VGCollect Forum
General and Gaming => General => Topic started by: gf78 on January 28, 2015, 10:38:01 am
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I really enjoy looking through everyone's game collections here and was curious what you base your buying decisions on. I've noticed that many here have a wide array of games from various systems and many times, they may have say, Mega Man 6 for the NES but no other Mega Man titles. Others are more like myself and have runs of games and/or series that they enjoy.
So I ask, what basis do you use for collecting games? Just buying whatever you come across? Do you buy your games including disc-based titles as disc-only or do you only buy complete packages?
Maybe it's my OCD that affects my buying habits, but I tend to focus on getting complete "runs" of whatever series I am looking for. For example, I recently bought the complete 9-game collection of Silent Hill in a matter of about 3 days. I've also completed runs of all the Tekken and Soul Blade/Calibur titles.
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I have an "approved franchise" methodology that I like to use. If a game is part of a series I like as a whole, I'll get the entire series even if some entries aren't so great. For example, I love the Tales series. Not all of them are great such as Tales of Legendia or Tales of the World, but I have them anyway because they're part of an approved franchise. Another example is the Guilty Gear franchise. Guilty Gear Isuka was an awful -AWFUL- game but it's part of a series I like as a whole.
Those that aren't part of a franchise like Tsugunai or Mad Maestro, I just pick and choose after doing research on the game.
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if I'm out looking for games and not looking for anything in particular (just browsing or whatever), I generally do a mix of franchises/companies I like as long as they're not crazy expensive or if I find a cheap game that I've never heard of that looks/sounds interesting (based on box art/name/back of the box). As I don't have a smart phone I'm not able to do research on the fly but I kind of like that aspect of it. Just taking a chance on certain games sometimes can be fun.
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I use to have OCD issues as well where I would try to complete a certain game series, but as of late I haven't been buying or collecting retro anymore. Only if I stumble across some games where I can get at a decent price. As of now when I look at my retro games I am satisfied with my collection, I have all the titles which I mainly want.
I only get new games these days, my collecting habits have drastically changed over the years, have to prioritize certain things in life. So I just stick with new releases now. I feel my retro collection has a great selection and plenty of great titles for me to choose from when I feel like playing some older gems.
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I use to have OCD issues as well where I would try to complete a certain game series, but as of late I haven't been buying or collecting retro anymore. Only if I stumble across some games where I can get at a decent price. As of now when I look at my retro games I am satisfied with my collection, I have all the titles which I mainly want.
I only get new games these days, my collecting habits have drastically changed over the years, have to prioritize certain things in life. So I just stick with new releases now. I feel my retro collection has a great selection and plenty of great titles for me to choose from when I feel like playing some older gems.
I go through spurts myself where I won't buy anything old for months on end, then I just start grabbing stuff up. I'm kinda on a PSP kick right now and my recent acquisition of a complete in box PSP 1000 (with headset controls, demo UMD, Spider-Man 2, manuals, memory card and PSP carrying case) has only intensified my urge to pick up PSP games. I also have a PSP 2000 model that I changed the entire shell out on (check out my pics, I think it's pretty cool!) and I've been eyeing PSP Go's on eBay which seem to end for around $60-70 including shipping. Right now, I'm looking at picking up Patapon 1-3, LocoRoco 1-2, ATV Offroad Fury Blazin' Trails, God of War Ghost of Sparta, Fat Princess, Darkstalkers, Dissidia and Dissidia 012 Duodecim and a few others.
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I started off buying just NES games. Then, one day I found a Saturn for $10 at a Goodwill. That opened the floodgates. Now, I have a little bit of everything. Some systems have more focus than others. Some depends on how much I can get something for. I love the feeling of getting a good deal. :P
Now days though, I'm re-focused on NES. I really want a complete collection.
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1. Do I want to play it?
2. Do I already own it?
3. Is it in working condition?
4. Is it reasonably priced?
And that's about it.
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1. Do I want to play it?
2. Do I already own it?
3. Is it in working condition?
4. Is it reasonably priced?
And that's about it.
Thats about my list too. I won't buy just any game if I can't see myself playing it sometime.
I would also add to that list is it complete. This however tends to raise the price :(
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1. Do I want to play it?
2. Do I already own it?
3. Is it in working condition?
4. Is it reasonably priced?
And that's about it.
