VGCollect Forum
General and Gaming => General => Topic started by: dhaabi on September 15, 2025, 09:55:13 am
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It's that time of the year with holiday spirit soon to be in the air! Presenting a tradition many here have come to love, I introduce VGCollect's 2025 Secret Santa gift-exchange, now thirteen years in the running! I'd like for the event to go as planned without any issues or hurdles, so I politely ask that this introduction post be read in full. Additionally, we as a community have established that all who are interested to have been members of the forum community for at least three months prior to this announcement topic alongside some sort of site activity. Generally, all are welcome, and we hope that longtime participants return and new ones take part.
Like with previous years' events, I've decided to streamline steps so that most everything I need as the organizer is supplied all at once. With that said, I've created a Google Form for those interested in participating to fill out. For those concerned, the form does not collect e-mail addresses, and completing the form does not require a Google account. Be aware that to formally join the event, the attached form below is needing to be completed. With that said, for the sake of the establishing further interest and community discussion, please be sure to also post in the forum topic if you're planning to take part.
VGCollect 2025 Secret Santa Sign-up
https://forms.gle/r3EAG9xjpvFv4kEQA
Feel free to publicly discuss what you think should be the expected budget, any updates you'd like to share with everyone participating, or anything else related to Secret Santa. As is typical, I think everyone would appreciate any and all discussion to help raise excitement and to maintain engagement. Toward the end of the sign-up period, I will publicly post what the agreed upon budget that has been selected by most participants is. If the budget becomes more than you originally were planning to spend, or if there is any reason you need to withdraw from the event whatsoever, please let me know via PM so that you are formally withdrawn. At the latest, please let me know by the end of Sunday, October 5, as wish list information will be sent to each Santa the following day.
I would like for there to be enough time for anyone interested to see this topic, so the sign-up period will run for approximately three weeks until the morning of Monday, October 6. Following the sign-up period, I will assign each participating Santa their giftee by forwarding wish lists and mailing addresses, and the actual fun will begin!
Something I will mention is the agreed upon budget. As one should assume, this budget tends to be more of a guideline. Evident from the past, many participants personally decide to exceed the budget, although no one should feel as if they themselves or their Santa are required. This hasn't been any major issue in the past, but it's worth addressing, nonetheless. On that note, many participants in the past have gone above and beyond in curating their gifts and mailing them with care, so continuing with that attitude would be fantastic to see.
In regards to how participants will be paired, the state of world trade (specifically relating to the United States) has impacted this event. As a result, participants living in the United States will only be paired with other US citizens. Here is a previous post (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,12658.msg210010.html#msg210010) where I've discussed the matter at some length.
2025 Santas
1. dhaabi
2. NickAwesome
3. kashell
4. Cartagia
5. telly
6. ferraroso
7. puddingm
As it's needed, I will publish follow-up posts while also updating this initial topic post below:
October 06 Update (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,13104.msg210303.html#msg210303)
The expected budget should be around $60 USD.
November 09 Update (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,13104.msg210554.html#msg210554)
Please plan ahead to have all shipped items reach their final destination by December 12. After parcels have been mailed, tracking information should be forwarded to me via PM so I can ensure everything is running smoothly.
As stated above, this is now the thirteenth year the VGCollect community has celebrated this Secret Santa event! Below are past topic discussions for each previous year:
Secret Santa 2013 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,4178.0.html)
Secret Santa 2014 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,5554.0.html)
Secret Santa 2015 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,6559.0.html)
Secret Santa 2016 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,7734.0.html)
Secret Santa 2017 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,8571.0.html)
Secret Santa 2018 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,9354.0.html)
Secret Santa 2019 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,10417.0.html)
Secret Santa 2020 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,11096.0.html)
Secret Santa 2021 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,11567.0.html)
Secret Santa 2022 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,12036.0.html)
Secret Santa 2023 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,12565.0.html)
Secret Santa 2024 (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,12889.0.html)
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I'm in. I don't see much of a reason to upset the apple cart in terms of general guidelines, but probably be fine with any changes we need to make.
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Chalk me up for my 11th year!
We should probably unpin last year's thread too ;)
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I'm excited for another year!
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Glad to see everyone's interest so far! As a reminder, all those wanting to participate will need to formally sign up to the event using the attached link in the topic post (https://forms.gle/r3EAG9xjpvFv4kEQA). Filling out this form gives me all the information I'm needing at once instead of it being relayed here or having to deal with PMs.
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I signed up. I've dubbed this year as a "self-inflicted, chaotic kick in the d***" so some much needed joy with Secret Santa will help end the year on a good note.
