Any rare PC games?

[phreakindee]

On another note, do prototypes of PC games have any value? Specifically, something like Jazz Jackrabbit 3, which never came out.


Perhaps, but I don't know if anyone really collects them. They don't really exist like they do with console games though, usually they exist as code and maybe backed up on a disk somewhere at the programmers house ao they don't really pop up.

Jazz 3 was eventually released, the alpha build code and stuff. It was pretty incomplete.

Sometimes though I run across earlier builds of games - those that were sent to reviewers or made for a trade show or something. But they don't seem to sell for much, leading me to believe not many collect them.

[Jorpho]

I haven't played it, but I believe it's a Myst clone. It's a rule of thumb that those aren't usually valuable.Eh? Some of those hyper-obscure adventure games mentioned previously might be classified as Myst clones.

[garagesaleking!!]

does anyone else chuckle every time they see this thread title day after day?

[kaedesdisciple]

I never actually saw the Mega Man X PC ports myself.

Now that's one I do still have, even though it's disc only.

[phreakindee]

Valuable PC games? Wow, check this out:

Commaner Keen boxed (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200370707519&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT)

I bid a decent amount on it, had no idea it would go this high! And still 2 days left, insane. I knew it was very valuable but still, up to $216

[snes_collector]

24 NASCAR 2003
.

Should be NASCAR Racing 2003 Season. Pretty sure EA made one called NASCAR 2003, it's not the expensive one though. The reason for the high price is since it was Papyrus' last NASCAR game they released the code for it and all kinds of mods have been made for it, still going strong today. I think the price is more of a demand thing because everyone who has a copy wants to hold on to it. I've been looking to no avail for a copy for about 2 years though. I seem to remember reading it doesn't work on Vista though.

[Kitsune Sniper]

You mean those stupid golf games are worth money?! I passed on a Mac version of that Access Golf Gold game last Saturday! Aaaaaaaaaargh )($#@)&@#$

Also, that Jazz Jackrabbit's Poker Broker game is apparently a standard Windows 3.1 poker game. I found a screenie but it's hosted on a site that has illegal game downloads so I won't link to it.

Edit: phreakindee, that Commander Keen game is worth so much because it simply is not available ANYWHERE for sale anymore. You can get the others off Steam, but this one? Forget about it. I've been trying to get a legit copy somewhere for a while now.

[kaedesdisciple]

Valuable PC games? Wow, check this out:

Commaner Keen boxed (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200370707519&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT)

I bid a decent amount on it, had no idea it would go this high! And still 2 days left, insane. I knew it was very valuable but still, up to $216

Oh my, a complete boxed copy of Aliens Ate My Babysitter? I thought they didn't finish that game...

[Jorpho]

Oh my, a complete boxed copy of Aliens Ate My Babysitter? I thought they didn't finish that game...It's downloadable from a good many places, if you don't have compunctions about that sort of thing. Quite possibly the best game in the series.

[phreakindee]

Oh my, a complete boxed copy of Aliens Ate My Babysitter? I thought they didn't finish that game...

It was finished, just not released by id. It was the only Keen game with copy protection as well!

[Ed Oscuro]

What's the story on that copy then? Boot, repro?

[Gameguy]

What's the story on that copy then? Boot, repro?
It came out.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commander_Keen#Commander_Keen_in_Aliens_Ate_My_Bab ysitter.21

[savageone]

Interesting topic, fortunately I got most all the older PC games I actually wanted years and years ago when they were all (mostly) still really cheap. I guess there has been a retro PC gaming boom in recent years judging by eBay prices.

Here is a curious question:
Does a Quake v1.01 CD have any value?

If anyone recalls back in the day there was an opportunity to order the game directly from id Software about a month before it hit store shelves. You didn't get the retail box, but you got the game disc and the standard cardboard case. The interesting part is the version of Quake on the CD is v1.01, where as retail is v1.06 (IIRC). There aren't any major differences, some lighting things here and there I think and not much more.

Probably more than a novelty item than anything, but maybe someone here is familiar with this?

[Diatribal Deity]

Some interesting ended auctions of note for some previously mentioned titles (not sure if those links will work or how long).