This is also valid for me, but only when it comes to collecting Sega stuff. When it comes to Commodore stuff, I just get my hands on anything I can :)
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I used to have something like 16 different systems & was collecting the games from top 10 lists and stuff probably 15 years ago, I had a lot of the games everyone wants. One day I came to realize that the Gameboy, being my first real game obsession, would be the only console I would actually "collect" for, as in trying to get every game. I only have maybe 30 minutes a day anymore to play games, so I grab a random handful of GB carts sometimes and play 'em on my SP.
I kept the systems and games that I actually still played and enjoyed, and figured out what I really liked, had space/time for. A lot of the high-priced games were just collecting dust, so I cashed 'em in & got more Gameboy stuff. Haven't regretted selling any of them. I figured I would get a lot further into collecting for one system than I could for 16, it's just too spread out. I still follow the Nintendo handheld lineage, since it fits my lifestyle so well & carries on the tradition. I still have plenty of systems though, I just kept my favorites.
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I'm pretty much looking to see if its in good condition and a reasonable price. I like having the options around. I've bought games for systems I don't own just because finding them in the wild for good prices was rediculous (SMS game, Doom for the 32X).
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I guess I have a few;
- Wnen buying online I wont buy loose cartridges as I don't like how they look on the shelf. I also wont buy disc-only games, whether it's online or in the wild.
- One exception to the above point... occasionally (but not that often) I'll buy loose NES games, but if it's a game I really want or know for sure that it's a great game, then I want it boxed.
- If I'm looking to buy a DS game, then unless there's a huge price difference I'll get the US version over PAL, as I greatly prefer the US game cases.
Other than those I can't really think of anything specific that I really stick to. I usually just see if it's a game that I either know I want to play, or looks like I might enjoy it. I don't buy games for the sake of it.
I don't really have any franchises where I feel like I've got to get the whole series. EG: I've got Castlevania 1 & 2, but I know that I probably wont get the third as it's really expensive. I'd like to have it, but I'm not particularly bothered by it.
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1. Is it a game I'm interested in?
2. How much does it cost?
3. How complete is it?
3a. If it's a cart-based game it doesn't matter.
3b. If it's a CD-based game in a DVD case it needs the case and disk at least.
3c. If it's a CD-based game in a jewel case, it needs to be 100% complete.
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My criteria is - Does it look like a cool game? -> Am I really interested in playing it? -> Is the price right for me? -> Is it in acceptable condition?
For methods, I buy loose carts, and make my own boxes/packaging for them, and try to stick with only complete games for discs and modern handheld. Acceptable condition to me just means it wasn't clearly abused. It doesn't have to be near mint. Also, I am cheap and on a budget and that impacts my methods quite a bit. I buy games as cheap as possible, and hold out as long as I can stand to for a good opportunity to buy them for less.
I create and research a wishlist for each console and then prioritize based on which game for each looks the most interesting, and that is the next game I will seek out. I also pick up lower priority ones if spotted for the right price. The only time I might buy blindly, is if it's the odd $1 per game kind of situation.
The reason I own something like just Mega Man 3 is because it's literally the only one I've ever found at the right price for me. I've played many of them before, but still not willing to spend between $40 - $170 each to have all of them in my collection. I'm probably just going to pick up the PS2 Mega Man collections instead because it doesn't look like I'm ever going to find any more just floating around.
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I try to complete game sets like Get all NES Sunsoft Games or Konami. I also have countless wish lists to look at if I am in need of a game. I also never buy digital unless there is some version of a physical copy available. If not then it's debatable whether I buy it on PS4 or Steam depending on content. If no exclusive content, the Steam. Certain CD/DVD disc based consoles I only buy a 100% complete version.
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I go in streaks. Usually I'll get hyped up on a console and just buy anything for that console that I come across, that's how I ended up with a lot of Saturn sports titles and $1 bin Game Boy games. But lately I've been more picky on things. So now it goes something like this...
1. Is it a Castlevania game?
1a. Do I own it? - If no...
1b. Is it Castlevania VS., Haunted Castle, Playchoice-10 Castlevania? - If no...
1c. Is it a variant? - If no...
1d. Is it better condition than my copy? - If yes...
1e. Is it a reasonable price? - If yes...
1f. Maybe purchase, if the funds are available.
2. Is it a PS2 game?
2a. Do I own it? - If no...
2b. Is it an Atlus Game? - If yes, see 3.
2c. Is it on my VGC Wishlist? - If yes..
