The fancy case is only the beginning for Star Trek fans willing to spend $79.99 instead of the normal retail price of $49.99 on Star Trek Online, but it sure is lovely. It features magnetic closures and nested storage for the rest of the premium items included in the deal. Items like a combination hardbound instruction guide, art book, and disc container, or the cast metal communicator badge, styled after the one used in the game. The package also includes three credit card style buddy passes for you to share with your friends. Swanky!

The collector's edition also comes with the requisite in-game items, with a red matter capacitor for your ship and Deep Space Nine and Next Generation uniforms for your crew.

The Star Trek Online Collector's Edition will be severely limited, so if you want it, I'd highly suggest preordering as soon as possible. GameStop has an exclusive in-game Constitution Class Starship waiting for those that do.

Star Trek Online Collector's Edition [GameStop via Big Download]

Let me clarify: A PS3 won't access the mp3 files from a Blu-Ray disc. PS3s absolutely will play mp3s, just not from a Blu-Ray. Original article continues:

In addition to a bunch of other stuff, the $75 special edition comes with a bonus DVD whose content includes the fantasy RPG's epic soundtrack. Of course for PS3 that's upgraded to Blu-Ray to take advantage of that drive in the PS3, which in turn won't read the mp3 files. Basically, you have to buy a Blu-Ray player for a PC to get to it, and who the hell wants to do that, right?

BioWare's forums are said to be full of threads on this subject. In this one, a customer complains to Electronic Arts over its support chat, and is told more or less that EA's aware of the problem but has no remedy for it. Ouch. But the guy did get a $20 EA Store coupon, a code he immediately posted after proclaiming he had no intention of doing business with EA after this screwup. Pretty sure that code's been cashed, but who knows, if you complain, maybe you can get one.

I have emailed the EA press contact handling Dragon Age: Origins to ask if there might be some sort of larger fix for this - like either making the content available for download elsewhere, or shipping out a CD/DVD-ROM version. If I hear anything - remember, it's the weekend after Thanksgiving, it'll be updated here.

EA/Bioware Unwilling to Address DA:O PS3 Soundtrack Problem [BioWare forums via tipster David S.]

The collector's edition will come in a tin case and include the game, a 48-page hardcover "Art of Mass Effect 2" book, Issue 1 of the Mass Effect Redemption comic book, and a bonus DVD with behind-the-scenes and making-of videos.

The $69.99 edition of the game will also include unique in-game weapons and armor.

"We're really excited to roll out this Collectors' Edition featuring so many unique items, including special Collectors' Edition armor and weapons and content that will surprise Mass Effect fans," said Dr. Ray Muzyka, co-founder, BioWare and Group General Manager of the RPG/MMO Group of EA. "The limited edition comic book and bonus DVD will really enhance and expand the overall Mass Effect 2 experience."

I know that collector's editions have become the norm for most major game releases these days, but I still don't see the draw. Well, perhaps with the exception of Modern Warfare 2's night vision goggles.

Mass Effect 2 hits stores on Jan. 26 in North America and Jan. 29 in Europe for $59.99.

For $79.99 the "limited run" version of Ubisoft Montreal's stealth action game—still due February 23 in North America—packs in the requisite art book, "collectible" decals, an embossed Steelbook DVD case, one Splinter Cell comic book and a pair of in-game items.

Also included is a USB drive "loaded to the max" with collectors edition exclusive content. On top of that, you'll get a game disc and manual. Those two alone are worth $59.99 at least!

For the full description, straight from Ubi, read on. It's all them from here on out.

CUSTOM USB DRIVE - This credit card–sized 3rd Echelon USB drive can stealthily fit in your wallet, is compatible with Xbox 360, and is loaded to the max with exclusive content you won't find anywhere else, including:
• Full-length 'Making of Splinter Cell Conviction' video
• Wallpaper
• Concept art
• Renders
• Screenshots
• Storyboards
• And more…

"FIFTH FREEDOM: THE ART OF SPLINTER CELL" BOOK
• Relive the best of Splinter Cell from past to present. This comprehensive hard-bound art book by Prima(TM) includes detailed art from the original Splinter Cell, Pandora Tomorrow, Chaos Theory, Double Agent, and Conviction, as well as in-depth commentary and notes from the developers.