Grim Fandango (signed) ... $721.00

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280367806689

Secret of Monkey Island (sealed) ... $286.00

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360174607950

[HurricaneAndrew]

Should be NASCAR Racing 2003 Season. Pretty sure EA made one called NASCAR 2003, it's not the expensive one though. The reason for the high price is since it was Papyrus' last NASCAR game they released the code for it and all kinds of mods have been made for it, still going strong today. I think the price is more of a demand thing because everyone who has a copy wants to hold on to it. I've been looking to no avail for a copy for about 2 years though. I seem to remember reading it doesn't work on Vista though.

NASCAR Racing 2003 is, infact, fairly rare. It happens that EA SPorts got exclusive rights to make NASCAR games in early 2003, forcing Sierra/Papyrus to stop making their version about halfway through the run.

Also, NASCAR Racing 4 and NASCAR Racing 2002 are compatible with the online racing leagues, not just NASCAR Racing 2003.

[Kitsune Sniper]

I think all three games share the same basic engine, don't they?

Anyway, one more to add to the list: The Ultimate Wizardry Archives. I sold a disc only copy for $60 a while back. I got a CIB copy yesterday. Those seem to be selling for $100 or so overseas, who knows how much they're worth here.

[NayusDante]

Tamagotchi for PC is a bit of an odd rarity. I saw a copy on eBay for something like $150, but also one for $15. It's definitely a rare one, but I'm not making promises about value. Wish I still had the back case insert for mine...

[Kitsune Sniper]

Tamagotchi for PC is a bit of an odd rarity. I saw a copy on eBay for something like $150, but also one for $15. It's definitely a rare one, but I'm not making promises about value. Wish I still had the back case insert for mine...

I don't think it's that rare, Bandai whored out the franchise for years until it finally tanked.

[HurricaneAndrew]

[QUOTE=Kitsune Sniper;1606128]I think all three games share the same basic engine, don't they?QUOTE]

Yes. NASCAR Racing 4, 2002 Season, and 2003 Season all have the same physics engine.

[phreakindee]

Okay wow, for some (mostly) rare games on eBay right now, check this guy

http://myworld.ebay.com/o*s*s/

Apparently these are from an ex-Sierra employee and software reviewer. Many of these are early and review copies. Some overpriced, but still plenty of absolute GOLD in there! An amazing selection of complete boxed games in almost perfect condition at any rate, impressive. Trying to avoid temptation...:bawling:

[Griking]

Why would we chuckle?

I have this thread bookmarked and check it every few days actually.

[NayusDante]

You know, having a PC gaming forum might be a good idea. We've already got classic and modern forums, but those are really more console-focused. There's just as many retro PCs as consoles, if you think about it.

[Griking]

I'd prefer a computer gaming forum which would include the Apple II, Commodore and other old computers as well but I'd take anything I can get.

[Kitsune Sniper]

I'd prefer a computer gaming forum which would include the Apple II, Commodore and other old computers as well but I'd take anything I can get.

A general PC forum would be good. I mean, most of us grew up with DOS and such, and quite a few of us have never really tried other old computers.

I think the consensus was that there really wasn't a need for a forum, but... this thread has proven otherwise. (Besides, it would also be a good place for retro PC gaming tech support and such!)

[NayusDante]

Let's say that a forum IS added for PC. Where does the line get drawn? Does retro PC mean "everything before 2000?" Everything before Windows XP?

I'd personally vote for the name "Classic Computer Gaming," encompassing everything up through games that mention Windows XP support. That would include Apple II, C64, Amstrad, Spectrum, MSX, PC88, etc.

[Gameguy]

Let's say that a forum IS added for PC. Where does the line get drawn? Does retro PC mean "everything before 2000?" Everything before Windows XP?

I'd personally vote for the name "Classic Computer Gaming," encompassing everything up through games that mention Windows XP support. That would include Apple II, C64, Amstrad, Spectrum, MSX, PC88, etc.
Why just classic stuff? Having a separate forum for all computer stuff would be fine. There's a separate forum for arcade stuff, but I don't see it being only for classic stuff.

[NayusDante]

Modern PC gaming is almost like a console now, with things like Games For Windows. It's not the same as how it used to be. Recent PC gaming seems to fit in the Modern Gaming forum pretty well, or at least I think so.

[Push Upstairs]

I think a general PC gaming forum would be fine.

But I say it has to cover games pre-Vista as some of those early XP games are now 7-8 years old.

[Diatribal Deity]

Recently ended on the 'bay...

