Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin w/FREE 25th Anniversary GIFT PACK at EB/GS - Now w/Pics

[6669]

We only paid the $5 down for the game, and I dont really have plans to pay the rest and pick up the game for a while now. So basically I got the bonus pack for $5.

[chrisflyer]

Which Game Crazy location?

Willoughby, OH

[Eggplant_Wizard]

I had two pre-orders. I wanted one bonus to open and one to keep sealed. The first store (EB) didn't mark my slip and gave me the bonus the day it came in. They only got three in. The second store (GS) had enough to cover all the pre-orders and wasn't giving them out until you picked up the game. Only one person at EB knew what was going on. The guy at GS got my game and the bonus at the same time and knew what was going on. They even had it labeled with my name.

[dracula]

can I still order it right now and get the bonus with the game or will it come without the bonus

well if your gamestop got extra and the employees didnt take all of the extras, you might be in luck. But you will probably have to drive from gamestop to gamestop and hit all of them in your town and still get assed out. It looks like many folks preordered and still got assed out, so if you didnt preorder and still want the bonus, it will be tough to get.

[allyourblood]

Ok like the previous post said there's been some good "oh yeah" stories, but this one is kinda lame. OMG you had to ask for it???????!!!!!!!! big whoop. These are minimum wage employees who are overworked, expected to make x amount of sales every month with no commishion. They basically get crapped out by a greedy company, cut them a break. You got your preorder, did you not?
i worked for a greedy company in retail for 5 years, and started out at minimum wage. it's no excuse. if you can't be expected to do your job properly, and as expected, leave. that's the whole point to at-will employment. they're not making you stay. and overworked? please. kids have it too good these days. i worked at TRU, walking, stocking, cashiering, managing, it's not that hard. when did we, as a country, (Americans) get so tender?

[Rictor]

Heh, I'm glad there are people in the world willing to pay $10+ for that crap. It lets me buy games cheaper that come with pre-order bonuses, since I can sell the bonuses and get back a percentage of what I paid for the game. This one is a bad example though, since even if you sell the bonuses for $10 on Ebay, you could have still bought the game cheaper from Best Buy with the GGC.

[allyourblood]

how many people actually ended up paying the extra 5 bucks? did we determine when that happened? 'cause as for me, i originally ordered it at $39.99, but the price was adjusted down to $34.99 and that was the end of it. just from the past few pages, it sounds like a lot of people paid 5 bucks more.

[dracula]

Heh, I'm glad there are people in the world willing to pay $10+ for that crap. It lets me buy games cheaper that come with pre-order bonuses, since I can sell the bonuses and get back a percentage of what I paid for the game. This one is a bad example though, since even if you sell the bonuses for $10 on Ebay, you could have still bought the game cheaper from Best Buy with the GGC.


is this some sort of joke? the bonuses are hitting $100+ just for the bonus

http://search-completed.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=so&sbrftog=1&catref=C6&from=R10&satitle=castlevania+anniversary&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=90049&fis=2&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search&fgtp=

the only ones ending cheaper were all buyitnows where the seller set the buy now price really low, like 30 or 40 bucks. If you missed the boat and couldnt get the bonus because you went to best buy and got it for $30 instead of paying $35 and getting a bonus you can sell for $100 plus, you need a lesson in basic mathematics if you think you are getting a good deal lol

[GizmoGC]

Anyone find/see the guide for this?

[TheBlueWizard]

Anyone find/see the guide for this?
Our store didn't have any....I think that it has a release date of 12/12.

TBW

Update: Amazon says it releases today, but that it doesn't ship for 2-4 weeks. It will probably be rare before it ever hits the fucking shelves...just like Dawn of Sorrow.

[xghostsniperx]

Anyone find/see the guide for this?

I got mine from Amazon.

[jlindsay26]

I got mine this afternoon along with Metal Gear got both of my bonuses without any problems they even mention that I got the bonuses when I told them what I had preordered hopefully more game companies start doing really cool bonuses since it seems like they help drive up sales.

[GizmoGC]

Our store didn't have any....I think that it has a release date of 12/12.

TBW

Update: Amazon says it releases today, but that it doesn't ship for 2-4 weeks. It will probably be rare before it ever hits the fucking shelves...just like Dawn of Sorrow.

I still have my Dawn guide...love it since its so small. The new CV guide is done by a different company though.

[Scorch]

I still have my Dawn guide...love it since its so small. The new CV guide is done by a different company though.

I wish all guides were done that small from now on. I love the Dawn guide as well.

[allyourblood]

i've never seen the Dawn guide. it's small? that's kinda neat.

[GizmoGC]

i've never seen the Dawn guide. it's small? that's kinda neat.

Yeah. Its the size of a normal softcover book. Its one of the most well done guides ive ever used. I LOVE that damn thing.

[CloakBass]

Got one at EB. They kept the bonuses for people who preordered early so I managed to get it. This is like the first time I'm happy with how they worked the bonuses.

Aw man, lucky. I came into that same EB several times when they first announced the bonus to see if they had any word on whether or not B&M stores would be getting it in. Then there was this period of time where I didn't visit EB/GS for a while until Black Friday. The store was so packed then that I decided to just come back sometime soon and place my preorder. I went there on Sunday, but they told me I wouldn't have gotten the bonus if I placed a preorder at that point. They suggested I still preorder, but I declined. If only I did it sooner! Ah well.

[spincut]

Online has just as many issues sending out the bonuses... and lets hope yours dosen't get crushed, either.

i've never had issues online bonus, it more often than not is the safer bet as you can see from the stories here (aside from the crushing, which has become more rampant with the somewhat recent insistance on using evelopes for more than just saver, it seems).

BTW, back when i pre-ordered the Subsistence LE i got it in a box when it was shipped to me.

It's funny actually, the last time i had a bonus issue was before the the online store portion was that big, back when SOTN came out, i remember they had this limited edition art book and it ran out FAST (probably even more than this).

[Kirin Lemon]

Oh, Gamestop...

"Sorry, we never got our preorder bonuses in. Check back next week, they might ship them to us late."

Thank god I was smart enough to order one online as well, just in case something like this happened.

Douchebags.

[vasco]

How bout Gamecrazy? Has anyone heard anything from them? I ordered it from them and refused to pick up the game becuase it wasn't with the bonus pack yet. I better get what I paid for or else someone will be hearing from the DA about false advertising!

[allyourblood]

How bout Gamecrazy? Has anyone heard anything from them? I ordered it from them and refused to pick up the game becuase it wasn't with the bonus pack yet. I better get what I paid for or else someone will be hearing from the DA about false advertising!

lol. they don't owe you the bonus pack.

bo·nus (bhttp://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/omacr.gifhttp://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/prime.gifnhttp://img.tfd.com/hm/GIF/schwa.gifs)n. pl. bo·nus·es 1. Something given or paid in addition to what is usual or expected.

[Michaellvortega]

How bout Gamecrazy? Has anyone heard anything from them? I ordered it from them and refused to pick up the game becuase it wasn't with the bonus pack yet. I better get what I paid for or else someone will be hearing from the DA about false advertising!

Picked up mine today from game crazy and they had my bonus.

[Dkellar]

G/f got it for me today. I got everything and I'm happy :)

[smapde]

I picked up mine a few days ago at my local Gamestop just to make sure they still had them in stock. Today I went back for other reasons and heard another guy try to get the bonus with his copy of the game. They didn't have any more. Out of 30 reserves they said they only received 7 bonus packages.

[atomsk]

I got mine at Gamestop and I got my preorder bonus. They didn't check in which order they got the preorders or anything, so they must have had few preorders. At my other local Gamestop they had all the bonus packs packed away with receipts wrapped around them, so they had it done professional-like that's why I went to the lame GS.

Got the bonus for MPO too.

[ratzombie]

Got the game, and the bonus. But both are wrapped under the Christmas Tree.

Damnit. :(

[PRGuitarman]

Thank god my Gamestop/EB is very trustworthy. I walked in there to pick it up and the guy immediately asked "Did you pre-order it?". I nodded and he pulled out the box. He then asked if I knew what was inside, and I said that I did and described everything in detail and he sort of got a dissapointed look on his face. I think he wanted to explain what I was getting and see my reaction or something.

[super_nerd]

I got my preorder bonus pack on Tuesday and the game today and preordered Phoenix Wright 2 while I was there. The clerk offered me a bonus pack but I told him I already picked it up. I had my doubts about EBgames but I trust the one on my campus and the one back at home, the employees are nice! Ever since I got the game I've been playing it nonstop, I just gave up studying for finals, can't wait to see my grades this semester!

[eau]

WARNING TO THOSE WHO ORDERED FROM EB/GS BY MAIL!