TWO EXCLUSIVE IN-GAME CONTENT ITEMS
• Gain first access to the MP5-SD3, a lethal close-quarters submachine gun with an integrated suppressor.
• Customize your multiplayer character with an exclusive 3rd Echelon outfit.

COLLECTIBLE DECALS - Available only in the Collector's Edition are two unique Xbox 360 decal stickers.
• 3rd Echelon Logo Decal
• Iconic Bullet Hole Decal

"DIGGING IN THE ASHES" COMIC BOOK
• Watch the sequence of events preceding Splinter Cell Conviction unfold before your eyes in this one of a kind digital Splinter Cell comic book.

STEELBOOK DVD CASE
• Premium embossed metallic steel case packaging with iconic imagery.

An epic game needs a truly epic collector's edition, and Sony is delivering just that. The God of War III Ultimate Edition is a work of art. Specifically a work of sculpture, as the whole thing comes packed inside a high-end sculpted replica of Pandora's Box. To those of you behind on your Greek mythology, Pandora's Box is the container in which was stored all of the evils of man - hatred, jealous, internet flame wars, MySpace, etc. It was actually a jar, but the case for God of War III wouldn't have fit inside a jar, and neither would the limited-edition God of War art book, featuring interviews, art, and additional content to please fans of the series.

Along with the box, game, and book comes a slew of exclusive digital content available on day one of the game's launch. There's a God of War combat arena with seven challenges to overcome; a premium Dominus Kratos skin; a full-length movie documentary called God of War: Unearthing the Legend; the God of War trilogy soundtrack; and the God of War: Blood and Metal EP, which is a heavy metal homage to the series.

Now how much would you pay? But wait, there's more! Preordering the game at Amazon, GameCrazy, or GameStop will net you a code to download the E3 2009 God of War III demo as soon as today, along with one of three exclusive Kratos skins, seen below.

I believe the first is Amazon, followed by GameCrazy and then GameStop.

No word as to how much that massive sculpted box full of stuff will cost you, but is money really an object when it comes to large, wholly unnecessary stone boxes?

UPDATE: GameStop is saying $100.

God of War III Ultimate Edition and Pre-Order Items Announced [PlayStation Blog]

North America is beating Japan to the punch by a whole two days, with a release date of September 29th as opposed to Japan's October 1st. North American players who preorder the game from GameStop can spend the extra two days pouring over the 80-page that comes with the Collectors Edition of the game, if they're willing to part with an extra $10. $69.99 nets you a copy of the game along with the special book, which contains a 30-page print version of the in-game digital comic, a mini-strategy guide, some artwork, and commentary from Team NINJA producer Yosuke Hayashi and the team's lead artists.

Those who preorder the game from GameStop will also gain access to a special costume for Ryu, the character least likely to be played in Sigma 2, with three sexy female fighters up for grabs in the form of Rachel, Ayane, and Momiji.

So give us your thoughts! Will you be paying an extra tenner for the book, or is the game good enough on its own?

Both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of Arc System Works' latest 2D fighter are getting the big box treatment by Aksys. The set not only contains a very pretty box and the game itself, but a 2-disc, 42-song soundtrack set and a bonus disc containing tutorials from the experts at Dustloop.com and Shoryuken.com. The video walks you through each character, showing you the ins and outs and delivering special tips for getting the most out of your favorite fighters.

How much would you pay for this much BlazBlue? That's the best part. The limited edition set is $59.99, the same price as the game alone. In fact, players who've already pre-ordered the game are getting a free upgrade to the limited version. If you've not pre-ordered yet though, you might want to get that done now, as the limited edition set is first-run only, with the second run consisting of the game all by itself, looking sad and lonely.

Check out the Xbox 360 version of the limited edition below, which is exactly the same as the PlayStation 3 version, except for the lack of blu-ray and a bit more green.

The $89.99 limited Collector's Edition of Resident Evil 5 is now available for pre-order across North America, and as you can see they don't price it that high lightly. First you get the special steel case packaging emblazoned with Kijuju writing, which contains the game and a bonus disc filled with art, trailers, and a making of feature...and that's just the beginning of the box.

