8 special editions that are actually special

Lord of the Rings: War in the North Collector’s Edition

As proven by their need to purchase every single version of the Lord of the Rings film trilogy pressed to a shiny disc, Tolkien’s fans are pretty damn passionate. With these Middle-earth-loving consumers in mind, Warner Bros. Interactive has put together a loot-filled bundle for their upcoming Lord of the Rings: War in the North release. The $129.99 set, which includes an art book, an extensive look – and listen – at the title’s music, console-specific in-game items, and a Ranger of the North quiver case, just may be the one collector’s edition to rule them all.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Special Edition

The latest Zelda’s special edition may not come with fancy toys, art books, or a replica Ocarina, but we’ll be damned if that gold Wii Remote doesn‘t strike a nostalgic nerve. A cool nod to the classic golden cartridge NES gamers coveted in the mid-eighties, this eye-pleasing peripheral’s just too pretty to cover with a protective sleeve. That said, we’re a bit paranoid about our sweaty thumbs wearing off the Skyward Sword symbol while we slice up Stalfos Knights. We may just have to ogle the remote adoringly from a distance while listening to the included soundtrack CD.

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations Ultimate Edition

Saints Row The Third: Platinum Pack

Given the obscenely over-the-top nature of the Saints Row series, you might expect its $100 Platinum Edition to come packaged with a purple dildo. Sorry, folks, instead of including something you’d have to hide from your children, THQ’s taken a more practical route: in addition to some exclusive Stillwater-terrorizing in-game goodies, the set contains a sweet pair of gaming headphones that allow players to disguise their voices as the game’s crazier characters. (OK, so that feature may not actually be so practical.)

Oct 19, 2011

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Matt Cabral
A full-time freelance writer based in Lizzie Borden's hometown, Matt Cabral has covered film, television, and video games for over a decade. You can follow him on Twitter @gamegoat, friend him on Facebook, or find him in the basement of an abandoned building hoarding all the canned goods, med-kits, and shotgun shells.