My package (see my earlier, ironic post) did come in a padded envelope. The ol' bonus box is crushed.

Fucking fuckers. That's Fucking bad news! Would GS/EB online do anything if you call and complain?!

Besides the other flimsy box, were there any damages to the items inside?

[kspiff]

And here is why I ordered from Konami just this once (from shipping notice):

Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin (with 20th Anniv. Bonus Gift)

Sweet guarantee'age. Should arrive today or tomorrow which is not too bad. I just hope it doesn't get too crushed as apparently Konami uses UPS.

kspiff

[VidgamesgivemeA_D_D]

Heh, I'm glad there are people in the world willing to pay $10+ for that crap. It lets me buy games cheaper that come with pre-order bonuses, since I can sell the bonuses and get back a percentage of what I paid for the game. This one is a bad example though, since even if you sell the bonuses for $10 on Ebay, you could have still bought the game cheaper from Best Buy with the GGC.

$10? are you kidding? I opened mine and got $50 for it on Ebay, and without including the Portrait of Ruin game, bonus only.

[mykevermin]

huh?

[vasco]

Hey, if they advertise and don't give, what does that mean? I would not have pre-ordered this if it weren't for the bonus pack. I would have saved some money and bought it used later on when I wasn't busy trying to beat Zelda TP.

[VidgamesgivemeA_D_D]

It means nothing, because I'm sure in small print whereever it's advertised it says "supplies are limited" or something along those lines. Nothing happens if a company doesn't give you a bonus in limited supply. It means you can get your money back if you wish, or if not buy the game. That's it.

[MSI Magus]

It means nothing, because I'm sure in small print whereever it's advertised it says "supplies are limited" or something along those lines. Nothing happens if a company doesn't give you a bonus in limited supply. It means you can get your money back if you wish, or if not buy the game. That's it.

Yes but if your going to ship said bonus it should arrive in decent condition. It doesnt matter if the bonus isnt a gurantee...those who get it SHOULD get it in good condition. Especially since they charged $5 extra at one point.

[Z-Saber]

At my other local Gamestop they had all the bonus packs packed away with receipts wrapped around them, so they had it done professional-like that's why I went to the lame GS.My EB did that with DS Lite preorders. Of course, that was a system and not a bonus.

[seihaku]

I got screwed out of mine, but I'm loving the game so no harm no foul.

Will never purchase a new game from EB again. (But the Buy 2 Get 1 deal on used games is just too enticing to completely boycott them.)

[ziria]

I want to reiterate what someone posted a little earlier about the UPS orders. I got both my Ebgames and Konami.com orders in just now:

Ebgames was in a padded envelope, I was amazed that the bonus was in decent shape they actually packed it where the game was not on top of the bonus box so I believe that helped.

Konami order was in a box and its perfect :)

[dorikyasu]

Picked up mine last night at local B&M Gamestop. Called 3 times before just to make sure they did not give out my pre-order bonus to someone else...

[Wlogan31]

I want to reiterate what someone posted a little earlier about the UPS orders. I got both my Ebgames and Konami.com orders in just now:

Ebgames was in a padded envelope, I was amazed that the bonus was in decent shape they actually packed it where the game was not on top of the bonus box so I believe that helped.

Konami order was in a box and its perfect :)

My package from EBgames.com had been ripped open and retaped and the extras box was completely smashed :(

I'm so depressed...

[kspiff]

Konami order was in a box and its perfect :)

I must have missed that part. Sweet.

That's pretty funny, too, since I think Konami's shipping was still cheaper than EB/GS on this particular item.

kspiff

[RevdrJFlash]

Got mine today from Konami, i thought it was a bit creepy when i checked the shipping status online and the UPS guy walked in as it was refreshing :). Even though i could never log into their online site my experience with Konami was excellent as they used a nice big box and threw in some brown paper to keep everything secure. Bonus is awesome and the cd is ripping as we speak (although no one has uploaded the tracks names to cddb yet it seems).

[secretvampire]

Great to hear that Konami packaged them properly, I will hopefully be getting mine today!

[angrywolf]

I'm glad I went with Konami.com, mine should arrive today too:bouncy:

[guinaevere]

Assholes at GameCrazy opened my Pre-Order bonus... fuckers.I don't quite understand the problem. It's only a velcro closure. The fake wax seal is not real, and it isn't what keeps the set closed. It's just a little velcro tab hidden underneath.

What difference does it make?

Or am I missing something?

EDIT:
is this some sort of joke? the bonuses are hitting $100+ just for the bonusGood GOSH! What's the big deal? It's a nice bonus, but that's insane.


BTW: Am I the only person who thought the stylus would have been better with Trauma Center DS? At first, I thought it was a syringe. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/guinaevere/smilies/loopy_toungue.gif

[BIG5]

Seems like $50 is the going rate now. Still insane, though.

[Dkellar]

My fucking dog just chewed up my game case. Good thing the preorder bonus and game are undamaged. I just know how to be on the lookout for a used one so I could swap out the casing.

[Roufuss]

I don't quite understand the problem. It's only a velcro closure. The fake wax seal is not real, and it isn't what keeps the set closed. It's just a little velcro tab hidden underneath.

What difference does it make?



The bonus is actually sealed like a game.

[Lizard Axe]

I wish ebgames would ship my order already. Both the bonus and game say they ship in 24 hours yet it's been over 2 days...

[Sirmackerel]

Bah, EBgames shipped it to me in a yellow envelope, so the bonus box was slightly crushed. :(

[suko_32]

Well, EB/GS shipped mine via UPS 3 Day Select which is cool since I used saver back then, but apparently my package has been misrouted. I guess it isn't really their fault but this sucks.

[Wolfpup]

I picked up my copy yesterday. The bonus was sealed better than the game.

One strange thing with it is that game case. It's nifty, but pointless since obviously I'm not going to get rid of my original packaging for the game.


BTW: Am I the only person who thought the stylus would have been better with Trauma Center DS? At first, I thought it was a syringe. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v76/guinaevere/smilies/loopy_toungue.gif

It is pretty weird looking. Not sure what it has to do with Castlevania, but hey, still nifty. Those prices are nuts though. It's a nifty bonus, but not THAT great.

[FFBlitzace]

Mine came today. My box was very slightly damaged, but it could have been a lot worse. The box is indeed very flimsy.

[Apossum]

great service from konami. got here in 2 days and was all packaged in a nicely sized cardboard box with paper.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA++++++++++++++++WOULD BUY FROM AGIN

[LancerEvoX]

Are there any other retailer chains beside EB Games/Gamestop getting the pre-order bonus?

[CoffeeEdge]

Mine just arrived. Crushed like a motherfucker. Kind of like my soul, right now.

This sucks.

[slidecage]

Seems like $50 is the going rate now. Still insane, though.

wait a month or two and it be down to 20 to 30. just like the FF 12 special ed.

[suko_32]

Wish we could do something about this crushed bonus stuff.

[Wlogan31]

Wish we could do something about this crushed bonus stuff.

Ditto...they'll never get another order from me again.

[evo t rex]

Why the hell did he put himself in the pictures?

[Wlogan31]

Anyone tried calling / writing customer service about the smashed stuff? I might try that later tonight...

[fujishig]

Wish we could do something about this crushed bonus stuff.

Yeah, no kidding. 10.99 for shipping and "handling" and it comes crushed in a padded envelope?

[Supercake]

Why the hell did he put himself in the pictures?

And this is a problem?

Got my bonus yesterday with my preorder, I had preordered only about 2 weeks ago, so I wasn't expecting the bonus, but thankfully they had 1 left. It's a very nice package, I laughed when I saw how the CD was packed. I was hoping for the stylus to be dark blue, but I really shouldn't be complaning.

I hope the timeline clears up any questions CV fans have, if any.

[DomLando]

To update on the problem I had. The moron employees at my local EB gave away the Gift packs during the weekend to random people. Anyway I called customer service and complained and they sent me out one. I called earlier today and they called me back just a little while ago and told me they had a few extra for cases like mine. So if anyone encountered something like me I would suggest calling customer service as soon as possible.

[vashknives114]

I hope the timeline clears up any questions CV fans have, if any. It's a great bare-bones time-line for newcomers, but still lacks Legends.
Which kind of sucks considering the N64 games were brought back as cannon.

Oh well, poor Sonia will never get the recognition she deserves.

[OGHowie]

Got mine from Gamestop.com today and the bonus was crushed a bit but not horribly. Just pushed the box back into shape. Haven't opened it yet though so I'm not so sure about the shape of the contents inside.

[lobitoh]

man its suck some people payed 5 bucks for shipping and handling fee and it came crushed WTF is that kind of service.?

[scavy]

Received mine today, and was a little surprised to find only the bonus material. They sent me Metal Gear Solid for the PSP instead of Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin.

