VGCollect Forum
General and Gaming => General => Topic started by: topspot123 on January 18, 2013, 05:59:48 pm
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Just an advance FYI, I am primarily a console gamer, I don't PC game much at all. This post discusses my console and handheld game purchasing.
I know people have different ways that they collect video games. Some collect by genre, system, era, etc., but some of us have a bit of everything. Like many members here game condition and completeness are important factors. I try to buy new over used when I can. But I have other rules that I follow when making buying decisions. I haven't always had these rules, and I add more when I need to address current trends. These rules help keep my purchasing manageable for my budget and living space. These are very loose rules, I can sometimes justify breaking them.
1. Only buy games that I like or think that I will like.
This seems like a no brainer, but I don't really buy games for their collectability, or because of the popularity of the franchise. The vast majority of the games in my collection were chosen by me because I found things that I liked about them, regardless of popular opinion or review scores. I have moved away from buying a game that I don't like much because it is 'significant' in video game culture.
2. It is okay to abandon a franchise or character.
This is a pretty bitter pill to swallow. Part of being a completionist is trying to have every sequel, spin-off, or derivative of a game that I love. Characters such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Crash Bandicoot, and Spyro the Dragon have forced me to make an evaluation of game quality before making a purchase. Which leads me to #3.
3. It is okay to buy a good sequel without having every game in between.
4. I try not to repurchase games I already own (ports and compilations).
Games are frequently ported to other consoles and reissued as compilations and I think that's a very good thing. But I usually own the original releases. Unless they have added something significant to the re-release, I try to avoid spending money on the same game again. I am missing out on things like HD textures and trophy support, but I also like the purity of playing a game on it's original system.
5. As a multi-console owner, I try to buy the 'superior' version of the multi-console game I am buying.
Sometimes it's obvious which version is better due to exclusive features or imperfect porting (see Bayonetta or The Orange Box), other times it's not so clear and each version has separate strengths and weaknesses. I try to do enough research and pick the right one for me. This has influenced me on #6.
6. I can buy a 'Playstation' game on any system I please.
What I mean is that Crash Bandicoot, Resident Evil, Silent Hill, etc, are historically tied to the Playstation. It feels 'right' to play these games' sequels with a Playstation controller. But if it makes sense for me to, I'll buy a sequel for a Nintendo system, or a Microsoft system, or whatever (I think this rule sounds lame and obvious, but I have two friends who disagree with me and remain console specific for certain franchises). On what system will I buy the new Tomb Raider? I don't know yet!
7. All other things being equal, I purchase physical media over digital (download) media.
I am not an staunch opponent to digital purchases and I have made many. But it usually makes sense for me to buy the physical media.
As I think of more rules, I might edit this post.
What rules do you follow for your collections? Are you in charge of your collection or vice versa? Does it require this much thought and planning, or are you more relaxed about it?
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I will not buy a game that does not come with the case. Saturn, genesis, ps1, master system etc.
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My rules are pretty similar to yours. I might buy a game that I have on another system if I don't have the superior copy, but I wont sell my original just because I have another.
Any game that's CD based must be complete or I won't buy it.
I prefer physical over digital...to the extent that what little digital only games I do own, I don't consider part of my collection.
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Great set of ammendmants for collectors lol. I just want to add along the port rule and physical copy like the releases of classic games ie dreamcast collection and saturn games that have been showing up on xbla or psn, it feels more satisfying to have the original copies.
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My general collection and my Castlevania collection have 2 different specs. I'm kind of in the middle of reevaluating my collecting habits though.
Obviously the Castlevania collection needs to be CIB. But here are the rules.
- Games must be CIB. In the best possible box condition available.
- Sealed is not important at all.
- Minimal creases/rips on the box.
- No sun fading. Some shelf wear is acceptable.
- No variants (this may change), Though I do have 2 variants at the moment.
- Kid Dracula on GB CIB isn't critical, and can stay loose. Though I still look for a CIB occassionally.
- Console releases only (except the Konami Collection which I already had the disc and it was bothering me that it was loose), no oddball old PC ports.
- North American releases only. No need to collect each copy from each region. I do want Kid Dracula for Famicom though.
- Officially released Swag is part of the collection. But fan made swag isn't. Try to get any new preorder swag as it comes out.
General Collection guidelines.
- Cartridge based games are OK loose. But the labels must look good. I try to stay away from ripped or fades labels.
- Genesis, DS and 3DS carts on the other hand must be in their case, or I won't buy them.
- Disc based games need their cases and manuals. If they don't I instapass.
- Artwork must be in good shape, w/o sun fading. Some shelf wear is ok though.
- From this point on. No more complete system list collecting. Only buying games I actually want and want to play.
- Digital games are ok. If they are PC games or XBLA/ Nintendo eShop only downloads. But I'll always go for physical over digital on retail games. I boycotted Patapon 2 until they released a UMD version of it because it was Digital Only.
