For $US79.99 the “limited run” version of Ubisoft Montreal’s stealth action game — still due February 23 — packs in the requisite art book, “collectible” decals, an embossed Steelbook DVD case, one Splinter Cell comic book and a pair of in-game items.

Also included is a USB drive “loaded to the max” with collector’s edition exclusive content. On top of that, you’ll get a game disc and manual. Those two alone are worth $US59.99 at least!

For the full description, straight from Ubi, read on. It’s all them from here on out.

CUSTOM USB DRIVE – This credit card–sized 3rd Echelon USB drive can stealthily fit in your wallet, is compatible with Xbox 360, and is loaded to the max with exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else, including:
• Full-length ‘Making of Splinter Cell Conviction’ video
• Wallpaper
• Concept art
• Renders
• Screenshots
• Storyboards
• And more…

“FIFTH FREEDOM: THE ART OF SPLINTER CELL” BOOK
• Relive the best of Splinter Cell from past to present. This comprehensive hard-bound art book by Prima(TM) includes detailed art from the original Splinter Cell, Pandora Tomorrow, Chaos Theory, Double Agent, and Conviction, as well as in-depth commentary and notes from the developers.

TWO EXCLUSIVE IN-GAME CONTENT ITEMS
• Gain first access to the MP5-SD3, a lethal close-quarters submachine gun with an integrated suppressor.
• customise your multiplayer character with an exclusive 3rd Echelon outfit.

COLLECTIBLE DECALS – Available only in the Collector’s Edition are two unique Xbox 360 decal stickers.
• 3rd Echelon Logo Decal
• Iconic Bullet Hole Decal

“DIGGING IN THE ASHES” COMIC BOOK
• Watch the sequence of events preceding Splinter Cell Conviction unfold before your eyes in this one of a kind digital Splinter Cell comic book.

STEELBOOK DVD CASE
• Premium embossed metallic steel case packaging with iconic imagery.

An epic game needs a truly epic collector’s edition, and Sony is delivering just that. The God of War III Ultimate Edition is a work of art. Specifically a work of sculpture, as the whole thing comes packed inside a high-end sculpted replica of Pandora’s Box. To those of you behind on your Greek mythology, Pandora’s Box is the container in which was stored all of the evils of man — hatred, jealous, internet flame wars, MySpace, etc. It was actually a jar, but the case for God of War III wouldn’t have fit inside a jar, and neither would the limited-edition God of War art book, featuring interviews, art, and additional content to please fans of the series.

Along with the box, game, and book comes a slew of exclusive digital content available on day one of the game’s launch. There’s a God of War combat arena with seven challenges to overcome; a premium Dominus Kratos skin; a full-length movie documentary called God of War: Unearthing the Legend; the God of War trilogy soundtrack; and the God of War: Blood and Metal EP, which is a heavy metal homage to the series.

Now how much would you pay? But wait, there’s more! Preordering the game at Amazon, GameCrazy, or GameStop will net you a code to download the E3 2009 God of War III demo as soon as today, along with one of three exclusive Kratos skins, seen below.

I believe the first is Amazon, followed by GameCrazy and then GameStop.

No word as to how much that massive sculpted box full of stuff will cost you, but is money really an object when it comes to large, wholly unnecessary stone boxes?

Kotaku AU Note: Preordering is only available in the US.

God of War III Ultimate Edition and Pre-Order Items Announced [PlayStation Blog]

Along with the barely dressed statue, the “Royal Bundle” for TopWare’s action adventure title includes a soundtrack CD, a double-theme poster, and a strategy guide, along with a mousepad for the PC version and what they are calling a “top-class” artbook. As we can see, X-Blades is all about staying classy.

Sad to say, the bundle has actually piqued my interest. It’s not so much the topless statue as it is simple the sheer amount of included stuff. I like stuff. I’d like stuff better if I had a price for said stuff, but I suppose we’ll find out soon enough, as the game is due in Europe on January 14th.

Ayumi dresses in style!

Valuable “X-Blades” Collector’s Bundle with Statue and Artbook

Karlsruhe, 17th December 2008 – TopWare Entertainment continues its tradition of high-class collector editions with its current title, “X-Blades”. The “Collector’s Bundles” for all platforms will be on the market at the same time as the standard versions – on the 14th of January 2009. Highlights in the boxes are a 22 cm. hand-painted statue of the heroine Ayumi and a top-class artbook depicting the game.

There’s also a soundtrack CD, a double-theme poster and a strategy guide. If you purchase the PC version, you’ll even get an extra bonus – a mousepad. Language-wise, TopWare has also done the game proud – it’s been fully localised in English, French, Italian, German and Russian – and there are sub-titles in Hungarian, Polish, Czech and Spanish which can be combined in any way with the speech recordings.