[tbogard99]

EB/GS.com is more interested in saving on shipping and packaging costs so they probably could care less what condition the stuff arrives in, as long as they save a few pennies and the stuff still works. Screw them.

[tbolt30]

EB/GS.com is more interested in saving on shipping and packaging costs so they probably could care less what condition the stuff arrives in, as long as they save a few pennies and the stuff still works. Screw them.

This is why I got my bonus from gamecrazy.

[fujishig]

man its suck some people payed 5 bucks for shipping and handling fee and it came crushed WTF is that kind of service.?

I paid 11 bucks and it came crushed... but it did come fast.

[maigoyume]

got mine today, love the new stylus and game case, have yet to check out the soundtrack, artbook could be better but i'm not complaining :)

[norkusa]

Got mine from Gamestop.com today and the bonus was crushed a bit but not horribly. Just pushed the box back into shape. Haven't opened it yet though so I'm not so sure about the shape of the contents inside.

YEah, mine arrived the same way. Go figure.

[allyourblood]

hey, just a thought: to those that received a crushed box, maybe try swapping it out at GS. if you get one with plenty in stock, they probably won't mind.

[Caliburn]

I came home and found my order wedged between the screen door and front door. Argh, I knew it was going to be bad.

The bonus package was squashed flatter than Kate Moss stuck between Rosie O'Donnel and Ruben Studdard.

I'll see if I can get a replacement somewhere...somehow.

[mbartholow]

YEah, mine arrived the same way. Go figure.

Mine arrived in a similar state. Not really mangled, just bent up a tad, so it was cool. Would have been nicer if they put the items into the padded envelopes in a side-by-side fasion, rather then smooshing them in together, as a result, the game case did more damage than UPS did. I opened it all up right away and will enjoy the bonus innards for years to come. No eBay for me on that one. Great bonus stuff from Konami.

The game seems quite fantastic. 30 minutes in and I'm trying to clear my schedule for tomorrow to spend the whole day jumping in and out of paintings at the behest of a ghost cowboy. Iga you crazy bastard.

[gunm]

Ah, shit. So I go into GS to p/u my pre-order during lunch today and they tell me there's no bonus--only the first 3 reservations got it. Why the hell didn't they tell me this way back when I pre-ordered it? I was irritated, so I told 'em I didn't want it anymore and to refund my deposit. Ah wells, kudos to everyone that got theirs (and nice pics, Roufuss). Maybe I should have bit the shipping charge and ordered online instead.

Edit: man, I checked with another local GS and the guy said they had enough to cover their pre-order bonuses. Of all the stores I picked I got the one that got short-changed.

[Michaellvortega]

Ah, shit. So I go into GS to p/u my pre-order during lunch today and they tell me there's no bonus--only the first 3 reservations got it. Why the hell didn't they tell me this way back when I pre-ordered it? I was irritated, so I told 'em I didn't want it anymore and to refund my deposit. Ah wells, kudos to everyone that got theirs (and nice pics, Roufuss). Maybe I should have bit the shipping charge and ordered online instead.

CML!?

[Arcturian]

I got my preorder goodies just yesterday and the box was in pretty good condition. Just a little line where it had been smooshed slightly on one side but I didn't even have to pop it out - very cool pack. I can't see myself using the Castlevania two game holder thingy because I have these slim holders which hold three games each, but it's really neat anyway.

Also, did anyone notice the CV stylus was made by Hori? I don't have any of their products but apparently they are the preferred DS accessories manufacturers.

[gunm]

CML!?

Nah thanks. I don't have anything to trade and I'm not spending money for that.

[LinkinPrime]

So glad I didnt preorder online. I stopped by my local EB last Thursday, preorderd, got my bonus 2 days ago. Perfect condition. Not to rub it in but damn I got lucky.

[Wlogan31]

So glad I didnt preorder online. I stopped by my local EB last Thursday, preorderd, got my bonus 2 days ago. Perfect condition. Not to rub it in but damn I got lucky.

I hate you *stares at the wadded up piece of paper (err...bonus item) on bed*

grr...

[ratzombie]

I hate you *stares at the wadded up piece of paper (err...bonus item) on bed*

grr...

Have you tried calling around different Gamestops/EB Games? Just be like "Hey, I got shafted out of a pre-order bonus at another Gamestop... have any spares?"

It's worth a shot.

[boozi]

Got it today. Bonus's box was a bit crushed, not that much though... It's in a really good condition though :P

[guinaevere]

The bonus is actually sealed like a game.Ah!
You're right. My memory of unwrapping it completely slipped my - what was I saying again?

I'm getting old.

[vasco]

Yeah, they just called me and said they had my gift pak ready. Even though I picked the game up, they called me and said that they always get their bonus stuff 1-3 days later for some oddball reason. Only 4 people pre-ordered the game, and they had 4 bonus paks. Thank God I don't have to worry about shopping at Walmart for all my game needs!

[wageslave]

Wish we could do something about this crushed bonus stuff.

like a credit card chargeback?

[allyourblood]

like a credit card chargeback?

seeing as you didn't pay any money for the bonus pack (your invoice reflects this), i don't think you can perform a chargeback. unless you want your $0.00 refunded.

[battleroyal33]

So glad I didnt preorder online. I stopped by my local EB last Thursday, preorderd, got my bonus 2 days ago. Perfect condition. Not to rub it in but damn I got lucky.

All of my ebgames.com pre orders arrived today in perfect condition, just because you get it through the mail doesnt mean they are all crushed.

[Kendro]

All of my ebgames.com pre orders arrived today in perfect condition, just because you get it through the mail doesnt mean they are all crushed. Did your order come shipped in a box or bubble mailer? The reason why people here are upset is because they didn't take any care in packaging such a fragile item. It was especially a kick in the face to anyone that got charged the extra $5 for "special handling fees." I find it funny that Amazon's free shipping is aces better than $5 "special handling" from GS.

[wageslave]

seeing as you didn't pay any money for the bonus pack (your invoice reflects this), i don't think you can perform a chargeback. unless you want your $0.00 refunded.

Not trying to start a flame war or be a dick but one could argue that the bonus was advertised as being part of the game, and that part of the game was damaged...

But I got my copy from Amazon so it doesn't matter for me. I'm sure I can aquire the music from the soundtrack 'somehow'. Played the game for a hour and it has been great so far.

[battleroyal33]

Did your order come shipped in a box or bubble mailer? The reason why people here are upset is because they didn't take any care in packaging such a fragile item. It was especially a kick in the face to anyone that got charged the extra $5 for "special handling fees." I find it funny that Amazon's free shipping is aces better than $5 "special handling" from GS.

I completely understand why people are upset, I was just saying not all arrived crushed. I had a total of 3 orders shipped to me. 2 were shipped via bubble mailer( 1 was perfect the other has a small crease on the left side of the bonus pack, but it is not crushed by any means) and then the 3rd order had mulitple copies so they were all shipped in a box and arrived in perfect condition. I got all my preorders in well before they added the $5 handling fee.

[dracula]

i picked mine up yesterday, i am already over 200% through the game(dunno how that is possible, i hope it is either like sotn where 255% is possible, or it goes to 1000%. I am about 2 and a half hours in, and it is way too easy, hopefully they beef up the difficulty for the later stages.

My only gripe about the preorder bonus is the soundtrack. My cd is slightly bent and does not play all of the tracks as a result. Why they didnt just use a paper case for the cd is beyonly me, the way that they used the packaging and combined the cd holder on the cardboard piece is asking for trouble and i imagine many cds will be bent. I put the cd into a paper case and have it under a stack of phone books, i really hope that does the trick and flattens it out like a pancake.

[Number83]

Got mine today from Gamestop.com. Delivered in a padded envelope. Flattened and creased. But I was able to fold it back together. Not happy, but it isn't then end of the world. Just thankful I got it!

[allyourblood]

Got mine today from Gamestop.com. Delivered in a padded envelope. Flattened and creased. But I was able to fold it back together. Not happy, but it isn't then end of the world. Just thankful I got it!

now that's the spirit. it's just a bonus pack.

[Doom Gaze]

Damn it. I went and picked it up today, to learn that they had 10 preorders but only four bonuses.

I preordered this and got nothing in return.. so disappointing..

[sainrub]

Received mine today, and was a little surprised to find only the bonus material. They sent me Metal Gear Solid for the PSP instead of Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin.


Same thing happened to me.
Would they do an exchange at B&M?