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I'd appreciate if the shipping date would be December 5th for Domestic U.S. people. Black Friday is when all my local game stores have sales and often solid inventory for the holidays so it's the best chance to find something locally or take advantage of great sales online. December 5th gives enough time so that if I do order something that requires shipping- it will likely arrive by then if ordered the week before. Hopefully the 5th would not interfere with persons trying to do a group opening event later in the month.
Since the matter of a specific date when parcels should be shipped seems rather dependent on each calendar year, I'm directing conversation to this year's topic.
For context, Black Friday for 2025 is on November 28. Personally, I think it may make more sense to have a specific date when items should arrive (or be projected to arrive, as mailing systems aren't fully reliable) instead of when they should be sent.
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For those who are planning to have their VGC Wish List be a shopping guide for their Santa, it's worth mentioning that the Priority function works now ever since certain site features were reverted earlier this year.
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I think there were 8 participants last year. The list gets smaller and smaller each year. I get it, but it's definitely jarring seeing it compared to a decade or so ago.
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Sorry for not being very participative in the forum recently, but I'm still here.
Thank you for your message, dhaabi! I'll be happy to participate this year as well!
Looking forward to go shopping!
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I think there were 8 participants last year. The list gets smaller and smaller each year. I get it, but it's definitely jarring seeing it compared to a decade or so ago.
I think there are a few different reasons for event participation decline this year alone which is disappointing to see, but fortunately there is still any interest in it. There are still about two weeks left, and some members who traditionally participate have not visited the forums since this year's topic was posted. With that said, and as was implied by ferraroso's post, I did send out a mass message mentioning that this year's event is now live to a few people while hoping that they had e-mail alerts turned on.
Glad to have you, ferraroso! Hopefully one other person outside of the US is wanting to join.
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Hey we may just have 6 right now but it's 6 really great people all the same! :)
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I've also signed up :)
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I think there were 8 participants last year.
I didn't go back to double-check this when I first responded, but I did just now. There were actually only seven participants last year including myself, and now we're at seven once more. Maybe 2025 will have increased participation?
I've also signed up :)
Great!
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I didn't participate last year because of international travel, so there's at least one person missing from last year.
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There's about one week remaining for the sign-up period!
https://forms.gle/r3EAG9xjpvFv4kEQA
With that said, this is what everyone thinks about what amount this year's budget should be. Of course, this could change if others wanting to participate sign up. What do you all think so far? In hindsight, perhaps I should have added more options, such as $70.
(https://i.imgur.com/D5W1cpP.jpeg)
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So to clarify the OP, we have to have been members and active in the forum for at least three months prior correct? I've just joined recently and want to make sure I'm understanding before I try to jump in! :D
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So to clarify the OP, we have to have been members and active in the forum for at least three months prior correct? I've just joined recently and want to make sure I'm understanding before I try to jump in! :D
First, welcome to the site nintenguy99! And yes, that is correct. Stick around some and engage with the community while interacting with the site, and next year you'll be able to join.
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Sounds like a plan, gives me something to look forward to next year
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Posting a general reminder to all that the sign-up period for 2025's Secret Santa event ends in just a few days!
https://forms.gle/r3EAG9xjpvFv4kEQA
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Information has been forwarded to all participants! This year, we're a group of seven. If you have any questions, feel free to send me a PM.
As I mentioned last week (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,13104.msg210222.html#msg210222), this year's budget should be around $60 USD.
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Let the games begin!!! :)
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It's tiiiiiiiiime!
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My site wish list should be all updated now too!
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Just started the hunt today!
Make sure you have your Wish Lists up to date! I'll try to finish shopping early this year.
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Off to a riproaring start - a vendor sent me the wrong game. Insert facepalm emoji here.
At least the second game that I found was correct and looks good.
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Yikes that stinks :-\ Thankfully we're still early in though!
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Off to a riproaring start - a vendor sent me the wrong game. Insert facepalm emoji here.
That's a bummer and an annoying hassle. I've had mailing mix-ups before too, and usually what happens is that the seller just accepts the loss with letting the buyer keeping both items. Hopefully the situation works out in a way that it's not any more of an inconvenience for you!
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I think it will be fine. I (nicely) messaged them, and they were very apologetic. They even refunded me and said they'd send me the right game.
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Alright. New game is en route. Another game has arrived and looks great. I hope my recipient enjoys them and the theme I've come up with.
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Got all my game shopping done in one fell swoop this morning! Not to find extra goodies to add.
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I can corroborate this story.
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Sounds like a team effort was had ;) I'm going to start looking sometime this weekend! Been really swamped right now.
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Gifts wrapped. Note written. Swag added. Box sealed.