ZUXXEZ CEO Alexandra Constandache: “We’ve already had excellent fan reaction to our high-quality collector’s editions for games like “Earth 2160″ and “Two Worlds” – and the most important thing for us is to ensure that our customers continue to get real value for their money. Giving away a cheap map with a game and then calling it a “Special Edition” is not the way we do things here at Zuxxez. That’s why we’re relying on really special extras once again – with “X-Blades”.

Kotaku AU Update: Disappointing update this, as THQ has confirmed we won’t be seeing this collectors edition in Australia.

The boxes themselves are rather attractive in their own right, featuring a classic Street Fighter scene on the outer case. Inside players will discover a set of limited edition figurines representing Street Fighters past and present, with fan-favourite Ryu joined by the ridiculously busty newcomer, Crimson Viper. Along with the toys, Capcom is also including a bonus disc containing a selection of trailers and a full-length anime movie specially created for the launch of the game. Icing the cake is a mini strategy guide for the four new characters and the promise of exclusive downloadable content.

Here’s hoping we see something similar stateside, though I doubt my fireplace mantle is big enough to host both Crimson Viper AND her breasts. Hit the jump for the Xbox 360 version of the Collectors Edition.

For how long I couldn’t say. Surely not too long after this post goes out, but if you hurry you can still get your hands on tons of limited edition goodness and a box that matches the other two on my bookcase, in case you were trying to coordinate with my living room.

World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King Collector’s Edition [GameStop - Thanks Jim!]

We’re keeping a close eye on our forums, while a lot of the issues reported are not issues with the game necessarily, some of them are (like the two examples mentioned in my blog) however and so we’re looking at those, plus some (like the Abbot Quest) have been fixed already. The biggest issue is when people report a show stopping issue on our forums without enough information for us to reproduce it. Regarding the ETA for said patch, there is no news yet.

And that’s the bad news. There is a fix, yet no word yet on when the patch will hit. Still, Sam did present us with more good news…

The issue with missing DLC codes from the LCE will be resolved tomorrow (28th October).

As a person who bought the Fable II Collector’s Edition without the code included, I am overjoyed at the fact that I can finally replace my character’s pink and black assassin’s outfit with medieval Master Chief Armour. And just in case that isn’t good enough news, the Fable II Development Blog is also going to be posting codes throughout the week that players can snag in order to download the Fable II Pub Games for free! They’ve already posted the first five codes, which have no doubt all been redeemed by now. Seems a bit of a backwards way to distribute them, but free is free.

“The WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 collector’s edition is a must-have for the WWE aficionado,” said Nelo Lucich, senior vice president of interactive, JAKKS Pacific. “With innovative content and packaging that looks great on collectors’ shelves, and a host of Blu-ray content including a behind-the-scenes, this collection is certain to be enjoyed by WWE fans for years to come.”

Seems an odd choice really, limiting the collector’s edition to one system like that. I suppose THQ just loves PlayStation 3 owners more. It’s okay, 360 owners. They still love you, they’re just not in love with you.

WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2009 Set to Deliver Collector’s Edition Exclusive to PLAYSTATION®3 System

Leading Fighting Videogame Franchise to Offer Fans Unique Retail Incentive In Support of Upcoming Worldwide Launch

AGOURA HILLS, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—THQ Inc. (NASDAQ:THQI) and JAKKS Pacific, Inc. (NASDAQ:JAKK) today announced details of the WWE® SmackDown® vs. Raw® 2009 collector’s edition. Exclusively for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, the collector’s edition is now available for pre-order at select retailers worldwide. WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 is slated for release on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PLAYSTATION 3, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Wii™ video game console, Nintendo DS™ and mobile devices on November 9, 2008.

The WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 collector’s edition for the PLAYSTATION 3 system features a copy of the game and a disc with exclusive Blu-ray content. Included on the disc is a behind-the-scenes documentary on the making of the videogame, as well as more than two hours of WWE footage from a variety of popular SmackDown vs. Raw cross-brand matches from 2008. The content is delivered in a unique steel cage package for North America, while fans in Europe and Asia Pacific regions will see their items encased within a miniature ring.

“The WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 collector’s edition for the PLAYSTATION 3 system is a tremendous opportunity for us to collaborate with our partners to produce a unique offering for our fans,” said Bob Aniello, senior vice president, worldwide marketing, THQ. “In addition to the great WWE video features, the videogame documentary will allow fans to see all of the work that goes into making their favourite fighting videogame franchise.”

“The WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 collector’s edition is a must-have for the WWE aficionado,” said Nelo Lucich, senior vice president of interactive, JAKKS Pacific. “With innovative content and packaging that looks great on collectors’ shelves, and a host of Blu-ray content including a behind-the-scenes, this collection is certain to be enjoyed by WWE fans for years to come.”