[dracula]

that is weird, i would have thought they would have sent you the metal gear psp cover that is the preorder for the portable ops game for psp, and not the cv bonus, you could try swapping it out for the right game at a B&M store but i have a hunch they will be sold out of the CV PoR for at least the next week or two until they get another shipment

[BIG5]

Also, did anyone notice the CV stylus was made by Hori? I don't have any of their products but apparently they are the preferred DS accessories manufacturers.
Yep. The case is Hori brand too (DS Card Case Slim Type). They go for $4.90 at play-asia.com. You're right, they make great stuff. I love my Hori DS Lite Hard Pouch.

[Doom Gaze]

What if I called Konami about it? Anyone think there's a chance they'd send me one?

[guinaevere]

Only if you pre-ordered from them and they screwed up your shipment.

[Hirokun]

ARGH! I pre-ordered this from the local gamestop store... and apparently they only recieved in 2 of the bonus packs, at 10 AM,when they opened and when I was there, they didnt recieve in anything but apparently they got them in by 2 PM when I called after school stating they were sold out, WTF!:bomb:

[spincut]

yeah so i got mine today from konami.com and as i suspected, good packaging, since they have no non-UPS economy option, and charged relatively high even for their lowest UPS option (although still less than GS).

Although i live in an apartment building so the package was left it the front desk and when the guy was bringing it to me he twirled the thing in his hands vertically, i could hear shit tossing around i was like "FUCK DONT DO THAT!". Still though, it was in perfect condition. The brown paper is kind of crappy stuffing though, soft bubble wrap or peanuts would have been better, but all in all clearly better than how GS does it these days.

Anyhow, yet again ordering online proves ultimately more assuring (assuming you know when to avoid GS now that they seem to have switched exclusively to envelopes).

[Strider2K99]

Yeah, I got mine in from Konami as well. The packaging wasn't as sturdy as expected, but it actually looks fine, without any creases or other defects. It actually looks better than the one I got from Gamestop.

[bugg33]

How was your games from EB shrinkwrapped? Was it folded nicely on the top or bottom or did it look like it could have been rewrapped? I gave them the benefit of the doubt but i open the case and the game is in the slot upsidedown and the manuals are out of order (game manual in front, caution manuals in back). And a crease in the game manual like someone was reading it and mishandled it. Stupid ass EB fuckers selling used shit for full price.

[Hollow Man]

I read somewhere else (maybe it was in here on the DS forum) that theirs came upside-down in the case.

-HM

[Kendro]

Keep your fears at ease bugg, my game has the cheap looking shrink wrap as well. In fact, a lot of 3rd party games do not have the neat factory sealed wrap that has the nice corners. My Dawn of Sorrow came shrink wrapped as did my Phoenix Wright.

I fired off an email to GS because my orders came crushed. It was a mixture of yelling at them while displaying professionalism so I do hope that it reaches the intended target (not the CSR but the dumbass who ordered the use of cheap envelopes instead of boxes). I wait for the appropriate response.

[bugg33]

Great to hear about the cheapo packaging... although the bent up manual sucks. My bonus was also semi crushed but i don't mind as much as the game being less than perfect.

[allyourblood]

ARGH! I pre-ordered this from the local gamestop store... and apparently they only recieved in 2 of the bonus packs, at 10 AM,when they opened and when I was there, they didnt recieve in anything but apparently they got them in by 2 PM when I called after school stating they were sold out, WTF!:bomb:

i have a hunch they fed you a line.

[Wolfpup]

Keep your fears at ease bugg, my game has the cheap looking shrink wrap as well. In fact, a lot of 3rd party games do not have the neat factory sealed wrap that has the nice corners. My Dawn of Sorrow came shrink wrapped as did my Phoenix Wright.

I fired off an email to GS because my orders came crushed. It was a mixture of yelling at them while displaying professionalism so I do hope that it reaches the intended target (not the CSR but the dumbass who ordered the use of cheap envelopes instead of boxes). I wait for the appropriate response.

Mine came with that "repackeged looking" wrap too. I'm always a but paranoid when I see that, but apparently quite a few games on Nintendo systems actually ship that way.

[angrywolf]

Keep your fears at ease bugg, my game has the cheap looking shrink wrap as well. Mine does too. I thought it was a resealed copy but after reading this I guess that's how it was packaged. My preorder bonus is in perfect condition, I got it through Konami's website and they shipped it in a box big enough so it wouldn't get crushed.:applause:

[allyourblood]

mine both came in just now. a little smushed, but nothing to cry to mama about:

http://members.cox.net/ayb/por.jpg


you can't see any of the creases in the picture, but i wanted to take a pic anyway. if i were to complain to anyone, it'd be Konami. the outer case is literally like paper, and prone to damage just from light handling. i don't care either way, i just want the guts. i don't blame Gamestop.

[Hollow Man]

My Dawn of Sorrow, which I bought at Toys R Us, came with that shrink wrap that looked like TRU redid it. They said they didn't, and all their DoS games were like that. Looks like this game is the same way.

-HM

[Snake2715]

Keep your fears at ease bugg, my game has the cheap looking shrink wrap as well. In fact, a lot of 3rd party games do not have the neat factory sealed wrap that has the nice corners. My Dawn of Sorrow came shrink wrapped as did my Phoenix Wright.

I fired off an email to GS because my orders came crushed. It was a mixture of yelling at them while displaying professionalism so I do hope that it reaches the intended target (not the CSR but the dumbass who ordered the use of cheap envelopes instead of boxes). I wait for the appropriate response.

I called them this morning as I went over mine last night after work... The guy there went out of his way and explained that UPS packages the games up by weight and therefore due to its size and weight it go thte envelope not a box.

He made it sound as though whomever packages all their stuff makes all packaging materials decisions based on weight /size.

He said they were completely out of the bonus material and therefore not able to replace my crushed copy... Thank god I did an online and in store preorder... In reality I assumed my in store would be missing and the online would come through... in the end it worked for me to at least get one of them.

[xghostsniperx]

I got my online order yesterday. I don't have anything new to say about it. It was packaged in an envelope and the top of the 20th Anniversary Box was a bit crunched just like everyone else's. My Gamestop B&M said they only got four and they already ran out, but I'm suspicious that the employees just kept them for themselves. So at least one of my pre-orders worked out.

[Scorch]

How was your games from EB shrinkwrapped? Was it folded nicely on the top or bottom or did it look like it could have been rewrapped? I gave them the benefit of the doubt but i open the case and the game is in the slot upsidedown and the manuals are out of order (game manual in front, caution manuals in back). And a crease in the game manual like someone was reading it and mishandled it. Stupid ass EB fuckers selling used shit for full price.

If it makes you sleep any easier at night, the game was upside down in my case and the manuals were out of order as well. And I actually received the shipment and bought it from the shipment, so I know it came from the factory like that.

[Eggplant_Wizard]

What if I called Konami about it? Anyone think there's a chance they'd send me one?

You can't call them as far as I know.

[fujishig]

I called them this morning as I went over mine last night after work... The guy there went out of his way and explained that UPS packages the games up by weight and therefore due to its size and weight it go thte envelope not a box.

He made it sound as though whomever packages all their stuff makes all packaging materials decisions based on weight /size.

He said they were completely out of the bonus material and therefore not able to replace my crushed copy... Thank god I did an online and in store preorder... In reality I assumed my in store would be missing and the online would come through... in the end it worked for me to at least get one of them.


Why charge an extra handling charge then?

Originally, i thought that it was because the bonus was oversized or something, but the total package is probably smaller than a DVD. No idea why they would charge an extra handling charge if there was, you know, no extra handling involved and they packaged it just the same as they would any other release.

[daroga]

Why charge an extra handling charge then?

Originally, i thought that it was because the bonus was oversized or something, but the total package is probably smaller than a DVD. No idea why they would charge an extra handling charge if there was, you know, no extra handling involved and they packaged it just the same as they would any other release.Did anyone actually pay the extra handling fee? I know I didn't.

[ananag112]

Did anyone actually pay the extra handling fee? I know I didn't.

I did :(. My package is at home waiting for me. I hope it turned out okay.

[GamerChris]

My total is 41.12. So Maybe I did pay the extra $5. Either way I'm happy. I would've paid $10 extra just to get the bonus.

[tonkotsu]

i just received my order right now. the box is relatively dog-eared. but still in relatively good condition.

[superfuzz]

my copy has nice folded shrink wrap,not that shitty looking rewrap style

[aaandrewww]

I got mine today. The box was a little smooshed in on the side and the top...boo. The stuff inside looks great and I can't wait to play my new Castl.... wtf Metal Gear:Portable Ops. Thats right I got the Castlevania bonus pack but instead of a shiny new Portrait of Ruin game I get MGS: PO for PSP. I hope they don't give me a hard time exchanging it.

[allyourblood]

my copy has nice folded shrink wrap,not that shitty looking rewrap style

your certificate of achievement is in the mail.

[BustaUppa]

Just got home from work and my Konami.com package was waiting at the door!