2d. Is it complete? - If yes...
2e. Is it a reasonable price? - If yes...
2f. Cha-Ching!
3. Is it an Atlus Game?
3a. Is it Persona or Etrian Odyssey? - If no..
3b. Is it complete? - if yes...
3c. Is it a reasonable price? - if yes...
3d. Cha-Ching!
Not a lot of Cha-Chinging has happened lately, as I'm still working on getting my finances in order. But this is what I've been going by to help me keep from splurging. It also helps that I've not really been wandering the game stores much lately.
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I go in streaks. Usually I'll get hyped up on a console and just buy anything for that console that I come across, that's how I ended up with a lot of Saturn sports titles and $1 bin Game Boy games. But lately I've been more picky on things. So now it goes something like this...
1. Is it a Castlevania game?
1a. Do I own it? - If no...
1b. Is it Castlevania VS., Haunted Castle, Playchoice-10 Castlevania? - If no...
1c. Is it a variant? - If no...
1d. Is it better condition than my copy? - If yes...
1e. Is it a reasonable price? - If yes...
1f. Maybe purchase, if the funds are available.
2. Is it a PS2 game?
2a. Do I own it? - If no...
2b. Is it an Atlus Game? - If yes, see 3.
2c. Is it on my VGC Wishlist? - If yes..
2d. Is it complete? - If yes...
2e. Is it a reasonable price? - If yes...
2f. Cha-Ching!
3. Is it an Atlus Game?
3a. Is it Persona or Etrian Odyssey? - If no..
3b. Is it complete? - if yes...
3c. Is it a reasonable price? - if yes...
3d. Cha-Ching!
Not a lot of Cha-Chinging has happened lately, as I'm still working on getting my finances in order. But this is what I've been going by to help me keep from splurging. It also helps that I've not really been wandering the game stores much lately.
I love Castlevania. It pained me when several years ago, I had to sell my Castlevania collection for unexpected medical bills. At the time, I had all three NES games, both SNES games and Castlevania Adventure for the GameBoy all in mint condition in their boxes with all manuals, the styro inserts, the polybags that the cartridges came wrapped in...everything. Then of course, I had all the subsequent games in mint condition. I was only missing the other two GameBoy titles and I just refused to buy them if they weren't complete. And of course, they went for outrageous prices!
Someday maybe, I'll be rich and I'll score the entire set again. I'm already working on it. I've picked up Dracula X Chronicles and Lament of Innocence so far on the cheap and when I find good deals or at least reasonable ones, I'll continue to pick them up one at a time.
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I'll sell off everything else in my collection before my Castlevania collection goes anywhere. It's my most important part of my overall collection. I've been building it for about 10 years. It started with just searching for CIB disc based games and loose carts, and now I'm currently am sitting on a CIB copy and a play copy of everything except Kid Dracula...
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When it comes to disc based games, i have to have the original case/art work. Nothing pisses me off more than seeing games out its original case/art work....
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When it comes to disc based games, i have to have the original case/art work. Nothing pisses me off more than seeing games out its original case/art work....
It's ridiculous to me. I've seen where people have games that have the cover art, but the inside book is not there. I assume that it was a rental copy as I used to see Blockbuster renting games with coverless manuals.
But really, who buys a new game and tosses the case, manual, etc. out? Especially in the day & age where the games are in CD or DVD style cases??
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But really, who buys a new game and tosses the case, manual, etc. out? Especially in the day & age where the games are in CD or DVD style cases??
Kids and GameStop.
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But really, who buys a new game and tosses the case, manual, etc. out? Especially in the day & age where the games are in CD or DVD style cases??
Kids and GameStop.
Wasn't even thinking along those lines. You're right. My kids don't mistreat expensive things because I taught them better. Gamestop is just a menace.
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I feel like I'm a lot more picky than most of the people here. If I just want to play a game then I'd buy a modded system with every game ever made so unless a game comes with the game, case/box, artwork, and manual I won't buy it unless it's a good deal to either sell or trade later. I see why plenty of people collect loose games and cartridges, but the way I see it is it is one extreme or the other. Either you want to play games so just play an emulated version, or you want it as more of a collectible which would mean you want everything. I don't get the price of loose cartridges in particular online, but it helps fuel my getting of complete versions.
