FACT: Greatest Hits Covers are rarer than Non-GH covers

[defender]

I know some of you consider yourselves collectors but normally a game is circulated more under the regular cover. It has to be out one year before a GH cover can be released...Of course there are exceptions but as a whole the GH covers are less circulated.

Those that feel they are collectors yet refuse to pay the $50 for a game when it's a regular cover are NOT collectors...they are just cheap. Please admit this. They also want the non-gh cover so they dont look as if they are a cheap person.

Look on Ebay. NonGH covers while usually more desirable do not command a collectors premium.

Until you are willing to spend top dollar to get the non-gh cover...you are NOT a collector. YOU ARE JUST CHEAP.

[Scrubking]

I thought this was CHEAPassgamer.com

Let me check again and make sure.

[Alpha2]

Actually I dont much care about it as a collectors item I just dont usually LIKE the GH cover since most of the time it obscures the original art.

[ryon]

agreed. and xbox platinum hits come in silver cases which just look ugly next to my green cases.

i like to keep my ps2 collection red-free, my gamecube collection yellow-free, and my xbox collection platinum free :)

[CaseyRyback]

it don't matter to me

the only plaer's choice game I got it PAc Man World 2, and the only Platinum hit I got is DOA 3 (I am glad I only paid 10)

[jetblac]

those xbox green cases are hot. as a ps2 only owner...
I am green with envy

[AnthonyRoundtree]

I thought this was CHEAPassgamer.com

Let me check again and make sure.

.........ZING.

[defender]

I agree this is cheap ass gamer..but some people here have decided its colectorsassgamers

I agree that being a cheapass is fine...what I dont agree is the collector mentality and still being a cheapass...they dont mix properly...its like buying cheap sushi or getting a diamond engangement ring at Kmart...its just dumb to think you can collect and be a cheapass.

besides scrubking..I knew this thread would annoy you and that you would post something here :-)

[chosen1s]

Uh, did somebody just make reference to something looking ugly next to the green XBox cases? Yeah, my 27-inch TV looks kind of small next to my Gameboy too.

Anyway, I don't get what Defender was trying to say because he seemed to contradict himself. Either way, I don't like the GH games because

(1) They aren't true Originals ("First Editions").
(2) They're ugly
(3) They all look alike
(4) They practically have the word "cheap" stamped on them whether you like it or not.

[WhipSmartBanky]

I prefer the regular covers just because I like uniformity, not that I think one is valued more than the other. This is also why once a move to GH is announced, I refuse to pay a higher price for a "non-GH" cover.

Hell, if I really wanted the game that badly, I would've bought it when it came out and saved myself the trouble. Odds are the only reason I'd want the game later is because the price was right, and given the choice, I'd pick up the non-GH version.

Like you said, non-GH covers are circulated more, and I'm just helping my friendly neighborhood retailer liquidate old stock. :lol:

[chosen1s]

Ah, I think I understand.

No, I think I can collect and be cheap at the same time. Over the years I have amassed what I consider to be a good collection of games. What I have I got pretty cheap, and only because I knew when I found something for $50 that I could find the exact same game in the exact same (or better in many cases) condition if I was just patient.

I've gotten some pretty sweet deals over the years being cheap, and I enjoy my collection more because of it because I worked for what I have rather than just shelling out money for every game I wanted to fill out the collection. Cheapness actually enhances the collecting experience for me.

My guess: Part of the reason this thread started is because you grew weary of whiny people emailing you and asking if you can sell them the "Non-Greatest Hits Version" even though your site clearly indicates that you are selling the GH version. Am I right? I know it happens. So many people out there who think if they keep pushing they'll somehow bend reality...Am I right? :)

[gamefreak]

What's the matter with being cheap and appearing non-cheap?

[drone8888]

Hey assmaster!

Not all of us can afford to get a game on the day of release.
We have to wait until the price drops, to pick it up.

If we could, we would own every title as it arrived.

The GH, and PC alternates, are disgusting looking. No one in their right mind will tell you otherwise.
Strapping a nasty band of vibrant color, to the top of a beautiful keeper is wrong altogether.

These companies pay an arm and a leg, for ad agencies, and such, to design eye appealing, collectible, packaging.
Then some hardware Nazi is going to tell them, "Hey, we're gonna ruin your games look. Screw up the cover and spine, and make it worth while to limit your first runs, on new releases."

I also love when they change the actual disc label art.
How horrid.
Collectors' aren't all rich. Nor should they have to be, as you would have us beleive.

Eventually, this site will get enough hits, that CheapyD, and his helpers, will be rolling in loot, and games. Thats just how it works, when a site does well.

Lets see how many GHs they have in their collection, after they can afford to pick up anything.

[fifthcore]

I am starting to get the feeling that defender does not like me. I sent him a PM with the following " Just wondering if the Silent Hill 2 for PS2 is the non-greatest hit and same with Max Payne 1 for Xbox is it the non-PH. " Which i got a reply of "Most likely you would get PH or GH if a price is the GH or PH price. I cant guarantee either way we dont seperate games by PH or GH or PC (players choice) covers. A game is a game. "

Then I see this post, first off your site is called Videogamdeals.com keyword is DEALS, the picture you show is the non-greatest hit or non-ph versions so that is why I was wondering and second because I do collect games and I am looking for the best price. And no a game is not game, not if it has a crappy cover. Also you only have 2 copies of Silent Hill 2 left is it that hard to check to see if they are Greatest Hits or not, I remember you had Amped for like $10 a few weeks back you made a big deal to get rid of it, that it was the orginal box.

[Spiritseed]

I would have to say GH are good for retailers because it's an extra couple of bucks they can easily make when you have a cheapass in store. I agree that non GH are better but they are also harder to find. I have almost a double of every Non GH that I have GH because I keep my Non's unopened and play my GH. So they are good for something.

[ted630]

agreed. and xbox platinum hits come in silver cases which just look ugly next to my green cases.

i like to keep my ps2 collection red-free, my gamecube collection yellow-free, and my xbox collection platinum free :)

I agree 100%. They should just put a PH, PC, or GH sticker on the outside of the package, instead of changing the entire cover art. It would be cheaper for the game companies and most gamers would like it better.

[Scrubking]

besides scrubking..I knew this thread would annoy you and that you would post something here :-)

If thinking you affect me in any way eases your frustrations then by all means continue believing. I am here to help. :D

Anway, collecting does not mean that you have to/want to pay high prices for everything you collect...that is simply ridiculous.

[optimusprime]

My guess: Part of the reason this thread started is because you grew weary of whiny people emailing you and asking if you can sell them the "Non-Greatest Hits Version" even though your site clearly indicates that you are selling the GH version. Am I right? I know it happens. So many people out there who think if they keep pushing they'll somehow bend reality...Am I right?

My guess is that chosen1s is right on the money.

My experience has been that berating people for not buying what you're selling doesn't get them to buy more. But......you're the guy with the store, so what do I know.

[GSJaia]

Anway, collecting does not mean that you have to/want to pay high prices for everything you collect...that is simply ridiculous.

Very true Scrubking.

I have over 1400 games in my collection in my 27 years as a gamer. I have that many because I look for the best deals. The original argument is kind of like saying that your 50 buck copy of the 1st release of Splinter Cell is better than my $5.00 buck copy of the 1st release of Splinter Cell....

[JSweeney]

You could wrap the game in week old newspaper, and I wouldn't care. I don't buy games because they look pretty on my shelf. I don't understand that mentality (and my collection of games probably dwarfs most of the people that whine about wanting the original game, complete, with all packaging.

[chosen1s]

You could wrap the game in week old newspaper, and I wouldn't care. I don't buy games because they look pretty on my shelf. I don't understand that mentality (and my collection of games probably dwarfs most of the people that whine about wanting the original game, complete, with all packaging.

A lot of people buy nice cars because of performance. But wrap a BMW in a Pinto's body and I doubt most "collectors" (Or anybody, for that matter) would give it the same value, even though it would have the same performance.

Same for Lord of the Rings First Edition books. Same words in today's paperbacks, but collector's have reasons other than performance for collecting.

You have your reasons, other people have theirs. Congratulations on your massive Pinto collection with the Beamer parts inside.

[scsg75]

So I can't be cheap and a collector at the same time huh? I tend to disagree with that, a lot. Over the last year, I have gotten at very cheap prices games that are highly collectable and hard to find. Games like Suikoden 2 for $50, Lunar SSS Complete for $20 sealed, Lunar 2 Complete for $9.99 mint condition, and so on. How? By searching many places over a long period of time for what I want at a cheap price. Anyone who pays top dollar for a collectors item is not a serious collector, but rather a really stupid and lazy collector. Saying one can't be cheap and be a collector at the same time is just freaking stupid. As for the Greatest Hits titles, once a game goers greatest hits, the prices for all versions of that game go down to greatest hits price point, therefore, if one was a collector and wanted the original box art, one just has to wait for when the game initally goes greatest hits, then go buy the original before they are all gone. Again, that's smart collecting and a much better way of ammassing a good collection for a good price. Spending $50 on every new game you get when it is released is not good investing and is no way to collect videogames and can be likened to buying a new car, once you drive it out of the lot, it loses about half it's value.

[Anonymous]

FACT: No one cares.

[chosen1s]

My guess: Part of the reason this thread started is because you grew weary of whiny people emailing you and asking if you can sell them the "Non-Greatest Hits Version"...Am I right?

My guess is that chosen1s is right on the money.

I am so smart. S-M-R-T!!

[chosen1s]

FACT: No one cares.

I guess not caring would explain all the posts on this thread.

[scsg75]

Also saying that a GH cover is rarer than the original boxart that is OOP once the GH cover comes out is just plain dumb. The original goes OOP after 1 year, while the GH version will be in circulation for years to come as long as they make the game.

[daphatty]

I am starting to get the feeling that defender does not like me. I sent him a PM with the following " Just wondering if the Silent Hill 2 for PS2 is the non-greatest hit and same with Max Payne 1 for Xbox is it the non-PH. " Which i got a reply of "Most likely you would get PH or GH if a price is the GH or PH price. I cant guarantee either way we dont seperate games by PH or GH or PC (players choice) covers. A game is a game. "

Then I see this post, first off your site is called Videogamdeals.com keyword is DEALS, the picture you show is the non-greatest hit or non-ph versions so that is why I was wondering and second because I do collect games and I am looking for the best price. And no a game is not game, not if it has a crappy cover. Also you only have 2 copies of Silent Hill 2 left is it that hard to check to see if they are Greatest Hits or not, I remember you had Amped for like $10 a few weeks back you made a big deal to get rid of it, that it was the orginal box.

It really boils down to personal preference Defender. For most collectors, cheapasses or otherwise, the GH, PC, and PH covers are just plain ugly.

In Defender's defense, he did sell me a PC Pikmin with the original artwork. It was a dream come true to be honest. Would you believe there was a small PC sticker on the plastic wrapping? Now THAT was exciting to me. I'd take a picture if I had a digital camera.

[suprsaiyanMAX]

I've only ever bought one GH title and that was Silent Hill 2. The only reason I did this was because it has the extra mission and content that was released for the xbox version on it when the original release did not, and at that time I didn't have an xbox. Otherwise, I hate seeing different colored boxes in my collection. It just looks tacky and ugly to me when you line them up. Also, I think it's possible to be a collector and be cheap. I picked up a brand new copy of Ico about a month ago for only $8.99, that's being pretty cheap.

[ft]

Wow, business must be horrible for someone to be so cranky.

And yes, I've been to your "store".

[Gothic Walrus]

They should just put a PH, PC, or GH sticker on the outside of the package, instead of changing the entire cover art. It would be cheaper for the game companies and most gamers would like it better.

That would be too easy to remove, especially if it's just a sticker on the plastic wrap. It'd be far too easy for people to resell the games as originals.

Not owning any of the current consoles, I'm curious: do GH versions of games come with modified discs, or is the actual game the same as a non-GH version would be?

[video_gamer324]

"Rarity" is different than "availability." Sure, there may be fewer GH GTA3's than regular GTA3's, but I could easily go to a store and find a GH version whereas it might not be so easy to pick up a non-GH one. Plus, I know that the original versions will never be made again, but new batches of GH games could always be churned out any day.

[daphatty]

That would be too easy to remove, especially if it's just a sticker on the plastic wrap. It'd be far too easy for people to resell the games as originals.

Not owning any of the current consoles, I'm curious: do GH versions of games come with modified discs, or is the actual game the same as a non-GH version would be?

I can't speak for Xbox (don't have one) or GC (don't have any PC games) but PS2 games have the HUGE red color on the discs. :(

And like I mentioned before, I bought an original Pikmin from Defender that had a small and simple PC sticker on the plastic wrapping so they do exist.

[Anonymous]

FACT: No one cares.

I guess not caring would explain all the posts on this thread.

Nah, that doesn't explain it.

[video_gamer324]

That would be too easy to remove, especially if it's just a sticker on the plastic wrap. It'd be far too easy for people to resell the games as originals.

Not owning any of the current consoles, I'm curious: do GH versions of games come with modified discs, or is the actual game the same as a non-GH version would be?

I can't speak for Xbox (don't have one) or GC (don't have any PC games) but PS2 games have the HUGE red color on the discs. :(

And like I mentioned before, I bought an original Pikmin from Defender that had a small and simple PC sticker on the plastic wrapping so they do exist.

What Sony did with PS1 GH games is a decent compromise - the GH banner on the case but not on the actual disc.

[Doylerulez]

So no one likes the PC colors on the box, but it could be a lot worse. I pre-ordered Windwaker from K-mart since they were the only store within 25 miles that still had the bonus disk. The K-mart exclusive logo with player's guide is right on the box art. I asked for plain, but that's all they had. I'd rather have a players choice box than a "I bought this at K-mart" logo all over it. The game is the same either way, as there are no K-mart logos in Hyrule. Though it would be amusing to see Link in a bright red smock the 2nd time thru.

[Soujirou]

I guess I was the last user to post in that Suikoden 2 topic about how true collectors feel when it comes to collecting anything. My posts were rather long in that thread, but I believe I made my PoV quite clear.

Others here seem to have more or less hit the nail on the head, so to speak. Aesthetic appeal aside, as this is completely subjective, to a collector, the original, 1st release is what is most sought after, preferably in factory sealed condition. Unless say, the initial release of a GH version had questionable new material in it that all copies had to be recalled a month or so later, but that's highly unlikely. And no, you don't have to be rich in order to be considered a true collector.

Philatelists the world over collect stamps that have catalog values of ~$1.00(+) to ~$1,000,000(+) ranging from millions to a handful in circulation known to exist. Even rich collectors would prefer to pay a cheap price for a collectable they like whether or not they plan on reselling it for profit in the future. There are too many great games in this day and age that I've added to my collection, but unless I know a game's going to have a short production run, such as Disgaea or Suikoden 2, or if I really want to play it when it comes out, I'll wait for it to drop to $20.00 or so dollars and be sure to pick up a Non-GH version right away.

Oh, and even though this is more silly than not, having a GH/PH/etc game in my collection makes it look as if I only bought it because it's cheap and everyone else likes it. That's fine and all, but I don't want it to appear that I just jumped on a bandwagon to fit in the popular crowd. There are games that are great, games that are $49.99-great and games that are $49.99-great that have a short production run or that I want to play the day it's released. Unless it falls into this last category, I will wait for it to drop in price and pick up the Non-GH version when it does. Believe me, I have plenty of great games to play already in my collection. It's personal preference really, so don't demean gamers w/ collectable menatalities.

-Soujirou

[miriamleo]

I think the yellow Player's Choice is fine, and Nintendo actually take some time to fix the boxart so the logo doesn't cover up the picture (they reduce the size of the picture to leave space for the yellow logo, so nothing will get cover up). As for Greatest Hits, they just slap the red logo on, sometimes cover up the the important part of the picture, and the red is kinda ugly. The platinum hits is the ugliest, I refuse to buy any platinum hits because they are so ugly. The platinum surrounding the boxart doesn't make the game more attractive, it just makes the game a lot cheaper and crappier by its look.

[JSweeney]

A lot of people buy nice cars because of performance. But wrap a BMW in a Pinto's body and I doubt most "collectors" (Or anybody, for that matter) would give it the same value, even though it would have the same performance.

That's a bad example. They don't use cheaper materials, or completely change the styling of the cases. The changes would be nothing more than a paint job. In fact, If you hated Greatest hits games so much, you could just print off a copy of the old case cover... just as you could repaint the car.



Same for Lord of the Rings First Edition books. Same words in today's paperbacks, but collector's have reasons other than performance for collecting.

You don't understand.. these people don't want to pay the collectors premium, yet want the collectable version. If I told you I'd pay you the amount that the LOTR and Hobbit books are selling for now for a first edition, you'd laugh in my face. If I told you I'd pay you the orginal issue price ajusted for today's dollars, you'd laugh at me as well.
But that's exactly what these people are doing.


You have your reasons, other people have theirs. Congratulations on your massive Pinto collection with the Beamer parts inside.

As I stated, that was a bad example. I'd perfer to look at as a lot of Beemers with ugly paint jobs that I can easily repaint if I so desire that I got for less than half of sticker price.

[defender]

AWESOME THREAD!

I admit I was cranky last night and I didn't mean to berate you fifthcore..I have nothing against you actually...or most users here at CAG.

I was just cranky and it was 2am when I posted. Besides look at this nice cool thread that I started.

In my store at my desk its like 10 degrees and I am freezing. My feet are like icicles.

I got off my butt and looked...I have max payne OH only and I do have a couple used silent hill 2 non-gh used and I would gladly sell you one for $12 plus shipping.

As a side note: I have in my collection a signed copy of a silent hill 2 from Konami with 9 signatures. A prized possession to say the least.

At the very least this thread created a nice debate.

[fifthcore]

A nice debate it sure did create, what does OH stand for? Did you mean PH?

[defender]

oh yeah...typo

PH

[chosen1s]

A lot of people buy nice cars because of performance. But wrap a BMW in a Pinto's body and I doubt most "collectors"....

That's a bad example.

Yeah, you're right, but it doesn't make me wrong. Let me give a different example. If DaVincci painted 100 copies of the Mona Lisa 20 years after the original, the very first one would be more valuable to collectors. That was my point.

[b]

You don't understand.. these people don't want to pay the collectors premium, yet want the collectable version...

You're right, that wasn't what I was arguing so maybe I didn't understand. My point earlier was that there's nothing wrong with a collector looking for a great deal on their prized collectable. The challenge is what makes collecting fun. If you're willing to pay top dollar for everything out there, the challenge is gone and a lot of the joy of collecting gets sucked out. However, some people do EXPECT to get a deal handed to them and I agree that this is both annoying and wrong.

I certainly understand being irritated when people act as though they are entitled to get a deal on certain items because of some long strand of logic they put together in their heads. I just don't think that someone should say that being labeled a "collector" means you are not entitled to search for a good deal on what you are collecting.

[JSweeney]

Yeah, you're right, but it doesn't make me wrong.

Let me give a different example. If DaVincci painted 100 copies of the Mona Lisa 20 years after the original, the very first one would be more valuable to collectors. That was my point.

That's another bad example, as your dealing with something that would still have an inherently small print run.
A better example would be Amazing Fantasy #15, Superman #1,etc...
the first appearences of Spiderman, Superman..etc.
All of these comics have had multiple reissues of the exact same content, but only the first run of it is worth anything.
It's a valid point, but due to the nature of thier production, there are huge print runs, and if there is any extra value to be had from that "first edition" mentality, it will not be realized for at least a minimum of twenty years, provided there aren't any like minded collectors... as there obviously are, the chances for any game that sells well enough to even get a greatest hits run to ever be rare enough to have any true value is almost negligible.


You're right, that wasn't what I was arguing so maybe I didn't understand. My point earlier was that there's nothing wrong with a collector looking for a great deal on their prized collectable.

That's true. But it get annoying when people post almost insulting offers for things that almost everyone has a decent idea of what the current market value is.

The challenge is what makes collecting fun. If you're willing to pay top dollar for everything out there, the challenge is gone and a lot of the joy of collecting gets sucked out.

This is only if you are buying games as collectables. I don't. When I buy a game, it is a game. Is it fun buying a game at a pawn shop that you know sells for 10 times as much on ebay? Sure. But I'm still buying it because of the game, and not the collectible value.



However, some people do EXPECT to get a deal handed to them and I agree that this is both annoying and wrong.

Exactly. I'm probably just reading the trading forum here to often and need to step away from that as a basis.

I certainly understand being irritated when people act as though they are entitled to get a deal on certain items because of some long strand of logic they put together in their heads.

Actually, the problem is the complete lack of, or the flawed nature of that logic. But yes, it is irratating.


I just don't think that someone should say that being labeled a "collector" means you are not entitled to search for a good deal on what you are collecting.

It doesn't... but conversely, you shouldn't expect people to bend over backwards in your pursuit of the deal... and learn to look at your prizes more objectively... I collect other things, and even with those things, I never buy anything with the sole intent of making money... trying to collect for that reason tears the joy out of collecting.

Amazingly, we are both completely right. :)
How often does that happen? :)

[defender]

It's a valid point, but due to the nature of thier production, there are huge print runs, and if there is any extra value to be had from that "first edition" mentality, it will not be realized for at least a minimum of twenty years, provided there aren't any like minded collectors

This is part of my point...there are games with label variations from over 20 years ago and rarely do people pay extra for them. There are some blue label 2600 game that command a few extra dollars and the only one that is significantly more is the telegames superman from sears.

There is nothing wrong with searching for a good deal. Honestly...I think video games are NOT a collectible item until the collectors are willing to fork over real money. I have yet to see a video game on the antique roadshow. I know of only one game worth over $1000 and its a one of 50 item. Not sure what else can be said in this thread that hasnt already.

Personally I have seen people pass up a great deal on a great game only because they wanted a non-gh version. Does this make the person a collector? Because it certainly doesn't make them a cheap ass gamer. The site is cheapassgamer.com not cheapasscollector.com. Gaming should be the hobby not having a specific cover to a game. Whats next? Not opening them up? Buying multiple copies so you dont have to open one up?

BAH!

[MauMauProductions]

I generally don't mind GH. It's when someone in my family plays them and mixes them in with the rest of the PSX games. Usually I keep GH games at the end...Come to think of it the only GH game I own is a stack of SOTN's I got for 8.98 each.

[MadFlava]

GH or Non GH, it don't matter to me. I buy games because I want to experience them. I've never really understand the whole vidoegame/toy collector thing. What's the use buying it if you are not going to play with it. These things were meant to be enjoyed.

[dtcarson]

If the difference between GH and non-GH is 10-30 bucks, I don't care what the package looks like. It could be in a paper envelope for all I care [well, not really, because that would lower/erode its resale value, but still.]
I'm a collector, as in, I want to collect as many cool games as possible. I'm not a collector, as in, I have to have every cover and every disk art and they have to be in Mint/NearMint condition and they have to stay in the plastic. Obviously condition will affect the price, but at the end of the day, it's a game, and the key questions are: is it fun, and was it worth the money to me?
*read more of the thread*
So GH are bad because people 'think' we're cheap? O-kay. I don't mind if people think I'm cheap--if they mean frugal/thrifty/dealhunting. I'm proud when I find deals. And I really don't care what many people thing about me, I buy games because I like them and want to play them, not because of how it 'looks' on the shelf. That's, not to be ad hominem, one of the stupidest things I've ever heard. Besides, even if that's the case, the GH red stripe looks better on the shelf, it's consistent, rather than a bunch of different logos and colors and fonts. The only thing on the shelf I'm looking for is the title of the game I want to play next.
If someone wants to spend 50 bucks on a non-GH game, that's their prerogative.
Obviously there are certain other issues to be aware of--if content has changed, that's important to know, and if the cover changed other than the GH logo, that could be important [although, again, I don't buy games because of the cover art. Some of the best games i've played have had bad/lame/boring cover art. Besides, most American game cover art bites compared to the Japanese versions, so true 'collectors' would be buying those.]

[Quackzilla]

I don't care if its an a little pink box with flowers on it, if its $30 cheaper I am gonna buy it instead of the regular one.

[magilacudy]

I don't care if its an a little pink box with flowers on it, if its $30 cheaper I am gonna buy it instead of the regular one.

I'm afraid if I post here, Defender will send me GH versions of the game I ordered. Oh well, f it.

I am a cheapass through and through, and if a game is cheap I will buy it. However, I have been tempted to buy a separate copy of Soul Calibur when I opened mine because I wanted a sealed copy.

Otherwise, my friends think I'm crazy, but if a game is decent and cheap I'll buy it regardless of labelling. A game is a game, to a point. I'm sure there are those here who don't want to admit it, but have had a game which they like more than any others and just can't believe they have, and will just stare at the box out of some sort of twisted admiration. Mine was Soul Calibur and FFTA.

Depending on the game, a GH could be a blessing or a curse. I hate to say it, but PS1 games are definitely cursed by the GH moniker. The platinum XB case isn't that bad, at least its not plain black or gray like regular DVD cases. I think Sony has produced the best looking GH box with their PS2 versions. The label isn't too assuming or obstructive.

[KingDox]

If I have a choice between a non-PH and a PH cover. I would go for the non-PH cover. I like the Green cases more then the Silver. But I have heard that some EB emplyees say some customers like the silver cases more then the green ones.

[chosen1s]

Geez, who resurrected this old thread? I've pretty much said all I have to say, but I have to share my great appreciation for JSweeney's ability to articulate himself and back up his arguments with FACTS and CLEAR LOGIC rather than feelings. For the love, please learn something from this guy before you go out and vote in November. God gave you a mind for a reason. There is still hope for the world.

[Theenternal]

I am a collector, and I get my most of my deals really cheap. Ebay statistically show that their is a market for games as a collectable, between rereleases and first issues. Razing someone for a hobbie of collecting games is like doing it to someone who plays games. There are several people in here who collect games as a whole, and do it cheaply. I just watch the market, with FFX release I waited till the game had the GH release and then went on ebay and bought the mint original for 12 dollars. running out of time

[SteveMcQ]

Ummm, no. I only buy non-PH/GH/PC games because I like all my games to have a similar look to them. It might sound stupid, but I don't like the horrible looking red/yellow/silver striping on the cases or the discs.

Call it stupid, but that's how I like 'em.

It doesn't matter what anyone thinks of all that, but it's my collection and my money being spent. Until you pull money out of your own pocket and start buying my stuff then it'll matter.

[Ecks]

I like having all the "regular" versions in my collection too, and yes, I get what I can for cheap - but for the most part, if you have a little patience, you can find the regular version anyway. Which is why I don't get the "Greatest Hits" version, I like my shelf being all uniform.

And it's a hobby, and a preference. I think the Greatest Hits stuff just looks ugly. I don't get the "regular" version for perceived value - they're not more valuable in general.

Just, as a consumer, I have a choice between which I want, so I choose. This may be frustrating to some retailers when they're asked "is it the Greatest Hits version?".

I don't understand why they change the packaging anyway. Drop the price, advertise that the price dropped (like the Xenosaga ads I've seen recently).

[dtcarson]

If you want your shelves to look pretty or consistent or whatever, and only buy non-GH in order to keep it that way, then that certainly is your decision and your right, and I fully support that.
Some retailes might not be too aware of a difference, so you may have trouble getting the info you need, but that can add to the 'challenge' of the hunt.
But to say the GH units are somehow 'inferior' or 'commonman' and 'people will think I'm cheap', to me, is firstly, silly, and secondly, very elitist. It doesn't sound like you guys have that thinking, so this isn't directed at you.
They change the packaging to draw attention to the line of GH games on the shelf as an impulse buy, and just like PS2 and Xbox and Gamecube are brands, 'Greatest Hits' Platinum Hits and Players Choice are all brands too; people think that nomenclature implies quality in and of itself, and are more likely to buy. Plus, since most if not all GH are 19.99, there's a price awareness there also.

[GuilewasNK]

I wonder how many out there didn't buy Virtua FIghter 4: Evolution just because of the Greatest Hits labeling. I know that is a unique situation but that game was released as a Greatest Hits version only. I guess it really doesn't bother me either way. I look at it like this...

The SNES and NES had different colored carts, most people I knew stacked there carts without the boxes. That means some people have red Separation Anxiety, red Doom, black Killer Instinct carts with their grey SNES carts. Some have blue Wisdom Tree games, and gold Zelda carts with their NES collection. Most didn't have a problem with that.

I knew quite a few people who just HAD to have the gold Zelda carts when I was growing up. Other than the gold, there was no difference. I was happy with my little grey cart and they liked their gold.

That being said, the argument that GH games are ugly doesn't make much sense to me. I am looking at my collection now and everygame has wildly different colors below the normal black PS2 bar or the red GH PS2 bar on the spine. Madden is white, Ace Combat 4 is blue, Gungrave is yellow, Bloodrayne is red. Doesn't that make it ugly too since all these companies use different colors for their title on the spine?


The only thing that concerns me is when I buy a used game that has no cover (which I try not to because that usually means no instructions either). Now THAT is ugly, lol.

Either way, to each his own. As long as you get the game version that you are satisfied with then that is all that matters. :D

[rimsforsale]

op post is very contradicting... on the same note, would you want a first print Spider Man #1 comic or a 3rd print Spider Man #1 with a different color cover?? and if you came opon that 1st print, would you try to buy it for $1000 or $100... uh.. let me think..

just because they're "collectors" does not mean they cant save a buck or 2.

[rimsforsale]

...my friends think I'm crazy, but if a game is decent and cheap I'll buy it regardless of labelling. A game is a game, to a point. I'm sure there are those here who don't want to admit it, but have had a game which they like more than any others and just can't believe they have, and will just stare at the box out of some sort of twisted admiration. Mine was Soul Calibur and FFTA. ...


dude we're infected with the same disease, FFTA also did a number on me. that virgin white box, so innocent and untainted... almost holy... props to Square/Enix marketing team.

[b3b0p]

A true hard core Cheap Ass Gamer and Collector would wait for that small window of opportunity when the game is declared a Greatest Hit, but those mischievous Red Boxes have not hit the shelves yet. It's risky, but the payoff and thrill is amazing :)

A true hard core Cheap Ass Gamer and Collector will drive miles and search days looking for that one special store that has them in stock too. He flips through all the circular ads in the Paper. Saves them for price matching the local Wally World, and even argues with clerks about the prices until he gets his Cheap Ass Game. He might even buy an extra copy to keep sealed and show off for 10 or so years and sell it on eBay for huge profits (new, sealed Chrono Trigger anyone?)

I think I just described myself.

Anyone else fall into this category ;)

[magilacudy]

Anyone else fall into this category ;)

Count me in.

Although I think I just convince myself that I'm going to sell on EBay is just an excuse for me to buy games. I'm probably going to end up passing on my game collection to my (eventual) kids someday.

They probably won't realize the value and just open up the boxes or throw them away or something... ok maybe I'll just have the games buried with me :?

[loserboy]

Ahhhh the cheapass collector. Here we sit in all of our anal retentive glory. Arguing about the pristine nature of our collections. And yet we have not even begun to delve into the frightening reality of our situation.

The racks and racks of videogame magazines from the defunct Official Dreamcast Magazine to the defunct Next Generation to the defunct Ultra Gameplayers to the defunct EGM2. Or how we must renew our subscriptions to EGM and OPM and OXM. Or how...even though we can't stand it and it makes us nauseous we every so often pick up a copy of Gamepro at the newsstand because we need to see if there is something we missed.

And how about how our little dens of sin are arranged. How many tvs do we have down there. 1, 2...2 plus one or two lcd monitors. And what about that bottom shelf where you have those Genesis 32x games...you got them cheap, but once you go that 32x installed did you really play it (other than Star Wars Arcade). And those Sega CD games...Nighttrap anyone.

Oh yes, we may be cheapass, but many of us are collectors through and through.

As for the Greatest Hits debate...I give a rat's (cheap)ass which version of a game I have. The truly valuable, collectable games will seldom ever reach GH status so it really doesn't make a difference. Will we ever see a GH of Rhapsody or Suikoden 2 or Persona 2 or any of the other sly little RPGs that got released on the QT for the PSone...no. And when a GH title does get released or when a game gets rereleased on another system (Puzzle FIghter) the value plummets. So,while a few games might be worth clinging to for later value, many will not. Oh well, this is a great topic...now i need to run down into the basement and run my hands along my Next Generation magazines...and hold back the--sob---sob...gotta go...

[JOEBOO]

games are games who cares about colors or greatest hits

[Gothic Walrus]

games are games who cares about colors or greatest hits

That's the perfect attitude...unless you're a collector. In that case, rarer is always better since you most likely won't be playing with the game anyway.

Personally, I'd almost always choose a $20 GH game over the more expensive original.

[GuilewasNK]

The truly valuable, collectable games will seldom ever reach GH status so it really doesn't make a difference.

That pretty much sums it up really.