I see what you guys mean, they did use a big-ass box for this! Everything was in fine condition.

Now I just have one question, and I'm sure someone here will be able to help me out. I'm ripping the soundtrack disc, but I'd like to include the name of the appropriate composer in each artist tag. I know Michiru Yamane did most of the stuff from SOTN onward, but who did the other stuff?

[Hollow Man]

I also paid the extra $ for the shipping. It came a bit smunched on the side and top, but it could've been worse. The contents inside are all in great shape. Nice stuff.

-HM

[neonglow]

Just got mine from EB. The box was crushed, but the contents were fine.

[shadowknight]

Just got mine from EB. The box was crushed, but the contents were fine.

ditto - oh well, what's inside is most important :-)

[ananag112]

Fuck EBgames.com. I got my package and open it up. Inside is the Preorder Bonus (slightly crushed) but no fucking game. I thought that maybe they put it in the preorder bonus packet, but no dice. I just paid $42 for the preorder bonus

[allyourblood]

EB seems to really be bum-fingering this thing. is GS also shipping out the wrong stuff (or no stuff)?

[BLink]

Is it just me or did everybody get two posters?

[metroid85]

I'm in kind of a dilemma concerning my pre order from EB. When I preordered back in October, I used my old credit card and unfortunately, it expired at the end of November. I had since renewed my account yesterday and today I receive an email that my order could not be processed due to my old credit card being declined and that if not contacted within 24 hrs the preorder would be cancelled.
Now hearing from a lot of you guys that your orders from gamestop/EB came crushed, I'm having second thoughts about following through, since my local target has a few copies.

[allyourblood]

Now hearing from a lot of you guys that your orders from gamestop/EB came crushed, I'm having second thoughts about following through, since my local target has a few copies.

the game comes fine -- it's the bonus pack that gets a little worked. by the way, i don't think Target carries the bonus pack. unless they do. then nevermind.

[Hollow Man]

by the way, i don't think Target carries the bonus pack. unless they do. then nevermind.
Yep. Only Gamestop, EB, and Gamecrazy have the bonus.

-HM

[suko_32]

My bubble mailer packaging was ripped a little when I received it today. The bonus is slightly crushed and the game is fine.

[defiance_17]

To anyone looking for the bonus, check my tradelist.

[iceblast21]

I got this crappy bubble-wrap envelope from GS!!!! I was pretty pissed off...

Miraculously, the contents were fine. My bonus pack was a little crushed on the right side, but otherwise fine.

Got charged $37 something, so I'm not complaining! The game came covered with saran wrap or something (what happened to the original factory wrap?!). Not a huge deal, but I hate mysteries.

What's with the lack of CD case for the CD?! They might as well just toss it in some sawdust before shipping it! How much extra would it have cost them to include a paper CD case?!?!

[Resette]

I also go the now infamous bubble-wrap envelope from ebgames.com...

However my bonus was 100% fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine

[allyourblood]

actually, just to clarify: i didn't receive a "bubble wrap" envelope per se. it's one of the recycled fiber-filled type.

[GunstarRed]

I got shafted by my local GameCrazy. They didn't get enough bonuses in stock to fill all pre-orders, so I'm S.O.L. - and you know what that means. They called around to other local stores, but apparently a lot of other GC stores didn't get enough in either.

If anyone has a spare to trade for stuff from my Trade List, let me know.

[SteveGo]

so I'm S.O.L. - and you know what that means.

It means you're s.o.l.?

[ananag112]

actually, just to clarify: i didn't receive a "bubble wrap" envelope per se. it's one of the recycled fiber-filled type.

I got that one as well.

Is anyone else in the same situation I am in? I got the preorder but no game?

[Kirin Lemon]

My GameStop.com order arrived today, box un-crushed. Guess I'm one of the lucky ones.

[allyourblood]

to anyone that got theirs in an envelope that didn't get crushed, post up some smutty pics. i wanna see.

[Starky27]

Looks like my preorder bonus luck ran out. My online order just arrived and the shipping label lists the bonus set, but there's not one in the package. Joy...

[kspiff]

If you bought from EB/GS you may want to contact them ASAP. Someone else in this thread said they actually came through when they said they didn't get their bonus in-store.

kspiff

[DomLando]

If you bought from EB/GS you may want to contact them ASAP. Someone else in this thread said they actually came through when they said they didn't get their bonus in-store.

kspiff
Yeah I contacted them yesterday and they mailed one out to me after my complaint of the store giving them away on the weekend. They said they had a few they kept out the warehouse for instances like mine.

[Starky27]

Yeah, I already called and they said they were OOS of the bonus. They gave me the return shipping #, but I don't feel like dropping $5 to get a refund on this...

[kspiff]

They won't let you do an in-store return? Lame. Then again if they took it back, it would probably just be for store credit.

Come to think of it, if you tried to return it in-store they would probably accuse you of stealing the bonus or some crap.

kspiff

[kspiff]

Yes! I got the bonus pack, completely mint to boot. This thing is frickin' sweet looking, nicest [USA] bonus ever. I'm tempted to open it, but I know I can just wait and read the timeline online and download the MP3s of the soundtrack.

kspiff

[pete5883]

Yeah I contacted them yesterday and they mailed one out to me after my complaint of the store giving them away on the weekend. They said they had a few they kept out the warehouse for instances like mine.
Who did you call? Gamestop.com or is there a chainwide number? I could've used this a couple years ago.

[DomLando]

Who did you call? Gamestop.com or is there a chainwide number? I could've used this a couple years ago.
I called the number on there website for store related problems. I'm not sure exactly if it was Gamestop.com or not.

[Arkay Firestar]

Sorry to bring up a dead thread but I posted my own experience in the DS forum then realized that there was a 50+ page thread in the deals forum I could post in.

So I picked up my game and bonus today (sat)...I had called on Wednesday and asked them to hold it till saturday and was actually expecting no bonus but I was pleasantly surprised. I was also only charged 34.99 INCLUDING the 5 dollars down, so they didn't charge 39.99 as some people were.

Bonus was in absolutely PERFECT condition (although its hard to fit everything back in the box after opening because the art book is a bit thicker than I thought it would be. Nice quality paper and printing, but mostly just blown up scans of older box art.

My game is shrinkwrapped as many have confirmed in this thread, so at least I'm not alone in that.

Can't wait to try the soundtrack and eventually the game (just got Elite Beat Agents recently and LOVING it...and then in a couple weeks Yoshi's Island is 23 bucks at CC...damn these deals).

One funny thing was the clerk who pulled my preorder out from behind the counter said, "oh, and since you preordered, you get this bonus too." I guess the expectant look on my face when he at first just pulled out the game didn't quite register for him that I already knew that, but at least it was much better than some of you faired. Hope you all find your bonuses...but if its any consolation, the CD is not well packaged and the other stuff is somewhat filler. Still, Castlevania music pwns so even if you don't have a proper case for it I'm sure its worth it in the end...

[GunPanther]

I got my bonus a couple of days ago.

Good bonus pack, especially for a pre-order, but I will warn the hardcore CastleVania Fans like myself;

If you already have ALL of the Akumajo Dracula-related OST CDs that have been released in the past 10-15 years, you're not getting anything new out of the 20th Anniversary Soundtrack CD Compilation in this set. Konami compiled a lot of the ORIGINAL game music, meaning that some of the tracks are from the actual video games themselves, and NOT re-makes/remixes/arranged, although there are some arranged music tracks included.

That was the one thing that I was kind of hoping for in this set, some exclusivity with the CD, but I was wrong. Still, the artwork book, stylus, DS cartridge case, outercase w/'wax' seal and poster/timeline are all great bonus material.

Well worth it if you can still find it.

[chrisflyer]

Willoughby, OH GameCrazy finally got theirs (and in turn, mine) today. I haven't cracked it open yet, but I'm just glad that I actually did get it.

[spincut]

the sick joke in all this is that i'm moving. It's partially why i sprang for the 2-day shipping (still comparatively reasonable though since i used Konami.com).

So the bundle got to me in perfect condition, but now i need to find a way to transport it home. I cant do anything with it. I dont trust shipping it myself again, i dont trust my suitcase (i can pack it in tight with my soft clothes, but that would just crush it), and i dont want to put it in the back of my car which is being shipped home.

Now before you ask me why i didnt have it shipped straight home, i wanted to receive it personally in case this very chaos happened, so i know i got the correct contents immediately.

[gunm]

Yeah I contacted them yesterday and they mailed one out to me after my complaint of the store giving them away on the weekend. They said they had a few they kept out the warehouse for instances like mine.

Thanks for posting this--I don't know why I never thought to call them directly about it. I may still be out of luck, but at least I know I can try this with possible success in the future. And I can vent a bit more about not getting a pre-order item I placed months before release...