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I feel like I'm a lot more picky than most of the people here. If I just want to play a game then I'd buy a modded system with every game ever made so unless a game comes with the game, case/box, artwork, and manual I won't buy it unless it's a good deal to either sell or trade later. I see why plenty of people collect loose games and cartridges, but the way I see it is it is one extreme or the other. Either you want to play games so just play an emulated version, or you want it as more of a collectible which would mean you want everything. I don't get the price of loose cartridges in particular online, but it helps fuel my getting of complete versions.
Everyone's different. Personally, I don't feel right owning anything pirated or emulated unless I already own a legitimate copy (except if it's a homebrew or freeware of some type that's meant to be free). So if I come across a game I want to play, I'm not gonna pass it up because it's missing a manual. I just want to be sure it's gonna work.
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I feel like I'm a lot more picky than most of the people here. If I just want to play a game then I'd buy a modded system with every game ever made so unless a game comes with the game, case/box, artwork, and manual I won't buy it unless it's a good deal to either sell or trade later. I see why plenty of people collect loose games and cartridges, but the way I see it is it is one extreme or the other. Either you want to play games so just play an emulated version, or you want it as more of a collectible which would mean you want everything. I don't get the price of loose cartridges in particular online, but it helps fuel my getting of complete versions.
Everyone's different. Personally, I don't feel right owning anything pirated or emulated unless I already own a legitimate copy (except if it's a homebrew or freeware of some type that's meant to be free). So if I come across a game I want to play, I'm not gonna pass it up because it's missing a manual. I just want to be sure it's gonna work.
I don't really have an issue with emulators and ROMS. For me, I have a modded Wii with lots of old ROMS on it. I tinker with it. But if there is a game I really like, I buy it. When I owned all my original Castlevania games, I played them all on emulators because I didn't want to bother with dragging a NES or SNES or whatever out, hooking it up, etc. It was easier to boot up the ROM.
Most emulators play games that are 20 or so years old or older. I don't agree with pirating software at all and personally, I've never used "burnt" games.
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Most emulators play games that are 20 or so years old or older. I don't agree with pirating software at all and personally, I've never used "burnt" games.
And a lot of those games are being released via Xbox Live, PSN, and Virtual Console. It's still taking money out of people's pockets; if you are of that mindset about piracy.
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Well the first criteria I'll go for is if it's either Resident Evil, Star Wars or Metal Gear and I dont have it then I'll probably buy it (provided funds are available). Also, if I'm buying a game for one of these 3 collections then I'll want it in decent nick with everything in it. Other than that, I never buy loose disc games but I'm generally fine with loose cartridge games (Complete is better though, of course)
Generally, if I can afford it, i don't have it and I'll play it then I'll buy it :)
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1) Is it a game?
A)Yes - Consider the game
B)No - Walk away
2A) After considering it... Is it still a game?
A)Yes - Look in your wallet and ask yourself "Is it affordable?"
B)No - Moonwalk away
3A) Empty wallet "Internally Cry" and ask yourself again "Is it a game?"
A)Yes - Purchase it with month's food money.
B)No - Question life while leaving through the exit.
4A) Was it worth it? Do you enjoy Cup ramens for breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner?
A)Yes - Proceed yourself to the exit with a smile.
B)No- Good I dont like Ramen diets ether.
5A)-You're home now and you look at yourself in the mirror... its a monster?
A)Yes - Go back and try to return the game and get the butterflies at the customer service center.
B)No - Cry yourself to sleep
6A)- Give up and enjoy the game
uhhhh I think thats about it... I dont think I strayed off the path of choosing a game too much.
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I tend to buy games based on the publisher (Konami, Capcom etc.). I usually buy new games, because I want to be the first one to open it. The majority of the time a game will sit on my shelf for several years without opening it though. If I decide I want to play it, I'll pick up a loose disc/cart instead of cracking it open.
Another reason I don't go to Gamestop anymore. I don't want their "new" stickers all over the packaging of an opened game. Kinda sucks when I see the sale ads and get lured in anyway..."sorry everything on sale is a gutted copy".
If the game is going into my collection, it has to be complete and like new condition. I noticed I was spending quite a bit more trying to piece together 3 copies of a single game vs. just buying the one that was already complete. I tend to stay away from garage sales and thrift stores for a similar reason. How much will I spend on gas in the hopes of finding a rare item?
