For every video game fan, swag is a term that roughly translates to goodies beyond the actual gaming experience. These collectible gems usually come with collector’s or limited edition boxes, and the price tags are hefty, sometimes outrageous. Despite the wallet-busting obstacle, a true blue franchise fan will happily throw money just to get their hands on some memento or extra content that would set them apart from the common consumer.
The Mass Effect 3 Collector’s Edition simply does not disappoint: its a treasure box of goodies, both physical and digital that’s marvelous enough to be displayed proudly in every Mass Effect fan’s trophy case.
After an exhausting crusade across the Metro, I managed to get my hands on a copy. So what’s inside this Bioware goodie bag? Hit the jump and find out!
(Note: Review written based on the Region 1 PS3 version)
Compared to the Pre-Ordered version of Mass Effect 3, the Collector’s Edition boasts a dizzying amount of bonuses, ranging from artworks, digital content and even a patch. The price tag is a whopping 3,650 php, and it is currently out of stock.
Let’s start with the box. The design is stylish, focusing on the N7 insignia that symbolizes the eponymous hero of the game. Its a smooth cover box that safely guards the two other containers inside, namely the steel case and the extras case. The design is a matte finish, with a glossy N7 logo and a black printed Mass Effect Collector’s Edition title.
The steel case houses the actual CD, and has a front and back design displaying both BroShep (the male Commander Shepard) and FemShep (his female counterpart).
Its made from durable aluminum and has a plastic lining on the inside with a nice insert in the form of a meteor shower.
The CD has the words “Collector’s Edition” printed on it, clearly defining itself as a rank above all its basic counterpart.
Inside the box is a short game manual, along with the DLC insert. At the other side of the insert is an invitation to play a demo of Kingdom of Amalur, with an unlockable armor and weapon for Mass Effect 3 once finished before the 17th of March.
 
Moving on to the extras container, we are treated to an image of Shepard’s hand taking hold of a survivor’s arm. It’s an envelope-like box covered with art depicting a battle-torn Earth.
Things heat up once you open the container. The first thing that will greet you is the hardbound Art of Mass Effect 3 book, laden with full color studies of the elements in the game. Characters, enemies, locations, you name it: the art book has a detailed explanation of each, ranging from art studies to research results.
Another wonderful bonus from the box is the N7 patch: a woven emblem with a Velcro backing. Its durable and can attach itself to any Velcro surface. This little piece of gaming heaven will soon find itself on one of my jackets.
We’re not quite done yet! The next item on our list is a full-color comic book titled “Mass Effect: Invasion”, a short story depicting Aria T’Loak’s (the bad-ass Asari gangster you meet in Mass Effect 2) battle against invading threats unleashed by Cerberus.
Last but not the least is a lithograph depicting the Normandy, Commander Shepard’s faithful ship. Its not a postcard, just a printed image on cardboard, but its good enough to be put on a picture frame to display on your table.
The digital exclusives of this box includes the following:
– Four weapons: N7 Eagle, N7 Hurricane, N7 Crusader, N7 Valiant
– A Robotic Dog: A faithful sidekick to keep you company on board the Normandy.
– New outfits for Ashley, Kaidan, James Vega, and Liara T’Soni.
– N7 Hoodie: Outfit item for Shepard while onboard the Normandy.
– One Online Pass
– From Ashes: An additional downloadable mission and character.
– Downloadable digital soundtrack.
All in all, this is definitely a good purchase for any Mass Effect fan. Both the physical and the digital contents are truly worth the price, and the memorable presentation of the entire package mandates that the contents be displayed in artistic fashion for everyone to look at. If you can still find a copy, I strongly suggest you buy it: you won’t regret it.
Stay tuned for Nicole’s review of the actual game next week! Till then, keep fighting the good fight!
~ Shin
Doesn’t Liara appear in Mass Effect 1?
Sorry, corrected the mistake. The comic book depicts Aria T’Loak, not Liara T’Soni.