- PC games, I don't really hold much value in. So I'll usually go digital on those. But I'll rarely, if ever, download a console game. I think the only full games I have for consoles that are digital are the ones Sony gave away for their huge network fail.
- Compilations/ Remakes/ ReReleases are OK, especially if the games are hard to come by alone. But I prefer the original version over an emulated version any time.
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"Is it moldy or in bad shape?"
If no, buy.
"Is it cheap?"
If yes, buy.
... that's about it.
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"Is it moldy or in bad shape?"
If no, buy.
Brown Sauce.
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"Is it moldy or in bad shape?"
If no, buy.
Brown Sauce.
I bought a brand new copy of Quarterback Attack for PC off eBay. It looked nice so I put it in storage.
Three months later, I opened it. It had water damage and mold inside. I had to throw everything away. I couldn't even leave the guy a neg since so much time had passed. :(
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Ha gross. It was brand new though?
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"Is it moldy or in bad shape?"
If no, buy.
"Is it cheap?"
If yes, buy.
... that's about it.
Pretty much sums up my rules :P
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Ha gross. It was brand new though?
That's what I said. :(
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Since focusing my collection, I have lowered my standards and have been very happy.
No boxes for game carts - I used to spend so mush time looking for these and paying a premium. Recently I purchased a genesis and have acquired 31 games. All in all, I'm out about $40. This would have purchased a max of about 8 games in their cases. It's SO much hassle.
XBOX must have case, who cares about instructions This could change. It all depends on price. I don't think I have a real problem with buying a loose disk, a 99 cent sports game for a green case, and replacing the insert with a high-quality printing of a cover project insert.
Dreamcast is complete So few games and one of my favorite systems.
Saturn and Sega CD... Don't know... I haven't started these and that is because I am really tempted to try staying away from cases on these as well. I would just use the cover project on DVD cases. They stack better. And periodically I find someone selling a collection that were in a CD book. They can't sell 'em. So, they let good disks go really cheap. Plus, those giant sega jewel cases suck! But buying loose CDs seems sketchy.
To be honest, after seeing other collectors and my past experiences. I actively stay away from cases most of the time. CIB SNES collectors are insane and put collecting habits in perspective. :P
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1. If it is cheap, buy it
2. If you think someone else wants it, buy it
3. If wife would enjoy it, buy it
4. Disc based games must have cases, unless it's cheap enough, then buy it
5. If I already own it on another system, buy it to add to numbers
6. If I have a sealed copy of the game, buy an open one to play
7. If I have one game from a series, I must buy the others
8. Only sell extra copies if necessary!
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I bet the game was back from katrina or ike... even though it was brand new they probably robbed the video game store in the flood... oh yea back to the real subject....
1. if cheap buy especially because that means I may be able to get more than one cheap game.
2. If originally came with a hard case like genesis or some of the Disc game must have cases(though I've bought games in bulk with other games without cases)
3. I buy at times to reach my goal to collect at least all the games I've enjoyed, will enjoy, and of course always have enjoyed.
4. buy the collectors edition or ultimate edition, black edition, etc... (Only because now it is easier thanks to vgcollect members keeping me well informed)
5. Wife showing an interest in a game and I can afford it at the time. (last game she showed interest in is Tropico 4 and she only played it a week before it became a dust collector though when brought up about the game she is like oooh yea but I don't remember how to play so maybe some other time)
6. I will trade for something I may have copies of because why would I need two unless they are known to be different (I.E. sticker difference ,case difference different version, different game system, etc.)
7. Bought it because someone is looking for it and I can afford to give... (Happens rarely, but some of my friends have started paying me back with letting me have games they let me borrow and I told them I would buy them off them but instead they say naw it is cool you can keep it)
8. I will sometimes try and buy the game even though I have yet the system (SMS is one of these I already have 2 games and have yet to receive the system broken though but not bad for the price)
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I don't have many of them, and few I do have are because I'm cheap:
1. I generally won't spend more than $20 (plus shipping if needed) for a game. If I do, it better be one I REALLY want. Even then about $40 is the limit. I'm the type of gamer you see scouring Goodwill and local used music shops for the best deals.
2. I'm not a collector that needs the box to every game, but it at least has to have sticker/label on the cartridge or CD fully intact.
3. I don't buy duplicates of games, unless it's a handheld version of a console game or vice-versa, or a remake. I'm not the type that needs special collectors variants of games or both a Saturn and PS1 version of Resident Evil (but I do own both a PS1 and Gamecube version). I just want a copy to play, but I do try to get the best version if it's within reasonable cost.
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1) It has to be for sale
2) I have to have the cash
3) Carts have to have the label at least
4) Disks and DS/3DS have to have to box and manual
5) I have to want to play it
6) RULE 5 doesn't apply to NES or games that are a deal. I will buy any pile if it is the right price. I'm an idiot like that.
