The premise of a collector's edition for some of the larger games released nowadays is a fiscally sound one for publishers. By offering fans the chance to spend a little extra cash for bonus collectibles or downloadable exclusives, companies can make a few more dollars and fans can usually score some awesome and heavily sought after swag. It's really a win-win for fans and publishers alike, so it comes as no surprise that the highly anticipated Destiny will be available in two collector's variants.
To correspond with Bungie Day, the developer once responsible for the Halo franchise allowed IGN to pull the curtain off of two separate collector's editions for the developer's forthcoming blockbuster, Destiny. Those anxious to set out on an adventure to protect humanity from the ever present threat of "the darkness" can choose between the traditionally titled 'Limited Edition' or the the more expensive 'Ghost Edition'.
Destiny's Limited Edition will retail for a suggested price of $99.99 and includes the following, as detailed by Bungie.net:
- Limited Edition SteelBookâ„¢ Case and Game Disc.
- Guardian Folio, containing: “Arms and Armament” Field Guide, Postcards from the Golden Age, and an Antique Star Chart.
- Collector’s Edition Digital Content: The City has provided you with a cache of items to start you on your journey, including: A Unique Ghost Casing, An Exclusive Player Emblem, and An Exclusive Player Ship Skin.
- Includes the Destiny Expansion Pass.
Meanwhile, those that are interested in dropping $149.99 can pick up the Ghost Edition of Destiny and it comes packed with the following:
- Limited Edition SteelBookâ„¢ Case and Game Disc.
- Ghost Replica: This is your motion-sensing Ghost, featuring lights and audio from the game. May it lead you through the Darkness.
- Letter of Introduction: These worlds were once ours. If you accept your destiny, you will be asked to do the impossible.
- Golden Age Relics, which include a Patch, Sticker, and two Chrome slides of the Traveler.
- Guardian Folio, containing: “Arms and Armament” Field Guide, Postcards from the Golden Age, and an Antique Star Chart.
- Collector’s Edition Digital Content: A Unique Ghost Casing, an Exclusive Player Emblem, and an Exclusive Player Ship Skin.
- Includes the Destiny Expansion Pass.
Both of these sound pretty standard as far as collector's editions are concerned and they each come with a myriad of exclusive tangibles and digital goodies alike. That said, there's something very alluring about the premise of owning a replica Ghost that actually spouts off verbiage recorded by Peter Dinklage. If he doesn't repeat the now iconic "That Wizard Came From The Moon" line, however, we'll feel a little cheated.
Those that are hoping to keep their library digital will also have the ability to pickup a collector's copy of Destiny with a few downloadable exclusives that'll allow them to showcase their self-appointed and superior fandom to anyone they may encounter online. Bungie will be offering the 'Digital Guardian Edition' for fans hoping to keep their shelves clutter-free and it includes the following:
- Digital Download of Destiny
- Early access to Vanguard Armory and Player Emblem pre-order bonus.
- Reservation for two upcoming Destiny Expansions, “The Dark Below” and “House of Wolves,” featuring: Brand new story missions, Cooperative and competitive multiplayer arenas
- A wealth of all new weapons, armor, and gear to earn
- Collector’s Edition Digital Content: A Unique Ghost Casing, an Exclusive Player Emblem, and an Exclusive Player Ship Skin.
One highlight that each of the bundles includes is the Destiny Expansion Pass, which will grant access to two future expansions (Expansion I: The Dark Below and Expansion II: House of Wolves) without any additional costs. Taking that into consideration, those that already planned on picking up additional content post-launch may want to seriously consider laying the money down in advanced to score a few more products for their hard-earned funds.
There's really something for anyone looking to dive into the world of Destiny, and a lot of the collectibles and digital favors that accompany each of the collector's editions being made available appear like solid reasons to upgrade. Our hands-on time with the Alpha for Destiny proved to be an enjoyable affair, and it's looking as if the final game will be too, so all of this initial swag may just be the start of something bigger for those already intrigued by the shooter.
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Destiny will launch on September 9, 2014 for PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.
Follow Riley on Twitter @TheRileyLittle.