Dracula X Chronicles for the PSP or The original version?

[The_4th_Survivor]

I think it's great that Konami is finally going to remix/re-release the original "Dracula X:Rondo Of Blood" on the PSP system, in order to give Castlevania Fans new and old a chance to experience one of the greatest Castlevania games of all time.

From the vast amount of unlockables, such as the original "Castlevania: Symphony Of The Night", to the full original version of "Akumajo Dracula X: Chi No Rondo", Castlevania Fans are in for a treat once the game is released this fall.

What worries me though, is this....

Will the original TurboDuo release hold it's own collectability and value?

I've owned my copy of Dracula X/TurboDuo for about 11 years now and even back in 1996, I still paid a large amount for it; $125.00 shipped, from a private collector in Japan. Keep in mind, this was before the whole 'eBay boom', so there weren't too many avenues to try and track this game down back in the days.

From what I can see, the import still holds it's own and averages about $80.00 - $140.00 (eBay and used game shop prices) depending on the condition and whether or not the game is complete.

Needless to say, I am still quite happy with my original Dracula X, which will stay in my possession for as long as I love video games, but I am a bit worried as to how the release of the PSP version might affect my 'investment'.

For the longest time, I loved the idea of being able to say things along the lines of "I have Dracula X for the TurboDuo...." and "It's easily one of the best if not THE best Castlevania game ever...." as well as "What? You've never played it? Well, I guess you'd better track down your own copy, my friend. I can't let you borrow mine. (smirks)". It was a feeling of exclusivity, superiority and pride, in knowing that after 3 long years of trying to find a copy, I finally found one (for 125 bucks no less) and I got to enjoy it in the Spring of 1997.

I guess it's just the collector/investor in me that's getting a bit concerned.

For me, the hunt for the game and finally adding it to my collection was a really great feeling. But now, the newer generation of game players will be able to see what the original was all about.

I'm happy for them, but I'm also a bit sad that most will never have the same excitement of trying to track down an original for themselves.

*sighs*

Well, I might as well put in my pre-order for the PSP version.

I guess I love Castlevania too much. Much more so than most. :P

[klausien]

Retro collections and the like have generally failed to lower prices on most expensive collector titles. Also, take Valkyrie Profile Lenneth on PSP into consideration. The PSX version is still over $100 on eBay. The Jp PSP version of Princess Crown is another one. The Saturn game is still in the just under $100 range.

The PSP Dracula X is great news for those who have never gotten the chance to play the PCE game, but I think those of us who have the original are still safe. You can only play the PCE version on a TV. Now, if the PSP version were for PS2, it might be a different story.

[2Dskillz]

This seems even more true with handheld re-releases. It should not really affect the price of your copy.

[heybtbm]

Owning this game gave you "a feeling of superiority"? Ha ha ha. I think you need to need to step back for a minute and re-read your post. Wow.

FYI: As a rule, video games, comic books, and toys have never been good "investments". The whole premise is so absurd. Seriously, how many games are worth more now than they were originally at retail? You could count them on your hands. There is a huge difference on what is "collectable" and what is an "investment".

Anyway, Valkyrie Profile should answer your question. Ebay prices are still ridiculous for the PS1 version.

[Hwj_Chim]

Just be happy that the game is coming stateside. I would not worry about your investment:roll:. The Duo version should hold its value.

[JLukas]

I think it'll have very little, if any, impact on the price of the Duo version. If the port was to a home console instead, I could see it making a dent.

[slip81]

http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=96218&highlight=dracula%2C+x%2C+castlevania%2C+PSP

[BocoDragon]

There's always value in the original version. I'd still love to have a home version of Dracula X, even with the PSP version coming.

That said... who cares about value?

If something is worth more, I'd consider it an accident. Games are supposed to be affordable... if the price has shot up, I'd consider it the manufacturer's failure to capitalize on demand. High game prices are a gross error.

Also we're talking about a difference of $50 bucks here. how much does it really matter? (actually I'll tell you: $50) And you obviously were never going to sell it anyway after 11 years....

[The_4th_Survivor]

That said... who cares about value?


..... And you obviously were never going to sell it anyway after 11 years....


You're right. I suppose as collectors, we get a bit protective of our investment in these game titles and probably want to see our collections flourish in more ways than one. True, I have no plans of selling my copy of Dracula X and I really don't care too much about how much it's worth on the market, but I do find it amusing to see how much it goes for every now and then.

[BocoDragon]

You're right. I suppose as collectors, we get a bit protective of our investment in these game titles and probably want to see our collections flourish in more ways than one. True, I have no plans of selling my copy of Dracula X and I really don't care too much about how much it's worth on the market, but I do find it amusing to see how much it goes for every now and then.

Since you were so honest... I can't say I don't understand where you're coming from ;) Just had to be an alternative voice of reason.

[Sailorneorune]

I've already answered this question of a friend of mine who has a sealed copy. Considering trends with other expensive classics being made portable, and not everyone wanting to play them on a small screen, I think the originals will remain steady at their insane prices.

I will likely get a used PSP for this and the Star Ocean re-releases.

[Putney]

I've got to agree with everyone else, I doubt it'll lower value at all. Not only for those reasons given above, but consider this...we're the people who are willing to pay that much, not your average joe gamer on the street who would be satiated with the PSP version. So us collectors will still shell out the cash because the non-collectors never would.

(I know I'll be buying it, though I have a great copy of the original that came with 18 other Duo CD games in a $90 Ebay lot :))

[TurboGenesis]

:sob:

It is shame you won't be so highbrow anymore :roll: now that this game is coming to USA for all PSP owners to try their hand at.

Games are to be played. My valuable games are accidentals I am enjoy every bit of them.

Anyways maybe it holds its value maybe it goes up. Its cheap compare to some of the games I play I don't think it is rare or super expensive.

[bangtango]

If anything, a new version may help draw attention to the original. I'm not saying demand will go up but don't be surprised if more people are shopping for it on Ebay than usual. I'm sure there are still people out there who don't own the Duo version ;)

[Three-P]

I'm just glad the PSP is gonna get some love from the Castlevania series.:pimp: