentation, because in terms of content there isn’t much to see here. The only thing that sets it apart from the regular game in that regard is a bonus disc, featuring behind the scenes footage.

Ad noted before, the most important thing about this edition is its presentation, and it does indeed look very nice. The outer sleeve is kept simple, with a grey stone texture and the title of the game on the front.

Pull out the inner part (fold out box), and you are greeted with lots of colorful, impressive artwork. Kratos can be seen slaughtering his enemies on different sides of the package, with one black and white close up of his face to seal the deal.

It’s always good when the discs themselves have beautiful color prints on them as well.

This is always very nice to see: the plastic disc inlay is left transparent, so even more artwork can be seen through it.

One thing to note about this special edition, is that it’s not rare at all. Like with ICO, this is probably for the most part caused by the HD re-release that came out, which now contains the best version of this game. The good part about this is that if you don’t own this special edition yet, and you like to collect them, you can get your hands on it for a very modest price. And it is a good looking box to have on your shelf.

Shadow of the Colossus, the spiritual successor to ICO, was released in Europe in 2006. It as one of the final big games on PlayStation 2, and also one of the best according to many. The game received wide critical acclaim, and the mechanic of having to climb bosses in search of their weak spot would appear in many games afterwards.

The game was rereleased in 2011 together with ICO in The ICO and Shadow of the Colossus Collection on PlayStation 3.

Like ICO, the game came in a nice paper box, with artworks printed on all sides, and with a bunch of art cards. It’s a modest collector’s edition, but also a very nice one.

It consists of an outer sleeve, with a fold out box on the inside. As is the case with ICO, the prints on this box are ingame screenshots from the game. Both the front (using a see through disc holder) and the back are decorated with scenes from the game.

Unlike ICO’s, the four art cards that come with this version do not contain prints of ingame screens, but of drawings with a distinct, high contrast style.

Shadow of the Colossus was a great game, and this edition is probably the best looking version to have on your shelf. It just looks classy and elegant. Since it uses the same presentation as ICO, these two editions really feel as a set, where both complement each other. A very nice edition of a great game.