L-Zone complete = 227.50
Adventures of Willy Beamish (sealed) = 150.00
Devo: Adventures of the Smart Patrol (sealed) = 103.50
Infocom Classic Text Adventure Masterpieces = 73.90
Original Doom PC 3.5" manual with box = 102.50
Maniac Mansion for Apple II (sealed) = 305.00 good job KS
Maniac Mansion for PC (sealed) = 235.50

[NayusDante]

I have a copy of FF7 PC on eBay right now (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280398000785&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT) that's going higher than I expected... I made it clear that it's far from good condition, but it's up to $31. I thought I was looking at maybe $60 complete, but $31 for just the case and discs all very worn is kinda high.

[c0ldb33r]

I've got Mortal Kombat for DOS (complete, 3.5 inch floppies) - is this worth anything?

Also, I've got FF7 for PC, I didn't know it was sought after.

[Poofta!]

Or Ultima XI Ascension: Dragon Edition, which was rare and super valuable to begin with (it had a ton of bonuses plus ALL the previous Ultima games!)

its not very valuable.

many of the popular D&D games has special edition, which are rare, but not that pricey.

Gold Edition of Bauldur's Gate however is both, very rare, and very expensive.

for pc games though, there really arent any rare AND valuable games. the only thing that can really raise the price is the original packaging, since almost everyone threw out hte big boxes, a complete game (regardless of how common) can be very hard to find and therefor valuable.

duke nukem 3d: 1$
duke nukem 3d complete big box: 20$+

thing is, if a game was rare, and popular, the company printed more, quickly, since there are no minimum print runs for pc and no royalties. if a game is rare and sucked, well no one will care and its worthless.

the amount of games for pc is so huge that any kind of actual tracking would probably be impossible since anyone can release a game without any authorization etc.

i collect pc games, rpgs mostly, and let me tell you, the hardest and most expensive games are the complete big box games of popular/good games. not necessarily rare. some of course ARE rare, and those can go up even higher in price. but the demand for them is small. most people either 1) dont care and just want any version to play or 2) arent even aware of their existence. complete copies of fallout 1, 2 and lucasarts adventure games will run a LOT more than the near worthless dragon edition of Ultima 9 (a shitty game, btw)

[Poofta!]

I swear you can have a giant bidding war break out on the most random titles in the PC world just because you and some other guy in Cleveland are the only two that remember Datamost and you've both been waiting 3 years for that boxed copy of Zorro.

been there, done that. got into a crazy bidding war with one guy for a very rare collection of Interplay games (ultimate RPG archives, i believe). its rare as is, boxed copy is even rarer. (it came with a 900 page manual). we bid it well over 100$. i won. it was years since ive seen it on ebay, before or after winning that one.



I second the creation of said list. I've bought so many PC games thinking that if I didn't like them/couldn't run them, I could sell them with ease. This is just not true.

such a list would be pointless since there are a lot more games like that. its like trying to make a list of ALL valuable games across all platforms! plus as mentioned before, sometimes the price of a single rare (normally cheap game) can go three figures instantly because only 2 collectors out there want a copy and have the means to procure it. although its normally a handful of people, like 10 or so that want it, and once they get it the game may drop to 20$ again.

[Ed Oscuro]

its not very valuable.
Find me a copy cheap plz.

[Ryaan1234]

been there, done that. got into a crazy bidding war with one guy for a very rare collection of Interplay games (ultimate RPG archives, i believe). its rare as is, boxed copy is even rarer. (it came with a 900 page manual). we bid it well over 100$. i won. it was years since ive seen it on ebay, before or after winning that one.

Ummmm.... I'm not trying to be nitpicky or anything but I've got the Ultimate RPG archives sitting on a table in my room right now. It's not boxed but it has the manual with it. The manual is actually 510 pages :P

[Poofta!]

Find me a copy cheap plz.

its rare just not very pricey. i believe i got mine for around 40$ about a year or so ago. maybe a bit more than a year.


Ummmm.... I'm not trying to be nitpicky or anything but I've got the Ultimate RPG archives sitting on a table in my room right now. It's not boxed but it has the manual with it. The manual is actually 510 pages :P

yeah i was exaggerating lol. bottom line is its BIG. its not hard to find w/ manual, but the price really gains a multiplier when we're talking COMPLETE. same goes for pretty much all pc games. its an interesting market.