[Vinco]

edit: no longer looking to buy bonus. Thanks for the replies.

[ne2eire]

Thrilled to say my bonus preorder pack in was damaged also. Fortunately only a few wrinkles along the side of the box

[Fount]

It means you're s.o.l.?

It's a WCW reference.

[Z-Saber]

I picked mine up with zero hastle. It was actually sitting in their cabinet with my name stickered on. Plastic-wrapped, unopen, and awesome. I don't think I'm going to keep the game though. Would any issues come up if I returned it? It's still sealed and everything.

[misbitski]

Mine arrived slightly crushed. When did Gamestop switch to these padded envelopes? No biggy, it's really not that bad and I was able to push it back into shape, leaving only a small crease on the side. Only the most discerning collector would give a crap. Otherwise, it's in great condition. I didn't have to pay the extra $5 handling fee, so I can't complain. Sweet deal!

I have another order in with konami.com with Elebits, which I'm assuming will be shipped in a much sturdier package.

[0192837465]

Well, got my bonus at B/M and the game; beaten the game and I must say it had its moments, but overall the level design was just meh blandish type stuff and the music was so-so. The boss fights were very primitive and they just /copy and pasted every enemy from SotN. Last fight was awsome though. Dawn of Sorrow was way better, as was Aria and CotM. Fun to play though, can't deny that.

[slidecage]

Well, got my bonus at B/M and the game; beaten the game and I must say it had its moments, but overall the level design was just meh blandish type stuff and the music was so-so. The boss fights were very primitive and they just /copy and pasted every enemy from SotN. Last fight was awsome though. Dawn of Sorrow was way better, as was Aria and CotM. Fun to play though, can't deny that.

that is why i didnt buy it

[62t]

Well, got my bonus at B/M and the game; beaten the game and I must say it had its moments, but overall the level design was just meh blandish type stuff and the music was so-so. The boss fights were very primitive and they just /copy and pasted every enemy from SotN. Last fight was awsome though. Dawn of Sorrow was way better, as was Aria and CotM. Fun to play though, can't deny that.
some of the sprit are copied from Rondo no Blood, a game released in 1993

[boozi]

Well, my opinion of the game so far (played for about 2 hours) is that it's quite an enjoyable game. I really liked the painting thing. It enlarges the map and it makes the game funner. Yeah, of course the soul collecting system was awesome in Dawn of Sorrow, but this game is also a lot of fun :P As some reviews stated, it stays true to the Castlevania series.

[gunm]

Just a follow up from my experience calling in to GS's 800 number per Dom Lando's post: basically, I was denied a bonus again, even though I pre-ordered months in advance.

In fact, the guy's attitude was "don't even call this number for in-store problems", despite the fact that I followed the automated prompts for...in-store problems!

Obviously it's YMMV what kind of rep you get (particularly on a Sunday), but yeesh. Getting denied twice without any kind of empathy from "Customer Service" is frustrating. I'll probably make one last appeal to the store management, but I'm never pre-ordering stuff from that particular GS again.

[Michaellvortega]

This was the 2nd bonus I got in a year, I had to threaten to call corp just to get a reggie shirt as well.

[MSI Magus]

Just a follow up from my experience calling in to GS's 800 number per Dom Lando's post: basically, I was denied a bonus again, even though I pre-ordered months in advance.

In fact, the guy's attitude was "don't even call this number for in-store problems", despite the fact that I followed the automated prompts for...in-store problems!

Obviously it's YMMV what kind of rep you get (particularly on a Sunday), but yeesh. Getting denied twice without any kind of empathy from "Customer Service" is frustrating. I'll probably make one last appeal to the store management, but I'm never pre-ordering stuff from that particular GS again.

Thats gamestop for you! Also why I dont shop there less I absoultly have to or there is a buy 2 get 1 sale.

[Trevor]

Sigh... If anyone has an extra copy, I'm looking to buy one. Just let me know what kind of price you're looking for. I'd be willing to pay up to about USD65 shipped.

I could probably let mine go for that. Will try to email you now....

[endlessPRO]

I bought mine today at EBgames and they had to bonus.

tax killed it and cost me 37.44$ :/ 7.0% state tax-_-

[dracula]

Well, got my bonus at B/M and the game; beaten the game and I must say it had its moments, but overall the level design was just meh blandish type stuff and the music was so-so. The boss fights were very primitive and they just /copy and pasted every enemy from SotN. Last fight was awsome though. Dawn of Sorrow was way better, as was Aria and CotM. Fun to play though, can't deny that.


OK for PoR did you get the "best" ending? I can only get the good ending wher you SPOILERS



beat dracula and death at the same time, and get the ending where the daughters go off to look for victor, and he says "i am over here". How do you get the best ending?

[kspiff]

This was the 2nd bonus I got in a year, I had to threaten to call corp just to get a reggie shirt as well.

Is there any place you can *buy* the Reggie 'boxing' t-shirts? Other than eBay that is.

kspiff
^^^fight nut :boxing:

[0192837465]

OK for PoR did you get the "best" ending? I can only get the good ending wher you SPOILERS



beat dracula and death at the same time, and get the ending where the daughters go off to look for victor, and he says "i am over here". How do you get the best ending?
Yeah thats the ending I had. Im not willing to see if there are more endings by tracking down every last map space/completing every 'quest'...maybe if this was SotN, but the level design is just too copy and paste for my tastes.

Overall I really wouldn't recommend this to anyone for $35+. Maybe if you were a hardcore fan, but if not just wait till the price drops.

[Z-Saber]

So... anyone know anything about returning a preordered, unopened game? I'm keeping the bonus and don't want PoR.

[allyourblood]

So... anyone know anything about returning a preordered, unopened game? I'm keeping the bonus and don't want PoR.

i don't think you're really supposed to do that. unless they don't care. then do away! otherwise, you could probably sell it online and make most of your money back.

[ratzombie]

So... anyone know anything about returning a preordered, unopened game? I'm keeping the bonus and don't want PoR.

I don't think you'll have any trouble returning it, but if you do, there is always the 'Bay.

[Z-Saber]

I paid for the bonus with my non-refundable $5 down, right? So where's the issue in a return? They have my $5, and it isn't like I'm taking it back, so I technically still paid for the bonus.

[ratzombie]

I paid for the bonus with my non-refundable $5 down, right? So where's the issue in a return? They have my $5, and it isn't like I'm taking it back, so I technically still paid for the bonus.

Non-refundable? I've never had trouble getting a refund for a pre-order.

[Z-Saber]

I thought the $5 down was a commited, non-refundable down payment?

[GizmoGC]

I thought the $5 down was a commited, non-refundable down payment?

No...Its refundable. However some places will not refund you unless you return the bonus. This was a huge issue back in the 'Free Zelda/Majora disk with Wind Waker pre-order'. People were pre-ordering, and getting a disc, at every different store and then canceling.

[Z-Saber]

I'll give it a shot anyway. I don't want the game, but really want the bundle. If it doesn't work out, there is always eBay.

[brainiac]

being a UPS only dealer.
ever see UPS and FedEx guys (in uniform, working) picking up & dropping off stuff at the US Post Office? that blows my mind. i always wanna take a picture: UPS GUY USING THE POST OFFICE.

[Weedy649]

Just picked up my reserve today, luckily my friend from school recently transferred to the gamestop by here, so he let them know i couldnt pick it up last week. Gonna check out the goods once im done with my paper.

[Josef]

So... anyone know anything about returning a preordered, unopened game? I'm keeping the bonus and don't want PoR.

My receipt doesn't even show that I got the bonus. If your receipt is like mine you could always say you never got the bonus.

[spincut]

ever see UPS and FedEx guys (in uniform, working) picking up & dropping off stuff at the US Post Office? that blows my mind. i always wanna take a picture: UPS GUY USING THE POST OFFICE.

uh, well, maybe they are mailing a letter or something, if you're not mailing a parcel, the Post Office is often better.....but hopefully they arent there on official business.

[grandjedi6]

My receipt doesn't even show that I got the bonus. If your receipt is like mine you could always say you never got the bonus.

They have your receipt number listed in their computer. They will know if you already picked up your order/didn't preorder it.

Plus I watched my Gamestop take some of the preorders and set it aside for themselves

[jeremy517]

ever see UPS and FedEx guys (in uniform, working) picking up & dropping off stuff at the US Post Office? that blows my mind. i always wanna take a picture: UPS GUY USING THE POST OFFICE.

UPS has a service where they take the package to the destination city, but the USPS does the actual delivery to the door.

[Josef]

They have your receipt number listed in their computer. They will know if you already picked up your order/didn't preorder it.

