No doubt one of the premiere video game collectibles of 2009 was the Batman: Arkham Asylum Collector's Edition - with a 14" replica in-game design Batarang and other goodies.
While the Arkham Asylum Collector's Edition is mostly relegated to retail bargain bins and ebay postings these days, Rocksteady Studios will soon reveal a new special edition collection for bat-fans - in the form of a Batman: Arkham City Collector's Edition.
Recently, mega-online, as well as brick and mortar, retailer Best Buy posted a placeholder for the upcoming Batman: Arkham City Collector's Edition. Unfortunately, the posting is especially light on details - with only a $99.99 price tag to hint at the possibilities.
Of course, the posting could simply be a placeholder, and there is no Collector's Edition - with Best Buy merely preparing a listing in case some thing is announced. However, given the success of the prior Collector's Edition - not to mention encouraging early footage and buzz surrounding the game, it's hard to imagine that Rocksteady won't offer a comprehensive package; especially since they appear to be following a similar format for extra content - recently announcing a bonus Robin challenge map character (similar to the non-campaign playable Joker in Arkham Asylum).
To give an idea of what we might be able to expect from the Batman: Arkham City Collector's Edition, let's take a look at the Arkham Asylum Collector's Edition package:
- Waynetech Batarang Storage Box.
- 14" In-Game Design Batarang (stand attached).
- Dr. Young’s Journal (50 page full color character encyclopedia).
- 2 Sleeve DIGI-Pack Including: Game and Behind the scenes 5 chapter series DVD, including: interviews with Mark Hammil and Kevin Conroy.
- Exclusive Collector’s Edition Challenge Map DLC.
- Manual.
While nothing is for certain, fans should probably expect another Bat-case with an in-game design replica (maybe the grapple gun or a Catwoman accessory), an art book (probably with some connection to Hugo Strange), game disc with behind the scenes content, exclusive challenge maps, and of course the manual.
Purely speculation on our part of course but the replica, artbook, game, in-game DLC package is a staple in the industry - so it'll be interesting to see how Rocksteady grounds their offering in Batman lore.
Follow me on Twitter @ benkendrick and let us know what you'd like to see offered in the Collector's Edition.
Batman: Arkham City will be released on October 18 for the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.