[Poofta!]

while im here, if ANYONE has Icewind Dale II Collector's Edition for PC, I will buy it. it came with spiral-bound manual, a full-color cloth map, four player cards, a set of dice, a bonus disc, a Black Isle Studios notepad, and Black Isle and Icewind Dale stickers.

[Gameguy]

Find me a copy cheap plz.
I found one for cheap, it was in a lot of 11 PC games that I only bought for Grim Fandango. I didn't even know it was the Dragon Edition until I met with the seller. Another game in the lot was a boxed copy of Fallout 2, which I also didn't know about until after I bought everything and did some research. I only wanted to keep Grim Fandango so I sold off the rest(some I still have, waiting for a buyer).


its rare just not very pricey. i believe i got mine for around 40$ about a year or so ago. maybe a bit more than a year.
I'm happy to hear that, I sold mine off cheap since I found it for cheap.

[BetaWolf47]

Hey mods, this thread needs moving!

[The 1 2 P]

I just snagged a copy of Planetscape: Torment and posted a pick in the finds thread. Anyone know how much it's worth?

[Jorpho]

Depends on whether it's the big box or the jewel case version, I reckon. Either way, it's worth more than a lot of other things. Surely there have been copies on eBay recently?

Also, you should probably hold on to that and pretend that you're going to play it sometime rather than selling it off right away. It's magnificent. See http://thunderpeel2001.blogspot.com/2009/01/planescape-torment-fully-modded.html for all the mods you'll want.

[The 1 2 P]

I don't play pc games so holding on to it wouldn't do me any good. I took your other advice and checked ebay. A case only version with all 4 disc sold for $54 yesterday in a best offer auction. I have the case, all 4 disc and the manual. I paid a mere $3 for this but I'm sure I can make atleast $30 off of it.

[Jorpho]

I don't play pc gamesMake an exception! :D

[Kitsune Sniper]

That manual will probably add $15 to the price.

I kinda want to find another copy of it so I can play it.

[Poofta!]

not playing planescape by saying you dont play pc games is like refusing to play every mario game ever made and saying you dont like to play games on a tv.

54 for disk only? wow that thing shot up in value. i remember paying 50$ for my mint complete copy.

[Diatribal Deity]

OK here is another one I always forget to mention...

- Return of Arcade Anniversary Edition (Microsoft)

And if you ever come across the Soundtrack to the FPS Outlaws by Lucasarts - it has some great value. It was offered as a promo when the game originally came out. Obviously the soundtrack is already accessible on the game cd's, but this was offered separately in its own jewel - so keep your eyes peeled for it. It is not plentiful but may get mixed with music cd's at a thrift, thrown into a boxed version of the game, etc...


Here is the elusive Outlaws soundtrack...should end around $40-60 possibly a bit more. It should be a decent small gauge of the current PC collectable market.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110459854248&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123


Hmmm...just noticed it's listed under music>cd's. Might be a good opportunity for someone.

[ScourDX]

I wonder in the future if any of the current generation will worth anything. With the game running on steam, EA online activation, MMORPG type account & limited install, it doesn't seems like the game you purchased now will worth anything in the future unless they are brand new and the server is still live and kicking.

[evilavatar]

I was looking for some prices before moving my huge 1,000+ PC game collection out the door and I came across this thread.

I had to comment: I have The Residents: Freak Show in the original box. It has been sitting at the bottom of a desk drawer since it was released. I don't think I ever played it or installed it, I'm not even sure why I opened it.

And for bragging rights: I have Planescape Torment with the box and the manual and the box still has the original plastic on it from the store. I slit the plastic open when I got the game and never removed it. (Not sure what I would want to surrender that one... it would have to be one hell of an offer.)

Great thread, thanks for all the reading.

-Evil

[Ryaan1234]

Here is the elusive Outlaws soundtrack...should end around $40-60 possibly a bit more. It should be a decent small gauge of the current PC collectable market.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110459854248&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123


Hmmm...just noticed it's listed under music>cd's. Might be a good opportunity for someone.
I'm pretty sure I have this soundtrack somewhere. Either mixed in with my PC games or with my music CDs. I had no idea that it was rare and valuable. I just have a habit of buying video game soundtracks whenever I see them.

The Neverhood soundtrack is also one that brings some money, and has some awesome tracks to boot. Of course being related to The Neverhood it obviously has some value, but I digress.

[Therealqtip]

I'm sure for it to be rare it'd have to be really old, since you can just torrent/emulate it up.

[SpasticFuctard]

The Quest For Glory Anthology begs to differ on that one...

There's a recent remake of the first two floating around on the web for free, super fun to replay em.

[Jorpho]

There's a recent remake of the first two floating around on the web for free, super fun to replay em.Isn't that only a remake of the second one? Or have there been new developments I am not aware of?

[sunraise]

What PC games are especially rare or valuable?

(Please move to WIW if wrong section)



what does wiw mean?

[Gapporin]

what does wiw mean?

What It's Worth, our Antique Roadshow forum.

One title I haven't seen mentioned so far as of yet is the strategy title Emperor of the Fading Sun. I've not seen many copies online to gauge an exact estimate, but it seems like both complete and jewel case-only copies hover consistently around the $50-60 mark.

[cyrax151]

I have quite a few PC games considered to be "rare." I won't go into it too much but my rarest is the following >
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dubJNLqHayY

[Xepic911]

Im proud to have started collecting consoles and games recently, but one gaming area I've never really looked at is PC games (I guess because I spend most of my time playing on my other 13 consoles @_@). So I went back and took a look, and found that the few PC games I own are the rarest ones I own XD. Anyways, although they aren't super rare, I've had them for a while and are relatively hard to come by- Paraworld and Empire Earth (which is a Sierra game which, as already mentioned, can be pretty valuable). So yeah :).

[Jorpho]

(which is a Sierra game which, as already mentioned, can be pretty valuable)No; Sierra's adventure games can be pretty valuable. Undistinguished RTS games, not so much.

Heck, you can buy a brand new boxed copy at http://www.mastertronic.com/productSoldOut.asp?pid=154&productLabelID=1 .

[Gameguy]

No; Sierra's adventure games can be pretty valuable. Undistinguished RTS games, not so much.
Actually several of Sierra's RTS games are valuable too, and several of their adventure games are worth very little even when complete. Search for Civil War Generals 2, and for comparison King's Quest V. It really depends on the titles and editions rather than just the genre. Most Sierra games aren't worth that much though.

And comparing the value of European PC releases doesn't count, console collectors pay attention to the region for their games and so do PC collectors. The US versions are usually worth much more than the European releases.

[postulio]

Actually several of Sierra's RTS games are valuable too, and several of their adventure games are worth very little even when complete. Search for Civil War Generals 2, and for comparison King's Quest V. It really depends on the titles and editions rather than just the genre. Most Sierra games aren't worth that much though.

And comparing the value of European PC releases doesn't count, console collectors pay attention to the region for their games and so do PC collectors. The US versions are usually worth much more than the European releases.

And just to add on to what Gameguy said...

To anyone new or interested in PC collecting:

Because of the nature of the PC, most games are released over and over every few years or so, either in compilations or in new formats (like CD, DVD, steam, gog etc etc).
The value and rarity of PC games comes from owning the ORIGINAL US release, and not just that, but also usually only if the games are complete in box with manual etc etc. This is mainly because very few people held onto the old PC game boxes mostly due to their size and bulk (hence the "Big Box" moniker) as well as shotty material (it is common to find these cardboard boxes that have begun to bloat around the sides, however this rarely diminishes their value but instead increases the value of a perfect box astronomically).
There are always exclusions to this rule, as some compilations can be very rare and expensive, like the Wizardry Archives (easily over $100), and rarely pops up on ebay.

So while pretty much ever Sierra adventure game has been rereleased in one way or another, an original big box release is rare and valuable.

Also watch out for Collector's and Limited editions (usually of RPG games), even as early as 2002 there were limited/collector's editions of RPG games released *only* online, making them rather rare. A good example of this is the Neverwinter Nights Collector's Edition, a *complete* copy of which can fetch over 100$ *easily* although there are usually a couple on ebay (cheaper ones are usually missing some parts). Make sure to do your research and find out what makes these editions complete, it is not uncommon for them to include D&D dice, posters, medallions, coins, stones, tarrot cards and even notepads! in addition to the common maps/manuals that they all come with.

Going further back in time, like for example the Gold Box AD&D games of the early 90s, while popular today, were never huge sellers as they are really a niche product, so there are really few around in complete and good condition.