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7. If I have one game from a series, I must buy the others
I have this same problem. ha
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Im glad I dont have that rule. Id have a lot of FF, Zelda, and Metroid games I dont like.
My rules are simple.
1: Cart only on NES
2: Complete on PS1
3: Must want to play (other than NES)
4: Will not buy a console for one game. This is the one that is killing me. I want to play Crusader of Centy, Magic Knight Rayearth, and Popful Mail. I dont want to add 3 more consoles to my already crowded room just to play 3 games.
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here is my rules
(1)if a console or pc is not working, try to fix it (thats why its good to have a soldering iron)
(2)when buying always do your research
(3)dont neglect the items in your collection but have fun with them
(4)dont buy on impulse
(5)have set goals
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3. If wife would enjoy it, buy it
Word. Keeping one's spouse happy and amicable to the hobby is essential. :D
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I have a few basic rules I go by
1. My money is prioritized to go towards games I actually want to play however if the price is right I'll buy anything for a console I'm collecting
2. Cartridge base games just need to have a good label and be clean.
2. Disc based games need to be complete in box
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1. It must be a game I want to/will eventually play. This is why I have no interest in collecting every single game released for a particular console/handheld. I do not want crap games in my collection.
* EDIT: And if there are crap games in my collection, chances are they're the boyfriend's. ::)
2. It must be reasonably priced. I don't have loads of money to spend on games.
3. It must be a game I have the console/handheld for. This rule allows for a tighter rein on the wallet as you're not buying willy-nilly on games you can't even play. Sure, there are several games I would like to have for consoles/handhelds I don't own, but at this point in time, it makes more sense for me to collect for consoles/handhelds I currently have. I have recently broken this rule for several PSP games, so I suppose there are exceptions to the rule when it comes to finding exceptional deals. I do plan on getting a PSP at some point soon anyway though... :P
4. It must be in decent condition. Loose carts are acceptable, but if I can find one complete for a few more dollars, I'd much rather jump on that. Disc-based games must be complete, unless it's something that's harder-to-find. Once I find a complete copy of something I already own that's not complete (missing manual, etc.), I'll get rid of my incomplete copy. I do not like duplicates of the exact same thing in my collection.
5. It must be the superior version of a game released on multiple platforms. For instance, I recently bought the PS2 version of Castlevania: Curse of Darkness to replace my Xbox copy of the same game. I will most likely get rid of the Xbox version. Unfortunately, my boyfriend has a differing opinion on this particular rule. He wants every single Guilty Gear Accent Core Plus release, even if it was released for like four or five different platforms. ::)
6. I buy games to keep and play, not to sell. This rule correlates with my first rule, but it may change if I get a bit more serious about expensive items. My boyfriend has a difference of opinion on this one, as he thinks we should just buy whatever we happen to come across of value, and sell it for money toward items we want in our collection. I tend to disagree at this point and only want to spend money on games I want for our collection.
7. Physical > Digital. I will always champion physical media over digital media. I have several XBLA titles, but I would much rather own the physical copy of a game (where possible) as opposed to the digital version. This is a big reason I'm not a part of Steam.
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I have recently broken this rule for several PSP games, so I suppose there are exceptions to the rule when it comes to finding exceptional deals. I do plan on getting a PSP at some point soon anyway though... :P
Might I suggest the PSP-2000 model, when you do go about buying one. I really do believe it's the best model of the 3. I've seen my 2000 along side the 3000 and I really didn't care for the 3000's screen. Something just seemed a little off.
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I have recently broken this rule for several PSP games, so I suppose there are exceptions to the rule when it comes to finding exceptional deals. I do plan on getting a PSP at some point soon anyway though... :P
Might I suggest the PSP-2000 model, when you do go about buying one. I really do believe it's the best model of the 3. I've seen my 2000 along side the 3000 and I really didn't care for the 3000's screen. Something just seemed a little off.
Hey, thanks a lot for the advice. I was wondering which model to get between the three, and I was leaning toward the 2000 anyway. So you helped solidify my decision. :)
The boyfriend wants a 1000 model so that he can soft mod it. ::) :P
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I had a modded PSP-1000 and it ended up being a huge pain in the ass. But I got rid of it, because I really didn't care for it being modded. Finally got tired of it and not being able to just update it to play newer games and traded it in for a brand new PSP-2000.
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I had a modded PSP-1000 and it ended up being a huge pain in the ass. But I got rid of it, because I really didn't care for it being modded. Finally got tired of it and not being able to just update it to play newer games and traded it in for a brand new PSP-2000.
This is the main reason that I don't play psp games on my psp but I do like the emulators for it.
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4: Will not buy a console for one game. This is the one that is killing me. I want to play Crusader of Centy, Magic Knight Rayearth, and Popful Mail. I dont want to add 3 more consoles to my already crowded room just to play 3 games.