I'm going to wait a bit before shipping, so I'm placing the gift out of sight until November. I don't want to wait too long to ship since I'm guessing shipping prices will increase as Christmas gets closer.
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Gifts wrapped. Note written. Swag added. Box sealed.
Wow, you are on it!
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Anyone else going to ship their gifts soon? I'm probably gonna head to the post office on Saturday or Sunday.
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I'm still in the gift-gathering phase, though hopefully I'm not the only one at this stage.
It was mentioned before but never gained a response, but should we agree on a specific deadline for when items should be delivered?
I'd appreciate if the shipping date would be December 5th for Domestic U.S. people. Black Friday is when all my local game stores have sales and often solid inventory for the holidays so it's the best chance to find something locally or take advantage of great sales online. December 5th gives enough time so that if I do order something that requires shipping- it will likely arrive by then if ordered the week before. Hopefully the 5th would not interfere with persons trying to do a group opening event later in the month.
Since the matter of a specific date when parcels should be shipped seems rather dependent on each calendar year, I'm directing conversation to this year's topic.
For context, Black Friday for 2025 is on November 28. Personally, I think it may make more sense to have a specific date when items should arrive (or be projected to arrive, as mailing systems aren't fully reliable) instead of when they should be sent.
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I'm going shopping this weekend! ;D
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Yep! I'm going to be shipping this weekend, as well!
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I'm all done shopping! I hope my recipient will like their gifts, also I hope they will catch the silly theme I came up with for their items. ;D
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Done and done. The package is on it's merry way.
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More than one Santa's gifts have already been mailed! Let's try to have parcels reach their final destination by Friday, December 12.
When tracking information becomes available, please be sure to forward it to me privately. Thanks!
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I've got everything wrapped. Just need to find time to get to the post office.
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How's things been going? Anything else shipped/delivered??
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I've confirmed three parcels having been mailed, one of which confirmed to have been delivered (though likely two have.)
For myself, all my gifts to send have arrived. I should have them mailed out by the week's end!
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Anyone want to do a virtual opening together? :) I was sad that we weren't able to have one last year!
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We can certainly try for that again!
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Since I last updated, I've confirmed three gift parcels having been delivered, with now six in total having been mailed. Things look to be going without any issues, which is great!
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Let me know when and i will try to make it to a live opening.
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Even if it's just the three of us that would still be fun! :)
How about the 10th, 11th or 12th of December? I can't do the week of the 14th because of choir concert production week.
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12/10 is great. Lock it in?
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Weekdays are usually a no-go for me, but since my time zone is so much different from most people's, I may be able to join depending on the time...
By the way, I have my gift in hand. Just waiting for opening it.
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I got my gift! I had my BF open it to ensure things were wrapped, and they were. Otherwise, I have no idea what to expect. I'll have it hidden until we hang out for an unwrapping party.
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How about 8 EST for an opening? 7 CST?
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That works for me. How are we connecting this time?
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I'll send a Zoom link over DM to anyone interested! Who else is able to join?
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Everything so far works for me, I just haven't received my package yet.
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I've confirmed all but one gift has been delivered! I've just reached out to the final Santa requesting an update. I don't have any concerns about whether anything will be mailed (or perhaps it's already been mailed but tracking wasn't forwarded to me), though I do wonder if their gift will be delivered by the 10th.
On that note—I may be able to attend a gift-opening meetup then, but I won't know until later on.
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Has anyone opened their gift yet? Are folks waiting for 12/10? Some maybe waiting until Christmas Eve or Day?
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Mine is safely packed away waiting for just a few more days! :) Cartagia did you end up getting yours yet?
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Mine is safely packed away waiting for just a few more days! :) Cartagia did you end up getting yours yet?
I've been waiting for tracking information first to provide an update. A tracking number was forwarded to me on 12/5 but was only received by the carrier the following day. And late last night, the estimated day of delivery was finally stated: Monday, December 15. Unfortunately, the gift parcel will not be delivered by the posted deadline.
November 09 Update (https://vgcollect.com/forum/index.php/topic,13104.msg210554.html#msg210554)
Please plan ahead to have all shipped items reach their final destination by December 12.
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Silver lining: at least it's before Christmas Eve and Day?
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On that note—I may be able to attend a gift-opening meetup then, but I won't know until later on.
Should a group unboxing still be planned for this week, I'll definitely be unable to attend. I'll now have unexpected company visiting from Wednesday through the weekend.
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Kashell and I will still be hanging out over Zoom to open our gifts and we'll record it and post to YouTube for anyone that's interested! If there are any last-minute attendees who would like to hang out just DM me and I'll send you the Zoom info :)
Reminder opening will be this Wednesday at 8 Eastern!
