The Last of Us Collectors Editions

There are still a few months to wait before the arrival of The Last of Us - and the end of civilization it brings along with it - but Naughty Dog is giving players more than one version to pick up this May. Collector's editions are nothing new, but given the developers' track record, and the growing buzz surrounding the game, the release may be one worth remembering.

Whether it's the Survival or Post-Pandemic Edition, the bonus items and downloadable content are going to be presenting The Last of Us fans with one difficult choice. Before they even play the game, no less.

The official soundtrack and dynamic PS3 theme were previously confirmed to be granted to anyone who pre-ordered a copy of the game from a retailer, but that isn't all the developers have in store. Luckily there will also be a good amount of physical collectables as well ad digital downloads and multiplayer unlocks.

The more modestly-priced Survival Edition of the game includes a copy of "The Art of The Last of Us" hardcover (don't get us started on that debate all over again), a Steelbook case, and a "The Last of Us - American Dreams #1" comic book with variant cover found nowhere else. Along with those goodies comes download codes for the soundtrack, theme, and PSN Avatars of both leads Joel and Ellie.

True to its name, the Survival Edition gives just enough extra content to live up to the expectations of a 'collector's edition,' and at $79.99, offers it at a price most can appreciate. Especially considering that the art book itself is expected to retail for $39.99.

But for those hoping to deck out their statue collection, or get a head start on The Last of Us' still-vague multiplayer component, the Post-Pandemic Edition is going to be more to your liking. Including the Steelbook case, the #1 comic, and downloadable unlocks, this Edition also adds a 12" statue of Joel and Ellie from Project Triforce and the Survival multiplayer DLC previously restricted to GameStop pre-orders.

The upgraded extras come at a price, as the Post-Pandemic Edition will be sold at $159.99 - a price that few collectors' editions reach without a larger collection of physical items. And while the Survival DLC will grant bonus XP, increased character customization and currency for The Last of Us multiplayer, investing in such perks without a solid idea of how the game mode will turn out may only be for the most devoted fans.

That's not to say that Naughty Dog hasn't proven their abilities, but there are sure to be many potential buyers who view the chance to look deeper into the game's striking environments and artwork as a more attractive proposition. It's hard to say if zombie-slaying and vagrant combat are appropriate 'coffee table' material, but who are we to judge?

What do you think of the collected offerings and attached price tags? Has one edition in particular gotten your attention?

The Last of Us will release May 7th, 2013 for the PS3.

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Source: PS Blog