Along with the steel case, the box also contains a Chris Redfield figurine, a BSAA patch, a Kijuju-inspired pendant, and a lovely Tricell messenger bag to carry it all.

I've yet to pre-order my copy of Resident Evil 5 yet, but I've got a funny feeling I might be making a trip to my nearest game retailer this afternoon to put a little money down. Check out the gallery below for more impressive pics.

Capcom's Resident Evil 5 Collector's Edition Exposed!

Capcom is pleased to announce the Resident Evil 5 Collector’s Edition. First teased last week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas, the Collector’s Edition will be available on day one of the game shipping Friday, March 13, 2009. Available for only a limited time, gamers will be able to pre-order the collectible set starting today at the Capcom store at www.capcom.com. On launch date, the set will be available at all major retailers in North America with a price of $89.99 for the Xbox 360 and PLAYSTATION 3.

For fans of the highly popular series, the box set is not to be missed as it will include a host of never-before-seen collectible items not available anywhere else. All designed around RE5’s Kijuju setting and the game’s in-depth storyline, the box will include a Tricell messenger bag, Chris Redfield figurine, BSAA patch and Kijuju-inspired pendant.

Bringing the entire collection together is a custom made steel case with special art showcasing signature elements of the RE5 campaign - the Kijuju writings, ominous number five and two-player co-op. Inside the steel case is where the real action lies, with a two disc set including the game and bonus disc with additional special features. The Making of Resident Evil 5 feature, first shown at the Tokyo Game Show, will be released on the bonus disc for the first time. A digital art gallery showcasing the game’s incredible HD graphics and impressive art style and a Resident Evil Degeneration Trailer will top off the special features making a bonus disc that is a must-have for all Resident Evil devotees.

Along with the barely dressed statue, the "Royal Bundle" for TopWare's action adventure title includes a soundtrack CD, a double-theme poster, and a strategy guide, along with a mousepad for the PC version and what they are calling a "top-class" artbook. As we can see, X-Blades is all about staying classy.

Sad to say, the bundle has actually piqued my interest. It's not so much the topless statue as it is simple the sheer amount of included stuff. I like stuff. I'd like stuff better if I had a price for said stuff, but I suppose we'll find out soon enough, as the game is due in Europe on January 14th.

Ayumi dresses in style!

Valuable "X-Blades" Collector's Bundle with Statue and Artbook

Karlsruhe, 17th December 2008 – TopWare Entertainment continues its tradition of high-class collector editions with its current title, “X-Blades”. The “Collector's Bundles” for all platforms will be on the market at the same time as the standard versions - on the 14th of January 2009. Highlights in the boxes are a 22 cm. hand-painted statue of the heroine Ayumi and a top-class artbook depicting the game.

There's also a soundtrack CD, a double-theme poster and a strategy guide. If you purchase the PC version, you'll even get an extra bonus - a mousepad. Language-wise, TopWare has also done the game proud - it's been fully localized in English, French, Italian, German and Russian - and there are sub-titles in Hungarian, Polish, Czech and Spanish which can be combined in any way with the speech recordings.

ZUXXEZ CEO Alexandra Constandache: “We've already had excellent fan reaction to our high-quality collector's editions for games like “Earth 2160” and “Two Worlds” - and the most important thing for us is to ensure that our customers continue to get real value for their money. Giving away a cheap map with a game and then calling it a “Special Edition” is not the way we do things here at Zuxxez. That's why we're relying on really special extras once again - with “X-Blades”.

While North American fans will still be receiving the 65-minute long anime movie (on Blu-ray for PlayStation 3), five downloadable costumes, and the comic-book styled hint book, the pair of limited-edition figurines will be split up according to which console you purchase the game for. PS3 owners will be receiving the Ryu figure, while Xbox 360 players will be getting the busty newcomer, Crimson Viper. While there is no mention of a collector's box, GameStop is listing a soundtrack CD, which wasn't mentioned for the Euro set.

Pity. I was really coveting that box.