The whole shebang should be hitting stores on February 20th, giving The Sims 2 fans around 4 months to collect all of the expansions for that version and then uninstall them to make room for the next batch.

Pre-Order Your Copy of The Sims 3 Today
Those That Pre-Order The Sims 3 Collector’s Edition Will Receive a Collectible Neighbourhood Poster and Exclusive In-Game Content

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) today announced that the Collector’s Edition of The Sims™ 3, the highly anticipated next-generation flagship PC game from The Sims Label, is now available for pre-order at select North American retailers including GameStop, Best Buy, Circuit City, Fry’s Electronics, GameCrazy, EB Canada, Amazon.com, Gogamer.com, Target.com and Walmart.com. Worldwide pre-order opportunities outside of North America will be announced in the coming months at which time fans can look to local retailers in their market for more information. The Sims 3 Collector’s Edition, in stores on February 20, 2009, will include the full game along with an additional collectable 2GB The Sims Plumbob™ USB drive, tips and hints guide and a bonus in-game European-styled sports car unavailable elsewhere. In addition, those who pre-order the product now will receive an additional exclusive in-game vintage sports car, and a collectible poster that is a first look at the neighbourhood, all available while supplies last1.

The freedom of The Sims 3 will inspire you with endless creative possibilities and amuse you with unexpected moments of surprise and mischief. In The Sims 3 you can create lifelike Sims with a unique personality and take them anywhere including the gym, bistro, park, art gallery and more. The feature-set includes a new seamless, open neighbourhood, new create a sim, new unique personality traits, new unlimited customisation and new gameplay that’s quick and rewarding. The neighbourhood is alive and constantly evolving so what happens to a Sim on one side of the neighbourhood could impact your Sims on the other side of town! If your Sims are in the right place at the right time, who knows what might happen? And now for the first time, your Sims have distinctive personalities thanks to a range of all-new personality traits. You have the option to select from dozens and dozens of personality traits such as brave, artistic, kleptomaniac, clumsy, paranoid and romantic. Combine up to five traits to create over a million truly diverse Sims.

The all-new Create – A – Sim allows you to completely customise your Sims’ appearances making every Sim unique. The feature is easy-to-use and more powerful than ever, letting you fine-tune every aspect of your Sims face, customise their hair colour, select the exact shade of their skin tone and determine much more to make lifelike Sims. It’s never been easier to make Sims that are thin, full-figured or muscular and everything in between! In true The Sims fashion, you can customise everything. The Sims 3 allows for infinite possibilities to design the interior and exterior of your Sims surroundings.

Additionally, you can enjoy the challenge of short-term and long-term goals and then reap the rewards! Based on personality traits, skills and career choices, your Sims have short and long term Wishes that provide constant fun challenges, things to do and achieve. You have the ultimate freedom to choose whether to fulfil their destiny, giving them lifetime happiness and rewards or not! Will your Sim skyrocket from latrine cleaner to an astronaut, go from being a rabid fan to a sports legend or will you choose an alternate destiny? In The Sims 3, life is what you make it!

The Sims 3 Collector’s Edition will include:

The Sims 3 Game for PC
The Sims Plumbob USB Drive with matching Green Carabiner
Exclusive In-Game European-Styled Sports Car
Tips and hints guide
The Sims 3 Plumbob Stickers
For more information about The Sims 3, please go to www.TheSims3.com.

We have recently contacted you regarding a marketwide problem with the Fable II Collectors Edition. We have since been informed by Microsoft that there has been a further complication.

They have advised us that the developer diary and soundtrack are no longer going to be available on the bonus DVD.

Let’s just hope that they don’t decide to cut the actual game from the CE before the title ships next month. Hit the jump for the full email.

Dear Customer,

We have recently contacted you regarding a marketwide problem with the Fable
II Collectors Edition. We have since been informed by Microsoft that there
has been a further complication.

They have advised us that the developer diary and soundtrack are no longer
going to be available on the bonus DVD.

We are very disappointed and would like to reassure you that your Collectors
Edition will still include:

Bonus DVD with new ‘Making-of’ Feature.
Bonus in-game content (requires Xbox LIVER) including:
. The Hall of the Dead Dungeon
. The Wreckager Legendary Cutlass Weapon
. Spartan armour and energy sword

Also because you have ordered from GAME.co.uk you will have already received
your code to download the Fable II Xbox Live Pub Games. If you have not
received this yet have no fear as they are being emailed out every Friday
afternoon, fear not! They are being emailed out every Friday afternoon.

Please accept our sincerest apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Kind regards,
Customer Services
GAME.co.uk