The Strangest Video Game Collector's Editions Ever Made

Throughout the history of gaming, publishers and developers have created special editions of their releases as a way of getting extra cash from their fans. Rising in popularity during the 2000s, these supposedly limited edition versions of games would generally include extra in-game content or merchandise such as an art book or a poster.

While the popularity of physical collector's editions has somewhat diminished in recent years due to the rise of digital sales, including region-free purchases from countries like Japan, there have been some truly bizarre examples over the years. These releases didn't just go the standard route when it came to providing fans with fun extras, they went above and beyond to include items that few people would ever even ask for.

Whether it's a strange replica based on something in the game, or a bizarre product that cost hundreds of dollars, these collector's editions would no doubt have left many gamers scratching their heads.

"Halo 3" was one of the most highly anticipated games of all time. The third installment in the signature Microsoft exclusive, it was the last mainline entry developed by Bungie and ended the story arc that had begun in 2001 with "Halo: Combat Evolved." Once again following Master Chief in his fight against the Covenant and the Flood, it saw the UNSC supersoldier team up with the Arbiter to try and stop the Ark from setting off all the remaining Halo constructs in the galaxy. With its combination of impressive campaign mode and spectacular multiplayer offerings, "Halo 3" proved to be a huge success earning $170 million in revenue on the first day of its release in the U.S. (via Polygon).

Launching on September 25, 2007, it came in three distinct editions. Along with the standard edition, there was a limited edition that contained a bonus disc with documentary features and a hardcover art book. Meanwhile, there was a more expensive legendary edition for those who had some more cash to splash. This version came with some additional exclusive content and a scale replica of Master Chief's helmet, although Polygon noted it was only big enough to fit on a cat rather than a human.

Following the success of "Dead Island" in 2011, developer Techland began working on a sequel in the form of "Dead Island: Riptide." While not a full sequel, with this release being more akin to a standalone expansion as it features the same characters and engine, the story sees the four original survivors meet up with another character as they arrive on another island that finds itself in the midst of a zombie outbreak. Released two years after the original, it was largely criticized for failing to fix any of the problems with its predecessor and for its lack of original content.

Publisher Deep Silver revealed that a "Zombie Bait Edition" of "Dead Island: Riptide" would be available to buy. It came with a dismembered female torso clad in a bikini without any arms, legs, or head. Meant to be a statue that would spark conversations, it was heavily criticized almost immediately after it was announced (via Forbes). While the publisher later apologized for the promotion and promised to ensure an offensive product like this would never be made again, Polygon notes that it was still released to some stores in Europe and Australia in limited numbers.

Monolith Studios created the "F.E.A.R." franchise in 2005, launching a new franchise that would lead to a sequel in 2009 in the form of "F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin." When it came time to create a third entry in the series, Warner Bros. Games put developer team Day 1 Studios in charge of the project, the first time that Monolith Studios had not been directly involved in the creation of a "F.E.A.R." title.

Taking place some nine months after the events of the previous game, the action is set at the time that Alma Wade is about to give birth. Both Point Man and Paxton Fettel set out to stop her from going into labor as this would cause even more carnage in the world. This involved two very different playstyles as the two men approached combat in different ways. Unfortunately, the game was not well received and the series has been on hold ever since.

Despite the rather poor reception, the developer and publisher put together a collector's edition of "F.E.A.R. 3" that included some standard content, including an in-game handgun and a steel case to keep the disc in. More odd, though, was the frightening glow-in-the-dark figure of the pregnant Alma (via Game Rant).

The fourth entry in BioWare's highly regarded sci-fi series, "Mass Effect: Andromeda" was not as well received as its predecessors. Following the conclusion of "Mass Effect 3," the original story arc had concluded, meaning that this more recent title follows an entirely different set of characters in a new region of space. An explorer looking for new habitable planets, the player takes control of a Pathfinder sent to the Andromeda Galaxy as they battle against the Kett and the Remnant. Although there was some praise for the faster-paced combat and improved visuals, the overall was criticized while the game was condemned for its technical problems and widespread glitches.

Considering how popular the "Mass Effect" franchise is, there was a lot of anticipation for "Mass Effect: Andromeda," even when it became clear that it had received mixed reviews. Those who were most eagerly awaiting the new game could get their hands on a collector's edition that cost $199, according to Eurogamer. This version of the release came with a remote-control Nomad vehicle, which is similar to the Mako from the original "Mass Effect." Armed with a camera and LED lights, the car can be controlled from a smartphone and featured six-wheel drive.

Following the huge success of "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare," Activision and Infinity Ward quickly began work on a sequel. Arriving two years after its predecessor, "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" continued the story of Captain Soap MacTavish along with a member of the U.S. Army Rangers as Russian forces invade the United States. Although the campaign was criticized for its short length, the rest of the game received universal acclaim and it proved to be a massive financial success. Most reviews focused on the vast array of new maps, weapons, and modes available, including the newly introduced cooperative Spec Ops levels.

Taking inspiration from one level in the story that sees players use sophisticated night-vision goggles, publisher Activision created the "Prestige Edition" for the game. This $150 bundle included a genuine pair of night-vision goggles that can be worn. According to Wired, the gadget actually works reasonably well, although they require five batteries to operate and affect users' depth perception when they are worn. A small price to pay for a pair of branded "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2" goggles that allow you to explore the world in complete darkness.

When Volition first created the "Saints Row" series in 2006, the game was seen as something of a competitor to Rockstar's "Grand Theft Auto" series. However, as time went by, the franchise evolved into a wackier and more unique experience with plenty of over-the-top action. This was exemplified best with "Saints Row IV," the 2013 installment of the series that sees the protagonist from previous games made President of the United States. When an alien force known as the Zin attack Earth and imprison much of the population in a sophisticated computer simulation, it is up to the player to try and rescue his fellow prisoners and escape the program by defeating the Zin once and for all.

"Saints Row IV" came in a number of different versions, including a "Commander in Chief Edition" that included some extra in-game content. The U.K. division of publisher Deep Silver also put together the "Super Dangerous Wad Wad Edition" as an exclusive for the British retailer Game. According to The Verge, this one-of-a-kind $1 million package came with some ludicrous extras, such as a full day of spa training, a trip to space with Virgin Galactic, and a Lamborghini Gallardo. The buyer would also get a plastic surgery procedure of their choice, the chance to take part in a hostage rescue experience, and stays at two luxury hotels in Washington, D.C. and Dubai.