Greatest Hits Vs. Non Greatest Hits

[dutch72]

In my collection I have Final Fantasy Tactics..Its with the Greatest Hits cover. I was out and about today and found one that has the orginal black label and a Final Fantasy VII with the black label. My question Is does the labels really matter on the games , does It mean It's worth more with the black label or more collectible then the Greatest Hits ?

[zionoverfire]

Black labels are worth more for most games, by several dollars to a slightly higher trade value depending on the game. The odd case is Silent Hill 2 where the GH actually has a rather nice song addition to it.

[Javery]

generally the non-GH covers will be worth more although if it's a greatest hit than there are millions of copies floating around so in the end it's probably not worth jack.

[repetske]

A lot of people argue that greatest hits covers are actually more rare, but I prefer to show off being an early adopter of games and systems. I think there is a stigma about greatest hits since that means you didn't buy the game until it had been around for a long time, they are just kind of ugly, and it makes you look cheap. I don't think it matters at all though. It's really just about preference. I have some pretty nerdy friends that actually will notice my platinum or greatest hits and say some stupid crap about why I took so long to get some game.

[Vampire Hunter D]

So really it only matters if your gonna sell the games in the future. But if a game has enough copies sold to warrant a GH then obviously the game isnt the most valuble thing.

[hutno]

So really it only matters if your gonna sell the games in the future. But if a game has enough copies sold to warrant a GH then obviously the game isnt the most valuble thing.

unless its new and sealed

[dutch72]

Well the store had a ton of both games but for some reason I thought I got lucky.

[epobirs]

It's an idiot status symbol which, as noted above, allows people to pretend to a greater level of afflunce by creating the illusion they bought the game early on and thus should be noted for their discerning taste and willingness to spend money. It's a horribly misdirected mating instinct and totally wasted since most females will not connect to the significance of the game package.

[Gameboy415]

Its actually pretty funny you should bring this up. I personally dislike GH games b/c they stick out like a sore thumb on my wall of games.

One such example that ALWAYS bugged the hell out of me was Castlevania: SOTN for PS1.

Ironically enough, I was at Gamecrazy about a month ago and I saw the non-GH version for $15. I didn't have the cash at the time (I was actually trying to trade stuff in) so I reluctantly passed on buying it. Just this past wednesday, I finally got some money again and I decided to stop in and see if they still had the game. After about 10 mins of digging through the PS1 game wall, I FOUND IT. I took it up to the counter to buy and the guy started searching for the disc. Turns out someone else sold the disc w/o the case. I asked if I could just buy the case and he said I could just take it!

So I got home, took the disc from my GH case and put it in the new non-GH case!

There can be miracles, IF YOU BELIEVE....

lol, sorry, it was on the radio.

[rebenns]

A sealed FF VII non-GH copy goes for big bucks on EBay. If you saw one cheap, get it. For the most part, only collectors will pay more for a non-GH. Stores and most game players don't care. If given a choice between the two, I'd go for the non-GH title, but would not pay more for it, nor would I really care if all that was available was the GH version. If you ever sell an original game at auction that has a GH version, always mention that it isn't a GH. Sometimes, you'll get a few bucks more off a collector.

[dutch72]

Well they did offer to pay me 3 whole dollars for my greatest hits version only to pay the remaining 10 out of my pocket.

[DigitalSpace]

It's an idiot status symbol

Agreed.

I don't give a shit whether or not a game in my collection is a GH version or not. What matters to me is that a game is complete (with exception to cart-based systems) in good condition, and cheap.

For some reason though, I note what games are GH copies in my collection list. I guess it's just something I'm used to doing.

[Nirvanaguy777]

A game is a game to me, the case doesnt really matter if as long as its not damaged.

[opportunity777]

The top label on the FF games seems to be a bit easier to scratch the disc from the top down than the white label ones.

[jimbodan]

I never buy GH/PC/PH games, the simply fact is that the NON-GH/PC/PH versions are worth more. So why should I pay the same price for the same game only have it be worth less money then other version?

[opportunity777]

I never buy GH/PC/PH games, the simply fact is that the NON-GH/PC/PH versions are worth more. So why should I pay the same price for the same game only have it be worth less money then other version?

Sometimes that's not so easy ... have you seen the prices of some of those older PS1 non-GH games?

[Rig]

It's an idiot status symbol

Agreed.

I don't give a shit whether or not a game in my collection is a GH version or not. What matters to me is that a game is complete (with exception to cart-based systems) in good condition, and cheap.

For some reason though, I note what games are GH copies in my collection list. I guess it's just something I'm used to doing.

To those of us (like myself) that play and collect games, those GH covers bug us mainly for the fact they look tacky and out of place. Personally, I don't sell any of my collection, with the exception of duplicates I come across. I don't want to have GH labels in with my regular collection, so I go out of my way to find games without them, if I passed on the game in its initial productiion.