Plus I watched my Gamestop take some of the preorders and set it aside for themselves

Yeah, but not all preorders got the bonus. Some people were shafted. If the bonus isn't listed on your receipt with the game there is no way to tell you got the bonus.

[GizmoGC]

They have your receipt number listed in their computer. They will know if you already picked up your order/didn't preorder it.

Plus I watched my Gamestop take some of the preorders and set it aside for themselves

Maybe, get this, the employees pre-ordered the game? Its IS possible.

[iceblast21]

I'm here to complain about the CD... it's nice and all, has a ton of music, but I noticed one particular song repeats way too many time (in various reincarnations).

And only 2 songs from Castlevania 4???? I really wanted to hear the awesome end theme from that game, but it wasn't on there.

Just a disappointing CD for me...

[eau]

So... anyone know anything about returning a preordered, unopened game? I'm keeping the bonus and don't want PoR.
Just hold onto it until right after Christmas. It should be much easier to return around that time frame :)

[grandjedi6]

Maybe, get this, the employees pre-ordered the game? Its IS possible.

Well the conversation went like this:

Employee #1 "Is that those Castlevania pre-order things?"

Employee #2 "Yeah, we had them in back. Didn't know they were there until now"

Employee #3 "My buddy wanted one of those but forgot to preorder. Here let me put one to the side'



I was actually shocked. My Gamestop hasn't ever done this before

[Wolfpup]

I'm here to complain about the CD... it's nice and all, has a ton of music, but I noticed one particular song repeats way too many time (in various reincarnations).

And only 2 songs from Castlevania 4???? I really wanted to hear the awesome end theme from that game, but it wasn't on there.

Just a disappointing CD for me...

I'm disappointed too. I mean it's free, so...

but there was hardly anything from Symphony of the Night. I'd rather have a CD with nothing BUT stuff from Symphony of the Night than what we got.

[Kirin Lemon]

I'm disappointed too. I mean it's free, so...

but there was hardly anything from Symphony of the Night. I'd rather have a CD with nothing BUT stuff from Symphony of the Night than what we got.
Then you should probably buy this:

http://202.234.167.56/detailview.html?KEY=KICA-7760

[AwRy108]

I'm disappointed too. I mean it's free, so...

but there was hardly anything from Symphony of the Night. I'd rather have a CD with nothing BUT stuff from Symphony of the Night than what we got.

Here's the whole soundtrack for SotN: http://gh.ffshrine.org/soundtracks/120

[Z-Saber]

Just hold onto it until right after Christmas. It should be much easier to return around that time frame :)Isn't there a 14 day policy or something like that? Or is it 30?

[jeremy517]

I'm disappointed too. I mean it's free, so...

but there was hardly anything from Symphony of the Night. I'd rather have a CD with nothing BUT stuff from Symphony of the Night than what we got.

There were four SoTN songs, which is more than any other game got, except for PoR which also had four. Saying that there is hardly anything from SoTN is stupid.

[kurrptsenate]

i think whining about one the greatest pre-orders, period, is pretty pointless in the first place. How many games offer worth-while pre-orders, let alone giving fans more than they could have hoped, or anticipated?

[gaohx]

I collect Castlevania music CD's, so to me, even though mostly a re-hash, it is a must have bonus (and the artbook rocks for nostalgia's sake!).


Then you should probably buy this:

http://202.234.167.56/detailview.html?KEY=KICA-7760

If anyone is interested, I have a brand new sealed KICA-7760 for sale :-) ...$20 shipped to anywhere in the US (slightly higher for other countries).

[Jayayess1190]

When I picked up my preorder at Gamestop, I had to ask for the preorder.

[ne2eire]

If anyone is interested, I have a brand new sealed KICA-7760 for sale :-) ...$20 shipped to anywhere in the US (slightly higher for other countries).

Thats the full SotN score and not a bootleg right? Hmm...I'm very tempted.

[Kirin Lemon]

Thats the full SotN score and not a bootleg right? Hmm...I'm very tempted.
Yep, the real deal, not a bootleg. The only track it's missing is the Librarian's theme, which is the only non-streamed track in the game. Still, odd they omitted it.

[hiccupleftovers]

can you still find this at Eb/GS?

[Purkeynator]

I have a new anniversary pack on my tradelist. Check my signature if interested.

[Monsta Mack]

i think whining about one the greatest pre-orders, period, is pretty pointless in the first place. How many games offer worth-while pre-orders, let alone giving fans more than they could have hoped, or anticipated?

I agree. It's rare you get pre-order quality goodness like this. Even the Suikoden pre-order bonus books weren't that great.

[eau]

Isn't there a 14 day policy or something like that? Or is it 30?
Normally, it's a 30 day policy. Now they have a giver guarantee - purchases made on/after 11/1/06 can be returned before 1/15/07, if I remember the dates correctly.

[Z-Saber]

Normally, it's a 30 day policy. Now they have a giver guarantee - purchases made on/after 11/1/06 can be returned before 1/15/07, if I remember the dates correctly.Yeah, I think I'll go after Christmas. I'll get lost in the shuffle, though hopefully the one guy there who recognizes me (and gave me the game) isn't working that day.

[kell]

Yeah, I think I'll go after Christmas. I'll get lost in the shuffle, though hopefully the one guy there who recognizes me (and gave me the game) isn't working that day.

Assuming you have another one close, can't you just bring it back to a different store?

[Z-Saber]

Assuming you have another one close, can't you just bring it back to a different store?I figured the store mattered. Can you tell I don't return things very often? Yeah, I guess that would work out better.

[kell]

I figured the store mattered. Can you tell I don't return things very often? Yeah, I guess that would work out better.

I haven't had a problem doing it. Although I have not returned a pre-ordered item, but I don't think it should make a difference.

[eau]

I returned a preordered Final Fantasy XII CE to a different store for a full refund a couple of days ago. No a problem as long as you have the receipt and the item is unopened.

I hadn't even opened the FFXII CE yet and they already dropped the price by $10. They wouldn't do a price adjustment even with 30 days, so I just returned it and buy it again later.

[ne2eire]

FFXII CE is such a joke. I returned mine a few days after I received it in the mail to an EB and the guy asked me if I wanted a regular copy, refunding me $10. The manager then said they only had CE's available and the regular sold out. Wow gg SquareEnix for making the regular version more of a "limited edition" :p

[eau]

EB/GS took all the FFXII CE from Sq. Enix that could have been sold through regular retailers. It is not surprising that their warehouse and stores have only the CE and none of the regular. I can imagine they will be doing another price drop later in order to get rid of those shitloads.

I should have just returned the CE and bought the regular from TRU yesterday, only if my nearby TRU didn't close door this year. The next closeby is 40 miles away and I couldn't get to it on a weekday. Sigh!

[trunks982]

i ordered my MGSPO and Castlevania separately. They both came in one day. MGS in a box and castlevania in that recycled newspaper yellow envelope. its not even a bubblewrap. i ripped it open and all those nasty pieces of paper flew out. shittiest envelope ever. they should just put it in a box just like my MGS.

[Rags]

I ordered them seperatly too, but they shipped them in the same package.

[io]

I returned a preordered Final Fantasy XII CE to a different store for a full refund a couple of days ago. No a problem as long as you have the receipt and the item is unopened.

I hadn't even opened the FFXII CE yet and they already dropped the price by $10. They wouldn't do a price adjustment even with 30 days, so I just returned it and buy it again later.

I did the same thing when they had that $10 gift card promo during BF. Then the bastards just drop the price $10 a week later :lol:. Anyway, I returned my Castlevania a few days ago at a different store - no problems whatsoever. I said my wife got it for me for Christmas so I had 2 (I did actually have 2 but one was from Gamerush - with no bonus of course). In fact, the guy asked me if I had the bonus pack. At first I thought "uh oh" - but I said I didn't :oops:. Then he just went on to tell me how great it was and if at all possible I should try to get one if my wife didn't get it with my present. So I think even if I said I had it, he would have been cool with it.

However, this is third game I've returned to this store (FFXII CE, Zelda, Castlevania). I probably better stop for a while. With Zelda it was the same - my GR copy finally came in a few weeks late and I wanted to use my GR credit on it rather than my EB credit which is more valuable (as they have a better selection and get things on time).

[hupp]

I was the first to get mine at my local EB.
It took the guy about 12 minutes at the register but I got mine in mint condition. I think the artbook was the worst part and could have been done much better.

[GrilledWitOnions]

Normally, it's a 30 day policy. Now they have a giver guarantee - purchases made on/after 11/1/06 can be returned before 1/15/07, if I remember the dates correctly.DUDE, I bought mine 10/31, have the receipt and it's unopened, but it looks like 30 days applies. Darn it...