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Its varied with me. Usually it's is along the lines of Do I own it, does it work, and will I actually play it? However sometimes if I know it is a rare retro game I might grab it anyway to resell it or trade it if it is cheap enough. I saw Castlevaina SotN awhile back for 5$. I already have a black label copy but for 5$ I can easily trade SotN for something I want so I bought it. Ended up trading it off for Xenogears.
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First, I check what system it is. First picks for games are Gamecube and Wii. Next, I check to see if it is available at a retail store nearby and if its on my wishlist,. Then, I compare pricing and see if I have any coupons, and make sure that the game is preferably complete( i make exceptions for disc only if I can't find it for a decent price). Then I check the price, and most of the time if its $5 or less, I will usually pick it up. Sometimes I pick up rare stuff for possible trades/reselling.
Sales/trades also help as well.
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Someone answer me how. How is it that people obtain these fantastic collector's titles such as LUNAR: Silver Star Story Complete and somehow end up NOT HAVING a manual that is the size of a Buick. Or maybe they're missing one of the CDs even though they all CAME IN THE SAME DAMN FUC*ING JEWEL CASE! Or maybe they're missing the other accoutrements but somehow still feel the need to sell them as IF THEY WERE NEW.
Drives me nuts. I recently realized that my copy of LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue Complete was far from "COMPLETE." Indeed, it was missing the pendant. Now, I would never wear this pendant. But I want it. And the assholes didn't have it even though they said the game was complete! Like the game's namesake.
Can anyone else tell that it's Friday and I'm posting my first world problems and not working?
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Someone answer me how. How is it that people obtain these fantastic collector's titles such as LUNAR: Silver Star Story Complete and somehow end up NOT HAVING a manual that is the size of a Buick. Or maybe they're missing one of the CDs even though they all CAME IN THE SAME DAMN FUC*ING JEWEL CASE! Or maybe they're missing the other accoutrements but somehow still feel the need to sell them as IF THEY WERE NEW.
Drives me nuts. I recently realized that my copy of LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue Complete was far from "COMPLETE." Indeed, it was missing the pendant. Now, I would never wear this pendant. But I want it. And the assholes didn't have it even though they said the game was complete! Like the game's namesake.
Can anyone else tell that it's Friday and I'm posting my first world problems and not working?
I feel your pain. Apparently, nearly everyone who bought Lunar 2 Eternal Blue Complete felt the need to take Lucinda's Pendant out, play with it and subsequently lose it. Nearly every eBay listing for this game is "complete" sans the pendant. >:(
But I think what pisses me off more than that is people selling games piecemeal. They list the discs, case, booklets, etc all separately.
I'm in the market for Lunar, Lunar 2 and Arc the Lad Collection for the PS1. But there is certain criteria they have to meet:
1) The box has to be in pretty damn good shape.
2) Everything has to be included and again, in pretty damn good shape.
3) The price cannot be outrageous.
For the Lunar games, I would pay upwards of $100 each if they met this criteria and included the official strategy guides. Unfortunately, most sellers list auctions that match my criteria and ask $200 or up a piece. That's a bit over the top.
I kick myself every time I think about these games. My parents bought me Lunar Silver Star Story Complete for my Birthday the year it was originally released. I picked up Lunar 2 Complete myself when it released. These were cream-of-the-crop copies. My anal-retentive OCD-self was so paranoid about something happening to them, I put each one individually inside a mylar magazine bag and kept them on a shelf. The one my parents bought me was luckily pretty flawless and I went through each copy of Lunar 2 at Toys 'R Us and cherry picked the best one. No bends, no fingerprints, no color chipping around the edges of the delicate cardboard front flap. I also used a exacto knife to slit the sticker/seal on one side, then gently pulled it away to avoid damage to the artwork. Ugh...I miss my Lunar games. :'(
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Someone answer me how. How is it that people obtain these fantastic collector's titles such as LUNAR: Silver Star Story Complete and somehow end up NOT HAVING a manual that is the size of a Buick. Or maybe they're missing one of the CDs even though they all CAME IN THE SAME DAMN FUC*ING JEWEL CASE! Or maybe they're missing the other accoutrements but somehow still feel the need to sell them as IF THEY WERE NEW.
Drives me nuts. I recently realized that my copy of LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue Complete was far from "COMPLETE." Indeed, it was missing the pendant. Now, I would never wear this pendant. But I want it. And the assholes didn't have it even though they said the game was complete! Like the game's namesake.
Can anyone else tell that it's Friday and I'm posting my first world problems and not working?
