I buy used games. Generally that isn’t a bad thing but if will find a used copy of a new game ill buy it over a new copy. But with the industry in decline and all, I guess we really should buy new games. Then again, poor and gamer go just as well together as dookie and ice-cream. (Never mind that little digression.) I really like GOTY (Game of the Year) games. For example I rented (another sin I committed as a hardcore gamer) Batman: Arkham Asylum from Redbox, beat the ever living-heck outta that thing and loved every second of it. It was my favorite game of 2010 and now an entry on my top ten list. And, I returned it as soon as I beat it as to not incur any extra charges.
Earlier last month I bought Batman: Arkham Asylum GOTY 3D used with for $25. I thought it was quite a steal for what I paid, the 3D is nice, the Joker maps are a nice change of pace (even if they feel a little tacked on), and it comes with 4 challenge maps I don’t have to pay for or even download, and because of it being a Ps3 game the Blu-Ray disc is nearly indestructible. An all-in-all good deal and a nice entry into my small-ish ps3 library. I also own many other GOTY games including LittlebigPlanet. But when buying GOTY games there are a few things you should know about. Also, the below rules and warnings can be applied to Platinum Hits or Gold/Special Edition versions.
- GOTY games are not the same game as the original disc. Meaning any saves, Achievements/Trophies, or DLC that you have for the non-GOTY version won’t work (or carry over) on the GOTY version.
- Always evaluate if it’s worth it! If you’re not into DLC, and extra items such as art booklets, or "The Making Of" discs a GOTY edition may be for you. Or if the GOTY Edition has little-to-no difference than the original game, but is more expensive than the original version. You may want to consider buying the cheaper version.
- Know what you’re getting! If the cover says GOTY 3D, make shore the 3D glasses are included. (this a big problem with used games) If it’s supposed to have anything, like a DVD, or an art booklet, and it doesn’t, don’t take this as normal. Look for another copy and it might be in there, or ask a salesman if they keep the item in question away from the case.
- The DLC dilemma. Most free DLC on GOTY games is already on the disc. But in some cases like in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves where the disc is already jam-packed with content and there is literally no room left, there is an included download token. For those of you who have never had one of these, it’s a slip of paper with a code on it that entitles you to the afore mentioned DLC. Always make sure you have this token if you’re buying it new or used! However, if the downloadable content is on disc you have nothing to worry about. Just as long as if you have the correct disc. Now on titles like LittlebigPlanet where you can carry over DLC, you need to connect to the internet and update the software. And in LittlebigPlanet's case when you update it, the DLC is downloaded to you HDD allowing LittlebigPlanet 2 to access it, thus ensuring you can play as Solid Snake and Genghis Kung to your heart’s content.
- Patience is a virtue. Judge whether or not it is advantageous to wait and buy a GOTY edition, or if even a GOTY edition will be released. In some cases with a buggy game like The Witcher, it was more advantageous to wait and buy "The Witcher: Enhanced Edition" which had loads more content and fixed all the problems.
These are just a few rules I follow when buying used games, and I hope they will prove benefietial in your deep-sea-like bargain-bin diving.
Please comment, I thrive on other peoples comments and criticisms. Plus, it makes me feel all fuzzy inside. :-P
Soyuna vacamuy varonil, por favor,tomarmi lecheal hombre. -Wayne Strickland