[mtass]

They have your receipt number listed in their computer. They will know if you already picked up your order/didn't preorder it.

Plus I watched my Gamestop take some of the preorders and set it aside for themselves

I went to pick up my preorder for Castlevania at the local Gamestop. I was the first to get one in the store. When I asked about the preorder bonus, they played dumb as if they were missing. I think one of the employees pocketed them for later sale on ebay. :bomb: I had to drive to the Gamestop a few miles away to get my bonus. I should have complained, but I was happy at least I got it eventually. The CD is pretty good. The other items are nice too.

I was also feeling bad because there was a parent picking up his kid's preorder asking for "Castlemania". I wanted to tell him about the preorder bonus, but thought again. I didn't want to confuse him any more than he already was.:drool:

[ne2eire]

EB/GS took all the FFXII CE from Sq. Enix that could have been sold through regular retailers. It is not surprising that their warehouse and stores have only the CE and none of the regular. I can imagine they will be doing another price drop later in order to get rid of those shitloads.

I should have just returned the CE and bought the regular from TRU yesterday, only if my nearby TRU didn't close door this year. The next closeby is 40 miles away and I couldn't get to it on a weekday. Sigh!
Well the CE is already cheap used. Got mine on another forum for $30 with a mint condition guide.

[iceblast21]

Here's the whole soundtrack for SotN: http://gh.ffshrine.org/soundtracks/120

I was looking for a site with game music... THANKS! Couldn't find Castlevania 4, though... that sucks...

Dude, it's hard NOT complaining about a CD which keeps repeating the SAME DAMN medley! It's not like Castlevania doesn't have musical variety...

There is plenty of variety on the CD, but I am still bummed they had to repeat that one song so much that they left out some other good pieces.

[allyourblood]

fascinating. you mods are a dirty, sneaky lot. ;)

[Z-Saber]

Returned it to another EB, full refund, no issues.

[allyourblood]

Returned it to another EB, full refund, no issues.

smooth. glad to hear it worked out.

[Z-Saber]

smooth. glad to hear it worked out.I'm still gloating over my free (minus time to pickup and gas money) preorder bonus. I'm still undecided whether or not to keep it and not open it, keep it and open it, sell it now for a good profit, or wait a while and see if it gets a bit more.

[Collectordragon]

My bonus was delivered crushed. :( I hate shipping envelopes.

[Kendro]

It's a shame this thread is going to be dead. It's been a part of me for the past two months.

[ratzombie]

It was already dead, but you just resurrected it!

[ddp72984]

this may sound stupid, but is the art book inside the sealed envelope? Thanks

[MSI Magus]

this may sound stupid, but is the art book inside the sealed envelope? Thanks

Yep it is. And I finished the game....rather dissapointed. Was very short and the items kinda sucked.

[daroga]

Yep it is. And I finished the game....rather dissapointed. Was very short and the items kinda sucked.Did you get the "good" ending though? There's about 50% more game after the "end" if you do it correctly.

That being said, after Dawn of Sorrow, PoR is a let down for me too. It's a little too Copy-and-Paste happy for my tastes

[boozi]

Meh, I'll say it again... I really like the game :X Still playing it 'cause I didn't have any time to play it lately (finals & such). The painting feature is really cool and overall, yes, it is a copy-paste thing, but it's good :P

[MSI Magus]

Did you get the "good" ending though? There's about 50% more game after the "end" if you do it correctly.

That being said, after Dawn of Sorrow, PoR is a let down for me too. It's a little too Copy-and-Paste happy for my tastes

Yep sure did. I loved the paintings idea but it was over far too soon. I finished the game in about 16 hours with the good ending and having gotten a good % of monster items.

[trunks982]

Got the first (bad) ending in about 5hrs 40mins and got the true ending in 8hrs. I have 999.5% i dont know wheres that .5% at. im at lvl 47.

[Vinny]

Well, after coming home and checking out items... my box was also a little crushed but luckily, not smashed. I think I'll keep it sealed and see if it ends up being worth something some day. It probably won't since, none of my preorder goodies ever end up being worth anything.:lol:

[wbc1228]

Well, after coming home and checking out items... my box was also a little crushed but luckily, not smashed. I think I'll keep it sealed and see if it ends up being worth something some day. It probably won't since, none of my preorder goodies ever end up being worth anything.:lol:

The price on the bonus has already collapsed.
Last week or so, it was going for about $70-100 on ebay.
Now, it is closer to $30.
My copy is still sealed.
I'm trying to decide if I should use it for myself or keep it sealed just in case the value magically goes up.

[GrilledWitOnions]

The price on the bonus has already collapsed.
Last week or so, it was going for about $70-100 on ebay.
Now, it is closer to $30.
My copy is still sealed.
I'm trying to decide if I should use it for myself or keep it sealed just in case the value magically goes up.
Dang, that's nuts! I didn't think the bottom would fall out so easy... glad I opened my copy already then, and didn't just sit on it for no reason.
Although I did pay $14 for it, but it was a good trade here on CAG (btw bearcatjosh highly recommended) and I think worth it, since I was late on picking it up at GS.

[PRGuitarman]

Man, I thought the stylus was really cool, but it's super flimsy. It broke after a few games of Elite Beat Agents.

[gunm]

Sorry to ressurect a dead thread, but it's not quite dead for me--just received my pre-order bonus today! I had tried several methods after the store I pre-ordered from gyp'd me on the bonus, but it was the email method that came through. I requested a regional manager callback, and worked with Florian on getting one sent to me from their "reserve pile" for CSR emergencies. Props to Florian on handling these.

[misbitski]

Got my konami.com order yesterday in pristine condition. It helps when it's packaged properly :)

Elebits and Castlevania along with their preorder bonuses were both in separate, sturdy boxes with the brown paper filler.

[eau]

Sorry to ressurect a dead thread, but it's not quite dead for me--just received my pre-order bonus today! I had tried several methods after the store I pre-ordered from gyp'd me on the bonus, but it was the email method that came through. I requested a regional manager callback, and worked with Florian on getting one sent to me from their "reserve pile" for CSR emergencies. Props to Florian on handling these.
Good for you. I hope they didn't ship it to you in one of those cursed brown envelopes.

[eau]

Do you get a full refund or store credit if you return an online order to a GS or EB B&M store? And what do you use as the receipt? Online printout or the packing list?

My Castlevania PoR will be going back. They can have my preorder pack back if they want since it's smashed during shipping anyway. I rather pick the game up at Circuit City for $20 this Sunday.

[gunm]

Good for you. I hope they didn't ship it to you in one of those cursed brown envelopes.

Thanks. He shipped it in a sturdy cardboard box--no problems.

[Kendro]

Thanks. He shipped it in a sturdy cardboard box--no problems.
Yeah Florian ROCKS! (Although I thought Florian was a girl). A week and a half ago when I received my crushed bonus, I fired off an angry email (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2457675&postcount=1107) to GS. I never expected a response, it was mostly me venting at whoever was in charge of packaging. Low and behold, I got an email a few days ago from my knight in shining armor. He even got them to ship it in a box!

Hello Kenneth,

I just wanted to let you know that I issued a replacement of the Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin 20th Anniversary gift pack to be send to you via UPS from our warehouse. I also advised the warehouse team to use a more sturdy cardboard box for shipping this time. I sincerely apologize for the way the order was shipped the first time and I hope this replacement will arrive in much better condition. Obviously this replacement is completely free of charge and you should be able to track the status on our website with the same order number (XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX).

[spincut]

get this i got mine shipped from konami in good condition, but then right away i had to move! i had alto of fragile things and i ddint know how to pack this thing, i could take it on the plane in my carry in, securely package it again, and ship it / from ups or in my car, i didn know.

i meticulously packed it in my carry on, and managed to get all the way home again without damaging it, whoopee!

[Kendro]

Prices have really tanked on the bonus. Kinda wish I would have caught this one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/castlevania-portrait-of-run-20th-anniversary-collectors_W0QQitemZ220062849880QQihZ012QQcategory Z62053QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Brand new and sealed game AND bonus for $38.50 shipped.

[GrilledWitOnions]

Prices have really tanked on the bonus. Kinda wish I would have caught this one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/castlevania-portrait-of-run-20th-anniversary-collectors_W0QQitemZ220062849880QQihZ012QQcategory Z62053QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Brand new and sealed game AND bonus for $38.50 shipped.Dang! I think when I actually pick up the game I'm going with ebay so I can have the opened promo I bought and an unopened one too :D

[DomLando]

After my local EB giving my gift pack away before the game came out and me complaining to Gamestop corp, I finally received mine yesterday. I was actually kind of shocked that they came through and really sent me one. Looks like if I ever get fucked again by my local store, you can always call up corp and complain.