5 of the best 2016 Collector’s Edition games

For most consumers, the standard version of a video game is perfectly fine. For fangirls and fanboys alike it’s the special editions, the products with exclusive and elusive content, that they’re after.

Next year will be another bumper year for video games. We’ll be seeing the release of Far Cry Primal, Final Fantasy XV, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, and The Division. That also means a wealth of Collector’s and Limited edition version of these games will be available. They’re editions not only containing the game, but figures, special in-game content, books, and more.

For this list, we’ve only looked at what’s currently up for pre-order on local ecommerce websites.

Here are some of the more interesting video game special editions hitting the South African shores in 2016:

Far Cry Primal: Collector’s Edition

Primal is a departure from the traditional modern-day setting of the previous games and thrusts players into the Stone Age. Players take on the role of Takkar who’s stranded in the Oros valley, once covered with ice. He’s left with no weapons after an ambush of his hunting party. Takkar will have to scavenge the world, take down saber-toothed cats and mammoths as he rises to power.

The Far Cry Primal Collector’s Edition will include the game, a unique box design, official Wenja phrasebook, a steelbook case, map of Oros, the soundtrack, and a range of digital content.

The game is set to hit our shores on 23 February for PC , PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, but no price has been set for the Collector’s Edition.

Life is Strange: Limited Edition

Originally debuting as a digital-only title, this five-part episodic adventure from Dontnod Entertainment has received a multitude of praise. Its story revolves around a teenage girl, Max, who discovers she can rewind time and change past events. Along with her visions of an oncoming hurricane set to wipe out the town where she lives, Max finds out just what her powers can do and how the effect those around her.

Life is Strange will now be receiving a physical edition for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. This boxed edition of the game will contain the game itself, a 32-page art book with concept images, director’s commentary, and a 14-track soundtrack with 8-track original score. The music in Life is Strange is stellar, which means it’s a must for any fan of music lover alike.

Life is Strange: Limited Edition should be available to purchase in South Africa on 22 January with an RRP of R299.

Overwatch: Collector’s Edition

A forthcoming title from video games giant, Blizzard Entertainment, Overwatch is a multi-player first person shooter with a few twists. Having already allowed players to take part in a beta, there’s already a huge buzz surrounding the title. We’ll have to wait unto 21 June next year to really see what all of the fuss is about.

As with most Blizzard titles, Overwatch will be receiving it’s very own Collector’s Edition of the game. This version will contain the game, a 28cm Soldier 76 statue, steel book DVD case, full-colour artbook, and the Overwatch soundtrack.

The Collector’s edition will set you back R2499 and release on 21 June next year. It will be available for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

Tom Clancy’s The Division: Sleeper Agent Edition

Taking place in a post- cataclysm United States, The Division is an open-world shooter putting players in the roles of self-supportive tactical agents. Your task is to combat the threat brought about by the disaster as well as prevent the fall of society. Of course, there’s also a massive worldwide conspiracy involved.

The Sleeper Agent edition includes the game, an Agent Watch replica, an Agent Armband, an artbook with concept art, a poster, collector’s box, and a wealth of digital content, which includes a Season Pass.

Tom Clancy’s The Division: Sleeper Agent Edition will release on 8 March with an RRP of R1799. This version will be available for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End: Libertalia Collector’s Edition

Supposedly Drake’s last outing in the Uncharted franchise, A Thief’s End takes players on another adventuer with male Lara Croft. This time, Drake’s brother offers the titular hero fortune hunting extravaganza in the form of Libertalia, a pirate utopia deep in Madagascar.

A Theif End‘s collectioned edition will include the game, steelbook case, hardcover book filled with art work, sticker sheet, a 12-inch Nathan Drake figure, and a plethora of digital exclusives. The game is set to release 18 March and carries an RRP of R1999 locally.

Updated: clarified criteria.