To make things worse (or more exciting?) keep in mind that in the 80s and even (but to a lesser extent) in the early 90s, there were several competing PCs in the market. While the PC today is basically a windows machine, back then you had games released for several 'personal computers' and hardware revisions. It is not uncommon to find a game, like the Ultimas and the Sierra adventure games, to to have many versions like Tandy, IBM DOS, Apple II, Amiga, Commodore 64 and so on. Some versions cost more than others. While generally speaking the IBM-compatible DOS version is the most sought out one, sometimes an Amiga or other version like FM Towns Marty can cost hundreds of dollars more, due to their extreme rarity these [and those] days. This is all in addition to there being sometimes more than one physical media version of a game, like a 5.25" floppy and 3.5" floppy version - although this doesnt always impact a price, it depends who you get into a bidding war with, some people prefer one over the other, and because of their rarity, will bid highly.

This is all a bit overwhelming at first no doubt. Old school PC collecting is not for the faint of heart (or for the thin of wallet) as some games will take years and hundreds of dollars to track down (or years and just a couple dollars, depending on your luck).

To me, it is all worth it. While a copy of Chrono Trigger may be pricey and sought after, it isnt rare and most everyone who wants a copy can get it - at any time you can find over 100 for sale online. While a copy of even a popular game like Ultima II is *very* difficult to track down. Sometimes a game can be popular, like Baldurs Gate for instance, but can have a version that is very little know [Baldurs Gate God Edition in this case] and while a copy or two can pop up online, it is virtually never complete.

A big box PC collection is not only more valuable (than most other game collecting), it is also more fulfilling and meaningful. It is undeniably more challenging to assemble and requires a little more knowledge. As you can imagine, it will get only more difficult with time. I would also like to add that PC games are valuable not because they are rare, but because they are good games. A rare, old, complete big box RPG may be worth very little simply because the game isnt very good - something you dont see much in console collection where there are tons of extremely valuable games which are pure shit.

My advice? Do your research and enjoy, holding some of these games in your hand is quite moving when you think that that particular game launched or revolutionized a genre or a game mechanic or launched the careers of industry legends. Some of these items are not only collectibles, they are unique artifacts of our hobby - be it gaming or computing.


SO good luck and most importantly, have fun!


-Vlad

[PCollector]

This is an old thread but it would be awesome if people would start it back up and post awesome rare games that they have for the PC.

I think collecting is one of the best hobbies to have (though I'm probably biased). Collecting PC games is as if you're collecting artifacts of history. The only downside is the money that's involved. I've recently bought a $350 and a $400 game @_@ I'm not made of money man! Jeez, it can be an expensive hobby. Especially when you're dealing with rare items and when you see it pop up sometimes you don't have time to sleep on it for a month before deciding to spend the money on it. It's a do it or die type thing. But well worth it in the end if you have a passion for it. Gotta do what you enjoy in life...money won't be there in the end so might as well do what you enjoy (and of course be smart with money at the same time).

So go ahead and post some games that you are proud to have in your collection and state what condition it's in. This isn't something to brag about but rather something to share with others who enjoy the hobby as well. As long as you love your collection then no need to compare with others or brag to others. So lets see what have!

I'll start it off. One of the games I'm proud to own is the first edition of King's Quest 1. The one in the grey plastic box. I got it a while back on ebay for $100 BIN which I thought was a great price! It's complete with everything and a few smudges which should come off with a gentle cleaning since it comes in a plastic box and not cardboard.

[Tyalmath]

I've amassed quite a large PC game collection over the years. Built mostly from yard sale/thrift store finds. It is the platform I enjoy collecting for (and playing on) the most.

Looking back through this thread, it's funny to see the extent of my Cyan collection four years ago. It's grown quite substantially since then. Still looking for that Cosmic Osmo longbox, though... (hi tom)

[postulio]

What games did you buy for 350-400?




This is an old thread but it would be awesome if people would start it back up and post awesome rare games that they have for the PC.

I think collecting is one of the best hobbies to have (though I'm probably biased). Collecting PC games is as if you're collecting artifacts of history. The only downside is the money that's involved. I've recently bought a $350 and a $400 game @_@ I'm not made of money man! Jeez, it can be an expensive hobby. Especially when you're dealing with rare items and when you see it pop up sometimes you don't have time to sleep on it for a month before deciding to spend the money on it. It's a do it or die type thing. But well worth it in the end if you have a passion for it. Gotta do what you enjoy in life...money won't be there in the end so might as well do what you enjoy (and of course be smart with money at the same time).