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I'm still down, regardless if my package is here or not.
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I'm still down, regardless if my package is here or not.
Check your inbox! Just sent! :)
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Sorry for the absence here...
Are you meeting today at EST 8h00 AM? (That would mean JST 22h00 for me, am I right?)
Can't promisse, but there's a slight chance I may be able to join...
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We're looking at 8:00 PM Eastern/7:00 PM Central.
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To clarify further to avoid any confusion, the planned meeting is at December 10, 20:00 EST, or December 11, 10:00 JST.
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Yes Dhaabi/Kashell are correct, I'll just send you the zoom info and you can join if you'd like! :)
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Here's the link to our hangout this evening!
https://youtu.be/mUzqN6c5UJQ
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Sorry...
I really wish I had the chance to join you guys today.
I hope I can join the hangout next year.
I'll open my gift when I get back home today and post some pictures here.
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It was great hanging out last night! For those that don't watch, dhaabi was my gifter and he was extra awesome. I was given 13 Sentinels on Switch, the entire .hack//SIGN series on DVD, and probably my favorite gift of all is the gorgeous soundtrack to Final Fantasy VIII from DigiCube.
Very thankful, and very happy that I was able to get back into participating this year.
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My package arrived yesterday. It had a couple of extra pins and some perler art as well as several title from my wish list (newest Assassin's Creed, Nier Automata, and a DBZ game I wanted) and Metal Arms for the PS2 (a game I aware has a positive reputation, but no much else about it, so I'm excited to try it out!).
Thanks, Santa!
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After an incredibly busy week, I've finally been able to start catching up with things. I'm glad that there were some who were able to get together for a group meetup and unbox what was available at the time, and what's better is that everyone so far has enjoyed their gifts! In particular, I'm glad I gifted the Final Fantasy VIII soundtrack to kashell, which I'm sure will get much enjoyment whether it's on display or being played during a car ride.
And if I'm understanding some of the many rules to phonetic linguistics, then I think my username would be transcribed as /'da:bi/ or DAH-bee, with an extended vowel a sound. ;)
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After an incredibly busy week, I've finally been able to start catching up with things. I'm glad that there were some who were able to get together for a group meetup and unbox what was available at the time, and what's better is that everyone so far has enjoyed their gifts! In particular, I'm glad I gifted the Final Fantasy VIII soundtrack to kashell, which I'm sure will get much enjoyment whether it's on display or being played during a car ride.
And if I'm understanding some of the many rules to phonetic linguistics, then I think my username would be transcribed as /'da:bi/ or DAH-bee, with an extended vowel a sound. ;)
Thanks again! Funnily enough, before we started recording, I mentioned that I started a replay of Final Fantasy VIII Remastered. The timing was perfect.
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After an incredibly busy week, I've finally been able to start catching up with things. I'm glad that there were some who were able to get together for a group meetup and unbox what was available at the time, and what's better is that everyone so far has enjoyed their gifts! In particular, I'm glad I gifted the Final Fantasy VIII soundtrack to kashell, which I'm sure will get much enjoyment whether it's on display or being played during a car ride.
And if I'm understanding some of the many rules to phonetic linguistics, then I think my username would be transcribed as /'da:bi/ or DAH-bee, with an extended vowel a sound. ;)
But.... what did you get?? ;)
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But.... what did you get?? ;)
Well, I finally opened my gift box! In a way, Santa got me six games: Shenmue I & II, Pikmin 1 & 2, and Final Fantasy Origins, also known as Final Fantasy I & Final Fantasy II! Santa was quite generous and thoughtful, and I appreciate the theme that I realized almost immediately upon opening the third gift. A friendly note was also included, which I've kept inside one of the game cases.
Santa was also somehow able to return the four Silent Hill games that I had lent to telly a few months ago without any issues, so that sure was nice!
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Apologies for the late post. Been a hectic year, and finally, the holiday break.
First of all, special thanks to my SS (ferraroso) for sending a jam-packed package from across the globe with a bunch of games and Japanese candies (Nintendo and Pokémon ones ;D). Stoked with the games and the tasty candies/chocos received (together with a super cute card :D).
Games received:
- Shingeki no Kyojin (PSV)
- Lord of Apocalypse (PSV)
- Luminous Arc Infinity (PSV)
- Tales of Innocence R (PSV)
- World Trigger: Borderless Mission (PSV)
- Mugen Kinogyou Zero Tours (GBA)
- Märchen Forest (NS)
- Persona 4: The Ultimax Ultra Suplex Hold (NS)
(https://i.imgur.com/7wIMfhe.jpeg)