Street Fighter IV Collector's Edition with Bonus! [GameStop]

The boxes themselves are rather attractive in their own right, featuring a classic Street Fighter scene on the outer case. Inside players will discover a set of limited edition figurines representing Street Fighters past and present, with fan-favorite Ryu joined by the ridiculously busty newcomer, Crimson Viper. Along with the toys, Capcom is also including a bonus disc containing a selection of trailers and a full-length anime movie specially created for the launch of the game. Icing the cake is a mini strategy guide for the four new characters and the promise of exclusive downloadable content.

Here's hoping we see something similar stateside, though I doubt my fireplace mantle is big enough to host both Crimson Viper AND her breasts. Hit the jump for the Xbox 360 version of the Collectors Edition.

While we wouldn't pin your hopes on Target as WoW:WotLK savior — note: Amazon manages its inventory, but the CE doesn't show as available at the online retailer — it's a good back up.

World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King Collector's Edition for PC [Target - thanks, Joshua & Roufuss!]

For how long I couldn't say. Surely not too long after this post goes out, but if you hurry you can still get your hands on tons of limited edition goodness and a box that matches the other two on my bookcase, in case you were trying to coordinate with my living room.

World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King Collector’s Edition [GameStop - Thanks Jim!]

We’re keeping a close eye on our forums, while a lot of the issues reported are not issues with the game necessarily, some of them are (like the two examples mentioned in my blog) however and so we’re looking at those, plus some (like the Abbot Quest) have been fixed already. The biggest issue is when people report a show stopping issue on our forums without enough information for us to reproduce it. Regarding the ETA for said patch, there is no news yet.

And that's the bad news. There is a fix, yet no word yet on when the patch will hit. Still, Sam did present us with more good news...

The issue with missing DLC codes from the LCE will be resolved tomorrow (28th October).

As a person who bought the Fable II Collector's Edition without the code included, I am overjoyed at the fact that I can finally replace my character's pink and black assassin's outfit with medieval Master Chief Armor. And just in case that isn't good enough news, the Fable II Development Blog is also going to be posting codes throughout the week that players can snag in order to download the Fable II Pub Games for free! They've already posted the first five codes, which have no doubt all been redeemed by now. Seems a bit of a backwards way to distribute them, but free is free.

“The WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 collector’s edition is a must-have for the WWE aficionado,” said Nelo Lucich, senior vice president of interactive, JAKKS Pacific. “With innovative content and packaging that looks great on collectors’ shelves, and a host of Blu-ray content including a behind-the-scenes, this collection is certain to be enjoyed by WWE fans for years to come.”

Seems an odd choice really, limiting the collector's edition to one system like that. I suppose THQ just loves PlayStation 3 owners more. It's okay, 360 owners. They still love you, they're just not in love with you.

WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2009 Set to Deliver Collector’s Edition Exclusive to PLAYSTATION®3 System

Leading Fighting Videogame Franchise to Offer Fans Unique Retail Incentive In Support of Upcoming Worldwide Launch

AGOURA HILLS, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI) and JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ:JAKK) today announced details of the WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2009 collector’s edition. Exclusively for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, the collector’s edition is now available for pre-order at select retailers worldwide. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is slated for release on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Wii™ video game console, Nintendo DS™ and mobile devices on November 9, 2008.

The WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 collector’s edition for the PLAYSTATION 3 system features a copy of the game and a disc with exclusive Blu-ray content. Included on the disc is a behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of the videogame, as well as more than two hours of WWE footage from a variety of popular SmackDown vs. Raw cross-brand matches from 2008. The content is delivered in a unique steel cage package for North America, while fans in Europe and Asia Pacific regions will see their items encased within a miniature ring.

“The WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 collector’s edition for the PLAYSTATION 3 system is a tremendous opportunity for us to collaborate with our partners to produce a unique offering for our fans,” said Bob Aniello, senior vice president, worldwide marketing, THQ. “In addition to the great WWE video features, the videogame documentary will allow fans to see all of the work that goes into making their favorite fighting videogame franchise.”