[BustaUppa]

Sometimes GH versions will contain minor tweaks and bugfixes. Recently I hunted down a GH version of Mortal Kombat Trilogy, since a few broken infinite combos and the like from the original version had been fixed. I wanted the most accurate version possible, so in this case there was a discernable gameplay difference between versions and the GH release was superior.

[PhrostByte]

VF: Evolution, one of the best (if not the best) fighting games out today is only available as a GH.

As someone already mentioned, SH2 GH version has a few added features. I used to care about having an all black wall of PS2 games, but then I got VF:evo. So now I have about 5 GH's and it doesn't bother me.

[craven_fiend]

like most people, as long as its complete and in good shape i don't care. with xenogears for instance, when i heard about the gh release, i stopped trying to find a regular copy. i could careless about the label. but if i have a choice of either version (w/ no extras), i will always go with the non GH/PC/PH.

[Lexian]

I had never heard of anyone preferring a non-GH/PC/PH box to a regular box until I came to these forums. It seems a little silly to me, but what people should spend their own money on what they want. If that means they want a non-GH box, then whatever.

[tdphillips]

All I can say is I hate GH games, for the simple fact it dropped the value of my FF Tactics by a mile.

[Rhombus]

Like alot of people, I don't really care all that much about GH or non-GH. It's the look that bothers me more than anything else... although it's not a huge issue with this generation - it was horrible on PS1 cause of that huge garrish neon green banner. The "concept" bothers me as well... just knowing that it's worth less for whatever reason is annoying despite the fact that I'm not going to sell it - I've never sold any of my games, and probably never will.

[Duo_Maxwell]

My reasons for disliking GH games have nothing to do with status, money, resale value, or the like. Instead it's due to my obsessive compulisive neatness not to have those red, silver, or yellow marks on the shelf when I put my games in alphebetical order. Yeah I know it's quite sad really, but I'm a nut case what else can I say.

I'll get it if good enough content is added like mentioned above and eventually for PS1 I gave in and starting getting GH copies of games, but my issues forced me to move my collection of games to a CD wallet rather than the shelf.

[roc's feather]

Well the labels are designed to look striking, so that when a shopper is browsing he/she can immediately home in on discount games.


I'm of the camp of "it's not going to prevent me from buying a game, but if given the option I'd prefer a clean cover slip."

I'm really interested in GH versions that have been changed. SH2, VF4, and MK so far...is anyone aware of any others?

[chubbyninja1319]

Interesting thread....good one OP.

I prefer the non-gh games by far. I just like the look of the original. Also, If I recall, doesn't the GH version skip on some disc art or things like that? I remember that the GH version of MGS didn't have all the artwork on the disc and in the cover art inside.

I absolutely refuse to get GC players choice or Xbox PH cases, though. They stick out too much, but I'll accept PS GH games just because of VF:EVO like one poster already mentioned.

[Heyricochet]

Hmm, I find this interesting that no one has posted it yet. There actually is a difference in the GH and non-GH version of FFVII you're talking about. My friend is one of those FFVII freaks, and he told me about the differences and the only one I remember is that they censor shit to s**t or something like that.

[anonymouswhoami]

I separate my GH titles from my non-GH titles so that there isn't such a stark contrast when viewing my collection.

[Mr. Anderson]

If there is a game that has become GH, I just buy it used and ask for a non-GH cover.

[b3b0p]

Watch out if you just swap out discs or covers. Many times the discs have differ art on them or are differ color.

Example: FF7 GH is clear. FF7 Normal is white. (or is it other way around?)

I don't care about value, resale, or any of that BS bullcrap. I just don't like them for some reason and prefer getting the original.

Chris

[bignick]

I prefer original, but if the PH is all I can get for the right price, then so be it.

[regisphilbi0]

If I have a choice, I go for the old cover. But it doesn't matter much to me. Except the GC PC covers are UGLY!!! Those I despise.

[Alpha2]

The only real problem is that most of the time the greatest hits banner is just a ugly ugly banner of shame across the top of the art.

it dosent fit in with all your other games in a uniform manner and sticks out like a sore thomb proclaiming to the world that you didn't pick this game up when it was originally cool.

I have one GH on Gamecube and one pn PS2, the GC one is crazy taxy which isnt so bad because the GH tag is yellow and so is the cover art the other is NeedforSpeed, great game but I hide the box.

[Zenithian Legend]

I prefer original, but if the PH is all I can get for the right price, then so be it.

bingo

I had a chance awhile ago to get Animal Crossing and Zelda:WW for $20 each non-GH, but I knew I could use a GGC at BB and get them both for $15 a piece, which one do you think I got...

[defender]

odd how a post I made a couple days ago applies here too...

stop buying games to collect and buy them to play and you wont have this problem

personally I have always defined the word "collecting" as "someone else collecting your money"

in most cases this definition is true

buy games you like and are going to play..it's that simple

[Wshakspear]

the only time i ever really cared, was for Kingdom Hearts. The GH doesnt have the shiney :)

[sisco1986]

I'm not anal about my games, as long as there in the case and I have the game with the manual I could careless what the cover is on the case. I do think that the GH red cover is tacky but don't really give a damn since it's the game I want not the jewel case. The only time I buy greatest hits over a regular cover and vice versa is when the game has an extra features (Silent Hill 2 Maria character comes to mind, and that's was added to the GH version).