I'm with you on that and, am similarly torn as I'd love to have an Atari Jag JUST for Tempest 2000. There's not much else that appeals to me on that system but is Tempest 2000 itself worth the price of a Jag? I've heard many on Atariage say just that.
My other rules are also of the common sense variety - only buy games I like or think I will like although there are exceptions like anything Atari 2600 or Tandy Color computer if I don't have it and its a good price.
I'm primarily a collector of retro arcade ports so I'll always look for anything from say, the late 70's to the mid 80's that was in the arcade and ported to a home console. I've been doing this heavily with the GB/GBC/GBA lately.
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topspot
i agree with all them apart from 3.
if i get a game that follows on from a story i want to play it in order.
i started playing uncharted 3 and as amazing as that game is i put it down until i get the first 2. i think games like this build the character so i want to play them in order.
having said that i will still buy the game if i see it. i will just try and get the previous game before if the above is the case.
of course they are exceptions to this. final fantasy as each is a different story with different characters.
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i refuse to pay $60 for a game.
i refuse to buy map packs any more.
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My rules when game hunting
Cart Games - Games can be cart only but must have an intact label and cart must not be damaged
or discolored (unless it's rare and really cheap as a filler) Only exception is Sega
Games Must be complete in box. Unless rare and/or dirt cheap til I can get a box.
CD Games - All CD based games must be complete, Only exception I make is 3DO if inner cd case
had artwork and book (eg. Street Fighter II Turbo) I can live without the large outter
box. I've turned down rare PS1/2 games at cheap prices just because they where CD
only. Cases can be damaged (they are easy to replace) But cover card and book must
be in good shape.
T16/PC Engine Cards - Must have original case and book, only exceptions are the games that only
came in a cardboard box.
Flash Card Games - DS, Gizmondo, N-Gage, Zodiac must all have the case and book.
PSP UMD's - Must be complete in case.
Famicom Disks - Must have plastic case, envelope and inner artwork. N64DD games must be
complete
Game Systems - Must be complete with original controllers, and everything must work. System can
not be damaged in any way, but will except small scuffs especially if it's rare.
While having boxes is a huge plus. I wont pass on loose Game systems. Only
piece I don't mind missing is RF/AV cables. (unless its something exclusive to the
system.)
Sealed games - When i buy a new game I never open it til I'm ready to play it. This way If a game
never gets played and later I find out its valuable I have a sealed copy. But unless
I find a classic game sealed at a good price I don't hunt for sealed games because
It just makes me want to buy the game twice to have one that can be played.
PC games - I don't collect PC/MAC games of any kind. Console Computers is the closest i get to
Collecting PC games. (TI-99, Atari 400/800, VIC20, Aquarius)
Variations - I don't hunt every version of every game, While I do buy games like Maro/duck hunt,
Super Mario (solo), Duck Hunt (solo) Mario/Duck Hunt/Track Field. Or huge label
difference (eg. silver Metroid label & yellow Metroid label) And even collect the Famicom
versions of the same games I own on the NES. But don't go crazy hunting every
Nintendo seal variation or every sears alternate named game on Atari. I only pick these
up when buying a lot of games and these I hold on to just because, but don't rummage
Through every bin of old carts looking for small label variations.
But I do collect Variations of Game Systems as far as models and colors.
While some of these rules I do break if its cheap and hold on to it til I replace it. Like I picked up a couple T16 cards that where card only just because they where so cheap at a garage sale. And I picked up a Sharp Nintendo TV combo that was missing it's game door. But this system is so rare and the price was cheap I couldn't pass on it. Mainly I want to play the games, which is why I don't go crazy hunting sealed games, it's bad enough the few sealed games I have that I feel I can't open and have to hunt down an opened copy.
I love getting Cart boxes, but if I find a loose game for $20 and the boxed version is $100 I'm happy with the loose cart. Games should be played not just sit on a shelf and looked at.
Also I really hate those professionally graded games that are sealed in a plastic case and are overpriced 10-50x what they are worth. Anyone who buys one of these at those insane prices is down right nuts. If those games where only a little extra i can understand, but when I see a copy of SNES FFIII sealed and graded selling for over $1000 that's just crazy.
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topspot
i agree with all them apart from 3.
if i get a game that follows on from a story i want to play it in order.
i started playing uncharted 3 and as amazing as that game is i put it down until i get the first 2. i think games like this build the character so i want to play them in order.
having said that i will still buy the game if i see it. i will just try and get the previous game before if the above is the case.
of course they are exceptions to this. final fantasy as each is a different story with different characters.
In context I was specifically referring to trying to avoid poor quality games. For example, skipping Tomb Raider: Angel of Darkness, but still buying Tomb Raider: Legend; or skipping almost all of the last 7 years worth of Sonic the Hedgehog games, but still buying Sonic Generations. My 'collector's OCD' would not previously allow this, but I am slowly becoming more rational with my habit/hobby.