“The WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 collector’s edition is a must-have for the WWE aficionado,” said Nelo Lucich, senior vice president of interactive, JAKKS Pacific. “With innovative content and packaging that looks great on collectors’ shelves, and a host of Blu-ray content including a behind-the-scenes, this collection is certain to be enjoyed by WWE fans for years to come.”

The whole shebang should be hitting stores on February 20th, giving The Sims 2 fans around 4 months to collect all of the expansions for that version and then uninstall them to make room for the next batch.

Pre-Order Your Copy of The Sims 3 Today
Those That Pre-Order The Sims 3 Collector’s Edition Will Receive a Collectible Neighborhood Poster and Exclusive In-Game Content

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced that the Collector’s Edition of The Sims™ 3, the highly anticipated next-generation flagship PC game from The Sims Label, is now available for pre-order at select North American retailers including GameStop, Best Buy, Circuit City, Fry’s Electronics, GameCrazy, EB Canada, Amazon.com, Gogamer.com, Target.com and Walmart.com. Worldwide pre-order opportunities outside of North America will be announced in the coming months at which time fans can look to local retailers in their market for more information. The Sims 3 Collector’s Edition, in stores on February 20, 2009, will include the full game along with an additional collectable 2GB The Sims Plumbob™ USB drive, tips and hints guide and a bonus in-game European-styled sports car unavailable elsewhere. In addition, those who pre-order the product now will receive an additional exclusive in-game vintage sports car, and a collectible poster that is a first look at the neighborhood, all available while supplies last1.

The freedom of The Sims 3 will inspire you with endless creative possibilities and amuse you with unexpected moments of surprise and mischief. In The Sims 3 you can create lifelike Sims with a unique personality and take them anywhere including the gym, bistro, park, art gallery and more. The feature-set includes a new seamless, open neighborhood, new create a sim, new unique personality traits, new unlimited customization and new gameplay that’s quick and rewarding. The neighborhood is alive and constantly evolving so what happens to a Sim on one side of the neighborhood could impact your Sims on the other side of town! If your Sims are in the right place at the right time, who knows what might happen? And now for the first time, your Sims have distinctive personalities thanks to a range of all-new personality traits. You have the option to select from dozens and dozens of personality traits such as brave, artistic, kleptomaniac, clumsy, paranoid and romantic. Combine up to five traits to create over a million truly diverse Sims.

The all-new Create – A – Sim allows you to completely customize your Sims’ appearances making every Sim unique. The feature is easy-to-use and more powerful than ever, letting you fine-tune every aspect of your Sims face, customize their hair color, select the exact shade of their skin tone and determine much more to make lifelike Sims. It’s never been easier to make Sims that are thin, full-figured or muscular and everything in between! In true The Sims fashion, you can customize everything. The Sims 3 allows for infinite possibilities to design the interior and exterior of your Sims surroundings.

Additionally, you can enjoy the challenge of short-term and long-term goals and then reap the rewards! Based on personality traits, skills and career choices, your Sims have short and long term Wishes that provide constant fun challenges, things to do and achieve. You have the ultimate freedom to choose whether to fulfill their destiny, giving them lifetime happiness and rewards or not! Will your Sim skyrocket from latrine cleaner to an astronaut, go from being a rabid fan to a sports legend or will you choose an alternate destiny? In The Sims 3, life is what you make it!

The Sims 3 Collector’s Edition will include:

The Sims 3 Game for PC
The Sims Plumbob USB Drive with matching Green Carabiner
Exclusive In-Game European-Styled Sports Car
Tips and hints guide
The Sims 3 Plumbob Stickers
For more information about The Sims 3, please go to www.TheSims3.com.

Obviously, you get the game disc. And....

* Special Ultra Limited Edition packaging
* Dead Space Downfall Animated Movie (DVD)
* Bonus content DVD
* Exclusive lithograph art
* 97-pg Dead Space art book written and illustrated by the development team
* 160-pg Graphic novel
* Ishimura crew patch

Special, ultra and limited packaging? Consider us interested. Currently, the EA store is listing the Dead Space Ultra Limited Edition only for the Xbox 360 and there are no pictures to speak of yet, but we've got a note in wondering about a PlayStation 3 version. We'll keep you posted.