I feel your pain. Apparently, nearly everyone who bought Lunar 2 Eternal Blue Complete felt the need to take Lucinda's Pendant out, play with it and subsequently lose it. Nearly every eBay listing for this game is "complete" sans the pendant. >:(
But I think what pisses me off more than that is people selling games piecemeal. They list the discs, case, booklets, etc all separately.
I'm in the market for Lunar, Lunar 2 and Arc the Lad Collection for the PS1. But there is certain criteria they have to meet:
1) The box has to be in pretty damn good shape.
2) Everything has to be included and again, in pretty damn good shape.
3) The price cannot be outrageous.
For the Lunar games, I would pay upwards of $100 each if they met this criteria and included the official strategy guides. Unfortunately, most sellers list auctions that match my criteria and ask $200 or up a piece. That's a bit over the top.
I kick myself every time I think about these games. My parents bought me Lunar Silver Star Story Complete for my Birthday the year it was originally released. I picked up Lunar 2 Complete myself when it released. These were cream-of-the-crop copies. My anal-retentive OCD-self was so paranoid about something happening to them, I put each one individually inside a mylar magazine bag and kept them on a shelf. The one my parents bought me was luckily pretty flawless and I went through each copy of Lunar 2 at Toys 'R Us and cherry picked the best one. No bends, no fingerprints, no color chipping around the edges of the delicate cardboard front flap. I also used a exacto knife to slit the sticker/seal on one side, then gently pulled it away to avoid damage to the artwork. Ugh...I miss my Lunar games. :'(
LOL I wrapped my Lunar copies and Arc the Lad in cellophane. Glad to see I'm not the only freak out there. I get a crazy look from the BestBuy employees when I ask them for a different copy of a game they just got outta the cage that has a razor slice on the spine. I'm constantly checking my DVD's and games for those cuts.
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But really, who buys a new game and tosses the case, manual, etc. out? Especially in the day & age where the games are in CD or DVD style cases??
Kids and GameStop.
And parents.
*still sore over losing the boxes to most of his PC games back in 2006
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still sore over losing the boxes to most of his PC games back in 2006
Ouch...
As for pre-owned game criteria:
Is the game complete? Case, manual, disc/cartridge, and other items, if possible.
Does everything pass my accepted condition requirements? No scratches, tears, or writings, none-too-evident water wear, and playable.
Is the price within my range? If so, add the game into its respective platform cabinet and update my VGCollect.
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Someone answer me how. How is it that people obtain these fantastic collector's titles such as LUNAR: Silver Star Story Complete and somehow end up NOT HAVING a manual that is the size of a Buick. Or maybe they're missing one of the CDs even though they all CAME IN THE SAME DAMN FUC*ING JEWEL CASE! Or maybe they're missing the other accoutrements but somehow still feel the need to sell them as IF THEY WERE NEW.
Drives me nuts. I recently realized that my copy of LUNAR 2: Eternal Blue Complete was far from "COMPLETE." Indeed, it was missing the pendant. Now, I would never wear this pendant. But I want it. And the assholes didn't have it even though they said the game was complete! Like the game's namesake.
Can anyone else tell that it's Friday and I'm posting my first world problems and not working?
I feel your pain. Apparently, nearly everyone who bought Lunar 2 Eternal Blue Complete felt the need to take Lucinda's Pendant out, play with it and subsequently lose it. Nearly every eBay listing for this game is "complete" sans the pendant. >:(
But I think what pisses me off more than that is people selling games piecemeal. They list the discs, case, booklets, etc all separately.
I'm in the market for Lunar, Lunar 2 and Arc the Lad Collection for the PS1. But there is certain criteria they have to meet:
1) The box has to be in pretty damn good shape.
2) Everything has to be included and again, in pretty damn good shape.
3) The price cannot be outrageous.
For the Lunar games, I would pay upwards of $100 each if they met this criteria and included the official strategy guides. Unfortunately, most sellers list auctions that match my criteria and ask $200 or up a piece. That's a bit over the top.