[jngx80]

GH, PC, etc. are reprints so in terms of collecting they will be worth less than the original. But who cares? Is collecting video games really that lucrative, expecially if the title has gone to the GH status?

I have DMC2 with the red GH label and just recently picked up the GH version of DMC to go along with it. Actually I don't mind the red labels on these two games because it blends in with the artwork.

I've been trying to find a GH version of Silent Hill 2 because it offered extras.

[PhrostByte]

I just bought R&C GH yesterday for ten bucks. I started playing it and it's just so incredibly expansive that I went over to gamefaqs to find out what gold bolts to... I discovered this.

Infinite Bolts
(You will need the hologuise and the Taunter for this glitch to work, and this does not work in the Greatest Hits release.) After you get the hologuise, go to the hoverboard track in Blackwater City. Equip the hologuise and enter the race. You can now freely walk around the racetrack. Head towards the big jump. Stand under the platform where there is a large amount of crates. Equip the taunter. As long as you hold down the O button, bolts will rain down towards you. Note: this can be done only once per game. So until you beat Drek & start a new game you can't do it again.

[BustaUppa]

I'm really interested in GH versions that have been changed. SH2, VF4, and MK so far...is anyone aware of any others?I'm not positive on the details, but I heard that DOA 3 had some additions made to the Platinum Hits version. Possibly just some new music tracks or something like that. Plus they gave it much better cover art (the original version had a DUDE on the cover).

And of course one of the more blatant examples is Pac Man World 2 on GameCube, with Pac-Man Vs. added to the Player's Choice version.

[adeedussuperstar]

I will try to get the Black Label Non-GH version if it's not going to cost me an arm and a leg.

If it's significantly more expensive than the GH version, then I go with the GH. It's not that huge of a deal to me considering I'll probably never sell the games.

[SilverNine]

I prefer Non-GH version more because it doesnt have any weird color things on it. Though I agree that if you want to collect more than get the original and if you just want to play than just buy the gh version. I have a question though, do you know any difference between the non-gh and the original version of Xenosaga Episode 1? How about both of the final fantasy x? Thanks

[willardhaven]

I don't really care, unless it's a game that is easy to obtain in its original form.

Greatest Hits for PSone have a b/w transparent disc top, as opposed to the colored tops of the original print, so you can never swap outer cases.

[rockhero]

I would never buy a GH/PH/PC/etc. game.. Those covers drive me nuts.

[PSTwoGamer]

I like original stuff.. so I gotta go with non-gh games. It doesn't make any sense, but I just like it that way.

[Scorch]

I never buy GH/PC/PH games

Same. I like what they're doing now, though, GH/PH/PC stickers with the original case.

[jimbodan]

I never buy GH/PC/PH games

Same. I like what they're doing now, though, GH/PH/PC stickers with the original case.

That's what they should do. Honestly, why do companies not do this? People won't see the game and say "oh wait this is the original non-gh version, I'm not going to buy it" But the opposite is true lots of people see the GH version and refuse to buy it.

[DangerDave]

People that won't buy a GH's titles are hardcore video game aficionado's. They care for and keep their games in pristine condition.
People that don't care are just mainstream gamers..... and probably have girl friends.

[ChaosMonkey]

I'm just poor.

[evilmax17]

People that won't buy a GH's titles are hardcore video game aficionado's. They care for and keep their games in pristine condition.
People that don't care are just mainstream gamers..... and probably have girl friends.

I'm a collector, I have a girlfriend, and I don't mind GH games. If I were given the choice I would pick the original any day, but the GH's on my shelf don't make me cringe or anything.

[MaxBiaggi3]

I buy whatever version is cheaper. Sometimes you find a sale or clearance special, and the store only has one version. Usually on PS2 and Xbox releases, I don't really care which version I get, but the yellow GCN Players' Choice banners do kind of annoy me.

[Blues]

I look for regular copies, like I got an Xbox late November and I wanted an original KOTOR, didn't find it though, so I got a PH. I'd rather have a PH new copy than an original used copy.

[screwkick]

Even if you change the label, won't the CD still say greatest hits?

[dtcarson]

I'd prefer the original, all things being equal.
If everything is equal other than price, I'm going with the cheapest/most easily available version.
My games stay in a shelf or in the console, I don't need to show off that I have 'original' versions, and I don't really care one way or the other.
I'd also rather than GH new than original used, if they're the same price. If they're like 2 bucks different, I'll probably splurge and buy the new one just to be on the safe side.

[evilmax17]

Another thing too, VF4 evolution was GH only. Now if you don't own this or never wanted to, then fine. But as it stands, you're going to be owning one GH anyway, so the whole uniformity thing goes out the window.

[SEGA128DC]

I only buy and collect games that are original versions. I think the Greatest Hits, Platinum Hits and Player's Choice, labels look tacky...