Dead Space Ultra Limited Edition [EA Store - thanks, Matthew!]

Some of you might say this is paying extra for an advantage over other players, which is not true. This is paying extra for a box of cool stuff *and* an advantage over other players. Silly.

Mythic Entertainment Announces Head Start Program Dates for Warhammer Online

Get ready for the worldwide WAAAGH! Mythic Entertainment announced today that North American players who have pre-ordered Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning (WAR) will be able to get the jump on creating their characters and exploring the world when the game’s “Head Start” program begins on September 14th.

The “Head Start” program offers players early access to the game and a chance to join the Realm War before the servers officially go live on September 18th. Players that have pre-ordered the standard edition of the game will be granted “Head Start” access on Tuesday, September 16th at 7am EDT. The lucky fans who pre-ordered the Collector’s Edition will be able to log in even earlier and begin play on Sunday, September 14th at 7am EDT.

Whether players choose to join the fight as an incendiary Bright Wizard or a shadowy Witch Elf, the characters they create during the “Head Start” program will carry over their skills, abilities, weapons and career rank into the game when the servers officially open to the general public on the Day of Reckoning – September 18th.

Based on Games Workshop's epic tabletop fantasy war game, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning features revolutionary Realm vs. Realm game play that will immerse players in a world of perpetual conflict for years to come. Available for PC, WAR is rated “T” for Teen by the ESRB.

Along with the box you'll receive the game itself (thank goodness), a limited edition t-shirt in a size too small for me, an Art of Far Cry 2 book, a map, and the requisite making-of DVD. Note that nothing concrete has been announced for North America yet, but seeing as concrete would be far too heavy they'll probably go for wood here as well.

Ubisoft Confirms October 24th Release Date for Far Cry® 2 and Announces Collectors Editions Content

London, UK – September 05, 2008 – Today, Ubisoft announced that Far Cry® 2 will be released on October 24th throughout all EMEA territories on the 360™ video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows® PC.

“Far Cry® 2 is an amazing journey that will take you to the darkest places of Africa where each player will choose how they play. This will provide gamers with an unprecedented experience in the FPS genre”. John Parkes, EMEA Marketing Director.

To celebrate the release of Far Cry® 2, Ubisoft is happy to unveil the Far Cry® 2 Collectors’ Edition that will include:
- Exclusive wooden box
- Original Far Cry® 2 Game
- Limited edition Far Cry® 2 t-shirt
- “The Art of Far Cry® 2” Art book
- Collector 50km² map
- Making-of DVD

Far Cry 2 Collectors’ Edition is now available for pre-order at Game and www.game.co.uk

For more information, visit www.farcry2.com.

I've posted the full listing after the jump, so if you're curious, go ahead and take a peek. Just be warned, the content has been rated M by the BBFC.

n/a GEARS OF WAR 2 BONUS DISK
00:34:29:00 BENEATH THE SURFACE (NO SOUND UNTIL 3M30S)(FREEZES AT 6M50)
00:01:05:00 RENDEZVOUS
00:01:28:00 BARE YOUR TEETH
00:07:30:00 E3 2008: GEARS 2 DEMO
00:03:38:00 GTTV SPOT
00:11:56:00 CHARACTERS - MARCUS FENIX
00:07:40:00 CHARACTERS - DOMINIC SANTIAGO
00:07:40:00 CREATURES - BOOMER
00:07:10:00 CREATURES - KANTUS
00:15:55:00 LOCATIONS - HOSPITAL
00:13:01:00 LOCATIONS - THE HOLLOW
00:07:08:00 VEHICLES - CENTAUR
00:06:10:00 VEHICLES - REAVER
00:13:00:00 WEAPONS - LANCER
00:10:50:00 WEAPONS - HEAVY WEAPONS
n/a MAIN THEME
n/a CINEMATIC OPENING
n/a ASSULT INTRO
n/a MARIA
n/a COG SQUAD PACK (5 IMAGES)
n/a LOCUST SQUAD PACK (5 IMAGES)

Gears of War 2 Bonus Disk [BBFC via Eurogamer]