In your example of the Uncharted series, I sort of followed the opposite path. I was only ever marginally interested in the first game, but as the sequels received so much critical acclaim, I decided that it would be worth me picking them all up to follow the stories. But no one considers the first game to be low quality, so it wouldn't be affected by the rule.
As far as story is concerned, sometimes it is worth playing a bad game for an okay story. Story is such a big part of modern games that story quality and game play quality are two separate deciding factors for me.
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Sealed games - When i buy a new game I never open it til I'm ready to play it. This way If a game
never gets played and later I find out its valuable I have a sealed copy. But unless
I find a classic game sealed at a good price I don't hunt for sealed games because
It just makes me want to buy the game twice to have one that can be played.
I do this too! Not specifically for the resale value, but just because I like them new. It drives my friends nuts (especially if they want to borrow that game). Unfortunately you can tell just how huge my backlog is by how many sealed games are on my shelves.
BTW A year or two ago, Parasite Eve was fetching big bucks for sealed copies (perhaps it still is). This was one of the only games that I ever let a buddy open to borrow. I still haven't played it, so it would still be sealed otherwise. So now I remind him of that lost value when he wants to borrow an unopened game.
PS (maybe I really do have OCD problems) I actually borrowed a game from a friend once instead of opening my own copy. Do I need help?
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- I don't mind collecting loose cart-based games, but CD based games must be complete, unless they are in a DVD case, then I can go without the manual.
- Unless it is a game I really, really, really want I wait to buy it until I find it for at least 1/3 of it's current average Ebay price
- I only buy games that I think I will play someday and that I'd enjoy.
- I like to collect the coolest version of a game if possible
- I will not buy any Greatest Hits/Players Choice games unless it is a super good deal (like a buck or two) or if it is a game I've had a hard time finding for a good deal.
- I will buy a game I already own if the copy I find is an upgrade in condition. I usually sell/trade the one in worse condition.
- I will never never buy games from Gamestop or a few local independent game stores that make the highest BINs on Ebay look like charity.
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Universal Condition:
-Always remember the price limit when purchasing. Sometimes it gets difficult, but if this rule is not applied... No extra spending money on something else.
Game Conditions:
-Game must come with at least case and manual.
-Everything needs to be in at least good condition. If I'm bidding on a game or lot, a definite must.
-Only original label games. No Greatest Hits/Platinum Hits/Player's Choice/Classic.
-Research Limited or Collector's Editions. Buy only if the contents are worth having.
-Buy Game Of The Year Editions or compilations if the cost of all the DLC/Expansion Pack is greater.
Swag Conditions:
-Always consider if the promo/collectible/add-in is worth collecting.
-Definitely look for item in good condition.
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- I don't mind collecting loose cart-based games, but CD based games must be complete, unless they are in a DVD case, then I can go without the manual.
- Unless it is a game I really, really, really want I wait to buy it until I find it for at least 1/3 of it's current average Ebay price
- I only buy games that I think I will play someday and that I'd enjoy.
- I like to collect the coolest version of a game if possible
- I will not buy any Greatest Hits/Players Choice games unless it is a super good deal (like a buck or two) or if it is a game I've had a hard time finding for a good deal.
- I will buy a game I already own if the copy I find is an upgrade in condition. I usually sell/trade the one in worse condition.
- I will never never buy games from Gamestop or a few local independent game stores that make the highest BINs on Ebay look like charity.
Ditto on all of these, except the Gamestop part. I hate them, but sometimes they have a game I'm having a hard time finding, or randomly low prices (like this week, I bought Rhythm Thief on the 3DS for $20 there, while it's worth around $50 on ebay). I'll always opt for somewhere else whenever I can, but if they have a pretty good price, I'll go for it.
Seriously, we're really collecting in the same way apart from the GS thing! :D
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- I don't mind collecting loose cart-based games, but CD based games must be complete, unless they are in a DVD case, then I can go without the manual.
- Unless it is a game I really, really, really want I wait to buy it until I find it for at least 1/3 of it's current average Ebay price
- I only buy games that I think I will play someday and that I'd enjoy.
- I like to collect the coolest version of a game if possible
- I will not buy any Greatest Hits/Players Choice games unless it is a super good deal (like a buck or two) or if it is a game I've had a hard time finding for a good deal.
- I will buy a game I already own if the copy I find is an upgrade in condition. I usually sell/trade the one in worse condition.
- I will never never buy games from Gamestop or a few local independent game stores that make the highest BINs on Ebay look like charity.
Ditto on all of these, except the Gamestop part. I hate them, but sometimes they have a game I'm having a hard time finding, or randomly low prices (like this week, I bought Rhythm Thief on the 3DS for $20 there, while it's worth around $50 on ebay). I'll always opt for somewhere else whenever I can, but if they have a pretty good price, I'll go for it.