I kick myself every time I think about these games. My parents bought me Lunar Silver Star Story Complete for my Birthday the year it was originally released. I picked up Lunar 2 Complete myself when it released. These were cream-of-the-crop copies. My anal-retentive OCD-self was so paranoid about something happening to them, I put each one individually inside a mylar magazine bag and kept them on a shelf. The one my parents bought me was luckily pretty flawless and I went through each copy of Lunar 2 at Toys 'R Us and cherry picked the best one. No bends, no fingerprints, no color chipping around the edges of the delicate cardboard front flap. I also used a exacto knife to slit the sticker/seal on one side, then gently pulled it away to avoid damage to the artwork. Ugh...I miss my Lunar games. :'(
LOL I wrapped my Lunar copies and Arc the Lad in cellophane. Glad to see I'm not the only freak out there. I get a crazy look from the BestBuy employees when I ask them for a different copy of a game they just got outta the cage that has a razor slice on the spine. I'm constantly checking my DVD's and games for those cuts.
LOL...your not alone. I'm not so anal retentive these days unless the game has an outer card board sleeve. But even today, I would do the same for the Lunar and Arc games. The packaging of those games and the items inside were a pure work of art. It's like the biggest fan/geeks in the known universe lavishly designed and created them.
Which brings me to the sad state of gaming today. Now games are slapped in eco-friendly, thin ass cases with holes cut out of the plastic and flimsy, tissue-thin art inserts. No manuals, half the game hidden behind a DLC paywall. How I long for things to return to the golden age of gaming when companies put out these great special editions that also didn't break the bank.
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1. Do I want to play it?
2. Do I already own it?
3. Is it in working condition?
4. Is it reasonably priced?
And that's about it.
What he said and will my wife or daughter play it
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I have to be lucky finding games at all, except 7th gen FPS or 6th gen shovelware ^^
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It varies. Usually, I buy based on a mix of in-game footage, gut feeling about whether it's something I'd be into, whether I like/trust in the developer, and so on. Reviews rarely ever factor into the process.
For older games, there are some additional factors. If it's a long-running series with a lot of games, I'll generally try to narrow down the ones that really stand out or are regarded as particularly noteworthy. I look at whether it still holds up relatively well for its age and relative to the time period it came out, or if it's something that's just too clunky to be more than a nostalgia piece. It's usually a developer I'm familiar with too, so I'll often try to gauge where their brilliance started rather than just blindly grabbing everything they've done.
Quality is always a factor, and so I'll never try to buy every game on a particular system regardless of their individual quality, or try to get all the misprints of something, that sort of thing. It has to be something I'm interested in playing.
I try not to buy multiple editions of a single game too often, but tend to make an exception for series I really like, though I've got some games that I'm not rabid about on both Steam and console due to Humble Bundle deals or a sudden impulse buy. I'm still debating whether I'm going to keep the physical versions.
TL;DR - Quality over quantity whenever possible, no extraneous crap that I don't even want to play.
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1. Is it a game I'm interested in?
2. How much does it cost?
3. How complete is it?
3a. If it's a cart-based game it doesn't matter.
3b. If it's a CD-based game in a DVD case it needs the case and disk at least.
3c. If it's a CD-based game in a jewel case, it needs to be 100% complete.
Same here only for me "interested in" = play.
And for 3a I am an odd mo fo.
If it's a game I can get complete for just a couple dollars more then I will get it complete.
I got Renegade, Target Renegade, and Metriod (all NES) complete for that reason.
Bare minimum I want manuals for ALL my cart games. My ColecoVision collection breaks this rule and also my heart.
Disc games MUST be complete.
As gf mentioned I have Mega Man III for the NES but none of the others.
In my case Mega Man III is the same copy I've had since I was a kid. Because prices now are ridiculous on the other games I went the easy way and bought the compilations for PS2.
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Pretty simple. I tend to buy games that:
a) I know I will enjoy or used to own but don't now (e.g. Megaman Collection on PS2)
b) From series I know I enjoy
c) Are highly recommended by friends that have similar taste (e.g. Dark Souls)
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Depends on the system.
For my classic systems.
1. Did I want the game as a kid?
3. How much is it?
3. How much badly did i want it was a kid?
4. if rule 3. is in effect. ignore rule 2.
For my more modern systems (Game Cube and newer)
1. Does it have LEGO in it?
1a. If it has LEGO in it buy it.
2. What do the Reviews say?
3. How much?
4. Does it require using more then 3 buttons at once?
5. Get discouraged and not sure if I would like it.
6. Start to look a a used Neo Geo
6a. see the price of one...
7. Start to look at games for one of my classic systems.
And after all the Video Game shopping, ask my GF to buy me lunch since I spent all my money on games. Most likely a Gyro or an Itallian Beef.