Seriously, we're really collecting in the same way apart from the GS thing! :D
That is awesome! I am not too picky usually, but those things are a must. I turned down a fairly good PS1 deal on Craigslist about a year ago because I found out all the games were disc only (they had like Einhander, Saiyuki, and I think Mega Man Legends 2).
Yeah, my main beef with Gamestop has to do with their policies and several bad experiences I've had with employees in the past. There prices have never really been an issue though. The last game I bought from them fell into that cheap hard to find category; found MS Saga on the PS2 there years ago for like $10 and bought it because of how uncommon that game is and how awesome of a deal it was. That was the last time though. I do go in there occasionally if it is near some place that I am visiting. I found Cave Story 3D on the 3DS for like $30 bucks complete and that was a hard one to walk away from lol.
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- Digital games are ok. If they are PC games or XBLA/ Nintendo eShop only downloads. But I'll always go for physical over digital on retail games. I boycotted Patapon 2 until they released a UMD version of it because it was Digital Only.
- PC games, I don't really hold much value in. So I'll usually go digital on those. But I'll rarely, if ever, download a console game. I think the only full games I have for consoles that are digital are the ones Sony gave away for their huge network fail.
I'm the same on digital and PC games. I even boycotted Patapon 2 too :P It's good that they turned around and made a UMD version too. I don't even know why they would make it digital only in the first place.
3. It must be a game I have the console/handheld for.
I do buy games for consoles that I don't have, but only when I know I will buy the console for sure someday. I buy the games only when the deal is really good tho, like if I find the game brand new for $5 I will probably not have a better deal. I don't have a PS Vita yet, but I have bought 3 games already because they were from $3-$5 a piece.
Yeah, my main beef with Gamestop has to do with their policies and several bad experiences I've had with employees in the past. There prices have never really been an issue though. The last game I bought from them fell into that cheap hard to find category; found MS Saga on the PS2 there years ago for like $10 and bought it because of how uncommon that game is and how awesome of a deal it was. That was the last time though. I do go in there occasionally if it is near some place that I am visiting. I found Cave Story 3D on the 3DS for like $30 bucks complete and that was a hard one to walk away from lol.
Ugh, Gamestop policies... unwrap their "brand new" games then put them on the shelves when they get lots of wear damage, annoy you to no end so that you pre-order games you don't even have the system for, annoy you with their useless guarantees, and so on... I know which employees to avoid if I want to be left alone when I shop there, and I won't shop at all if there's one of them currently working.
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Okay, since there's no law against necrobumping...
My rules are simple:
- Quality over quantity, always
- Any sealed game stays sealed until I decide to play it (unless it's a disc-based game and it happens to be loose inside the case)
- Any and all dupes get sold ASAP (I'm almost always buying lots, so this is a recurring thing)
- Every single game I buy gets thoroughly cleaned, especially used ones, most especially now during this pandemic
- Since I stopped buying cartridge-based games, all games I buy must be complete
- Using eBay as a metric for condition, the least I'll accept is "very good" (I've broken this rule a few times in the past due to specific reasons)
- I'm a cheapskate, so I won't pay $60+ for a game, unless it happens to be one that I will play on-the-spot (Final Fantasy VII Remake being a recent example, which actually didn't cost me $60)
- Physical media always (whenever possible, of course)
- And most importantly, it always must be a game that I know I will play
I also don't buy, or at least try my hardest to avoid getting "Greatest Hits" versions, mainly for PS2 and PS3, although I still have some that I either got in lots or happen to be GOTYEs. My PS1 collection has at least 5 green-labeled games, and for the PS4 I ended up getting some red-labeled ones, too since they were cheap (which is almost always the case).
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- I don't mind cart-only games, though I do prefer cases for DS and 3DS games.
- Discs in a jewel case must be complete. DVD case games are fine without the manual as long as it has the case and cover art.
- I don't really mind greatest hits versions; if they're cheap, I'll pick it up. It's the game inside that matters the most to me.
- I only buy stuff that I want to play.
- I used to buy stuff that I didn't have the console for with the intention of owning it someday (like the OG Xbox), but I've since stopped doing that.
- I will spend full price on games if it's a franchise that I want to support (or if it's from Limited Run or something)
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- I don't mind collecting loose cart-based games, but CD based games must be complete, unless they are in a DVD case, then I can go without the manual.
- Unless it is a game I really, really, really want I wait to buy it until I find it for at least 1/3 of it's current average Ebay price
- I only buy games that I think I will play someday and that I'd enjoy.
- I like to collect the coolest version of a game if possible
- I will not buy any Greatest Hits/Players Choice games unless it is a super good deal (like a buck or two) or if it is a game I've had a hard time finding for a good deal.
- I will buy a game I already own if the copy I find is an upgrade in condition. I usually sell/trade the one in worse condition.
- I will never never buy games from Gamestop or a few local independent game stores that make the highest BINs on Ebay look like charity.
Lol it's so funny to look back on this and see how much things have changed, and to be honest how much I've changed as a collector.
I don't mind collecting loose cart-based games, but CD based games must be complete, unless they are in a DVD case, then I can go without the manual: This actually still holds true mostly. I don't collect loose disks, however I've become a lot more picky about picking up loose carts. The reason for this is I have most of the loose cartridge games I'm after and also I'm actually trying to complete many of the loose carts I already have. If a good enough deal comes my way I'd buy just about any loose cartridge I'm after, but it would have to be a screaming deal at this point.
Unless it is a game I really, really, really want I wait to buy it until I find it for at least 1/3 of it's current average Ebay price: God, I wish this were still true. I think one of the biggest factors that killed my drive to collect more was how difficult it's become to find any sort of substantial deal on retro games. I know they're still out there, but I'm not going to spend 5 hours on a Saturday going to every single garage sale in a 5 mile radius of where I live, or half my day refreshing facebook marketplace and CL. We were definitely spoiled during the first half of the 2010s with how easy it was to find cheap games. I used to find gold all the time just at several of the local stores around me, and at this point I know our flea market was still worth going to. I know thrift stores had started turning to the dark side around this time, but deals were still mostly plentiful. It's got so bad that I'm willing to buy a game I really want at even 10% off its normal price. I can't even remember the last time I found a game for 1/3 or less of its current ebay price.
I only buy games that I think I will play someday and that I'd enjoy: This is pretty much still true, although I'd probably change it to games I know I'll play someday. I'm done hunting down trophy games or "hidden gem" titles that look like mediocre versions of much, much better games that are also way more common.
I like to collect the coolest version of a game if possible: I'm pretty sure at the time I wrote this I meant if there's an ultra, mega-deluxe collectors edition for a game, that's the one I want. I came to the realization several years ago that collectors editions typically take up way too much room, so I've become way more picky about which ones I want. Pretty much unless it's a game I really, really want I don't even consider getting the collectors edition.
I will not buy any Greatest Hits/Players Choice games unless it is a super good deal (like a buck or two) or if it is a game I've had a hard time finding for a good deal: This is one of the few things I can say is still 100% true. I don't do greatest hits/player's choice games. Years later they're still hideous looking and they clash with my non-greatest hits aesthetic in my game room.
I will buy a game I already own if the copy I find is an upgrade in condition. I usually sell/trade the one in worse condition: I suppose this is still true, however i'm not really big on label/case upgrading like I used to be, nor do I come across retro games enough anymore where this is a luxury I have anymore. As mentioned earlier I'm trying to gradually complete my loose cartridge based games which I guess is an upgrade of sorts, but I'm not swapping games out in order to get a copy that doesn't have a minor imperfection on the label like I used to.
I will never never buy games from Gamestop or a few local independent game stores that make the highest BINs on Ebay look like charity: I had to save the best for last lol. God, I cannot believe how much not only my attitude has changes regarding various points made in this statement, but also how much my options as a collector have changed. At the time I wrote this we probably had 15 game stores within a 20-mile radius of where I live, now it's about a third of that. Not only that, but all those stores are way overpriced. Sure, they get some cool stuff in, but it's so expensive that it really dampens my desire to visit most of them. As for Gamestop, it's actually my goto place for buying video games now and has been for a few years. Sure, they're retro game selection is pathetic, but for newer titles they're the best in terms of selection and certainly price. I know Gamestop is not the best company in the world and their days are nearly numbered as a company, but they've really grown on me and I'll genuinely miss them a lot when the last of disappears in probably the next 4 or 5 years. I guess like everything on my old list that is no more, I should savor my Gamestop trips while I still can.
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Something strange has happened to me. After years of just buying whatever, then just buying Sega stuff, it all stopped. I think part of the problem is that I started up a playlist queue for myself, so that I can actually play nearly everything in my collection. I mean it would still take 1000 years maybe. And then adding new games to that list seems like a waste of time. So in general I am down to this:
- is something I haven't played on a workable system i own
- is Transformers or related properties (such as G.I.Joe, Macross, etc)
- is a baseball game
- not going to bother chasing games online unless it is on my WL.
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1: Only buy what I don't have already, unless the one I have is defective.
2: I don't sell the defective one, I usually keep it. Unless it's cracked beyond repair.
3: I don't buy expensive games that I don't think I'll enjoy
4: I go in bulk and try to get more of what I like for less money.
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- I don't mind collecting loose cart-based games, but CD based games must be complete, unless they are in a DVD case, then I can go without the manual.
- Unless it is a game I really, really, really want I wait to buy it until I find it for at least 1/3 of it's current average Ebay price
- I only buy games that I think I will play someday and that I'd enjoy.
- I like to collect the coolest version of a game if possible
- I will not buy any Greatest Hits/Players Choice games unless it is a super good deal (like a buck or two) or if it is a game I've had a hard time finding for a good deal.
- I will buy a game I already own if the copy I find is an upgrade in condition. I usually sell/trade the one in worse condition.
- I will never never buy games from Gamestop or a few local independent game stores that make the highest BINs on Ebay look like charity.
I like to collect the coolest version of a game if possible: I'm pretty sure at the time I wrote this I meant if there's an ultra, mega-deluxe collectors edition for a game, that's the one I want. I came to the realization several years ago that collectors editions typically take up way too much room, so I've become way more picky about which ones I want. Pretty much unless it's a game I really, really want I don't even consider getting the collectors edition.
I wanted to do this back than aswell, but since the beginning of wii u and late 3ds era pretty much every game got a collectors edition of some sort so not really interested let alone usually pretty huge compared to older CE and far more pricy than a standard edition. The novelty wears off in the current era..
I'm pretty pleased with the standard release of modern games these days, I'll only try to get a cool version if it's a game I really like otherwise I'm not going to bother with the most fancy release.
For old stuff that rule still applies though, ps2 wii ds psp and pre era's. but most collectors editions in those era's where both rare and not much bigger than a standard release it wasn't overdone. Still I've seen plenty of people that hated the lack of CE in past era's so I guess having both options ain't to bad.
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My rules are very simple:
1st - I need to be really interested in game, be for a childhood memory or to be played in the future. I don't buy just for the oppotunity.
2nd - Where I live (Brazil) the prices in general are very high, some cartridges are a little more affordable, but most of 90% are very expensive. Then for me, 30~40S is the limit price for a game, I don't pay more than this.
3rd - Carts for SNES, N64 and Gameboy is ok to be loose, for all the rest I need the case (at least) or I don't buy.
4th - The game must be realiable, here there are so much games dirty or destroyed, what need an extra careful.
5th - I try to pick just NTSC-U games, but if this version is expensive i don't mind to get a NTSC-J, my Saturn games are only japanese for an example.
I have few collectors edition, and generally don't buy games just after the release, cuz 60$ here is like a 250~300$ for us. It's crazy how the actual government put the country into a deep black hole, to say a minimum. :/
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I don't have many of them, and few I do have are because I'm cheap:
1. I generally won't spend more than $20 (plus shipping if needed) for a game. If I do, it better be one I REALLY want. Even then about $40 is the limit. I'm the type of gamer you see scouring Goodwill and local used music shops for the best deals.
2. I'm not a collector that needs the box to every game, but it at least has to have sticker/label on the cartridge or CD fully intact.
3. I don't buy duplicates of games, unless it's a handheld version of a console game or vice-versa, or a remake. I'm not the type that needs special collectors variants of games or both a Saturn and PS1 version of Resident Evil (but I do own both a PS1 and Gamecube version). I just want a copy to play, but I do try to get the best version if it's within reasonable cost.
Things have since changed, lol.
1. I've spent plenty more on games I really want since. Drying up of local sources, and having to turn to online sources are mostly why. But also because I'm at a point in my collection where I'm getting more picky since I have most of the essentials I want.
2. I still do get disc only on some of the really expensive titles, but other than that I've gotten a little more picky with most of my disc-based games. Artwork and case, at least.
3. I have bought many remasters at this point, lol. Just to see what's been changed, and to get achievements and such.
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1. If I buy digital, it must be DRM-Free.
2. Mini consoles count as physical media
3. Greatest Hits and such are acceptable
4. Repros are only for titles never released in the US or ROM Hacks
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Interesting thread and idea.
1. I buy what I know will be liked.
- Existing IPs
- Specific genres
2. Playstation is the main system for me.
- Buy physical copies of games given the option.
3. Switch is the main system for the family.
- Every Switch game owned must be kid appropriate.
4. Retro Stragglers...
- There is an end for my personal collections way before most games for the systems are purchased.
- PS1 collection has maybe two more games to add.
- Game Gear collection has maybe two more games to add plus an Everdrive cart.
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1. Buy every copy of Tommy Lasorda Baseball I see, no matter what. Eventually I will have them all and I will destroy all of them except one, making it one of the rarest games in the world.
2. No using shoes as storage for games or accessories. Never ends well.
3. When going to a swap meet, always wear my headdress made of Funco Land dust sleeves. This establishes dominance and gives me an edge in haggling.
4. The Wonderswan has to stay in the backyard. It knows what it did.
5. Theft is justifiable
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1. If I buy digital, it must be DRM-Free.
2. Mini consoles count as physical media
3. Greatest Hits and such are acceptable
4. Repros are only for titles never released in the US or ROM Hacks
Those are solid go-bys
The digital thing isn’t so bad. I’ve gotten more comfortable with it in recent years. Hell, Steam last longer than each console generation.
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Honestly, my rule is simple, if it's a game I want, and the price is reasonable, I'll buy it.
Has it given me maybe a few too many? Yeah. But I also don't really have an issue unloading things at a later date, either.