So go ahead and post some games that you are proud to have in your collection and state what condition it's in. This isn't something to brag about but rather something to share with others who enjoy the hobby as well. As long as you love your collection then no need to compare with others or brag to others. So lets see what have!

I'll start it off. One of the games I'm proud to own is the first edition of King's Quest 1. The one in the grey plastic box. I got it a while back on ebay for $100 BIN which I thought was a great price! It's complete with everything and a few smudges which should come off with a gentle cleaning since it comes in a plastic box and not cardboard.

[PCollector]

Tyalmath, I love collecting for PC more than anything. I have a couple more collections but PC is my passion. It's just a shame it's underrated. It's hard to find collectors (even online) who are into PC colelcting. Most go for the SNES or another console. Which is awesome...there are many reasons why old console game collecting is amazing. I just wish more shared a passion for PC games.

Postulio, spending that kind of money (for me that's a whole lot) doesn't happen often in my world. But for $350 I got the 1986 Fellowship of the Ring. Unopened with a scratch on the front. It's very hard to find...almost none existant online. Though you can find youtube videos of it being played or get the game on abandonware. I'm trying to get ahold of all the old Lord of the Rings games.

The $400 game I got was The Neverhood unopened in mint condition. What makes it worth alot to me is that it's in Japanese (and I'm learning Japanese). There were Japanese versions made for the PS1 but it wasn't made for the PC. I'm not sure how many there are or if this is the only one. It came from Doug TenNapel's (the creater of The Neverhood) own collection. I talked to him personally to make sure it was legit and that it was actually was in his possession originally. I should probably try to find out how many were made. This was a childhood favorite of mine and the fact that it's in Japanese and being extremely rare sealed the deal for me. It's definitely a gem in my collection.

There's not many games I would spend that kind of money on....though lately my collecting addiction has been growing.

[Tyalmath]

Doug had three of those Japanese versions of The Neverhood listed as rewards on his recent Kickstarter, is that where you got yours? I'm still bummed about missing out on the Chunk-of-Monkey bundle.

[Edmond Dantes]

Just adding a thought:

I recently read about a 7th Guest spinoff called Uncle Henry's Playhouse which apparently only 20 or so copies were printed, ever. So perhaps we've found our Holy Grail of PC gaming.

[Tyalmath]

Supposedly, it only sold 27 copies in the US. More were sold elsewhere. There were much more than that actually printed though. Some guy has been selling brand new boxed copies on ebay and amazon for around $10 - $15 over the last several months... not many takers.

[PCollector]

Doug had three of those Japanese versions of The Neverhood listed as rewards on his recent Kickstarter, is that where you got yours? I'm still bummed about missing out on the Chunk-of-Monkey bundle.

Very interesting. That's not where I got mine. I got mine from someone who bought it from Doug then sold it to me. If I knew he was on kickstarter I would have been the first in line to get the best reward :puppydogeyes: I wonder if I would have spent as much money..... hmmm.

Watch, a bunch of PC Japanese versions will start being released and make mine worth very little. @_@

[PCollector]

Just adding a thought:

I recently read about a 7th Guest spinoff called Uncle Henry's Playhouse which apparently only 20 or so copies were printed, ever. So perhaps we've found our Holy Grail of PC gaming.

Didn't see your post before I posted my reply. I'm in the middle of playing the 7th Guest. That may very well be the Holy Grail....though I think my personal Holy Grail would be the first Sierra game, Mystery House.

Also there's a PC game being sold on ebay for 16 or 17 thousand dollars. I forget what it's called but if you type "PC game" then sort by highest price first you'll see it. Not sure why it's priced so high because i don't think it's that old.

[Gameguy]

Also there's a PC game being sold on ebay for 16 or 17 thousand dollars. I forget what it's called but if you type "PC game" then sort by highest price first you'll see it. Not sure why it's priced so high because i don't think it's that old.
That's a loose copy of The Filmmaker by Unimatrix Productions. It's some independent game from 2010. While I can't seem to find any copies available for sale anywhere else, I don't think anyone would pay $16,000 for it.

[postulio]

There are tons of PC game collectors, with communities scatter throughout the web (do some searching).

The only real 'holy grail' PC games are ones that created a genre or changed gaming forever, and we are talking original releases here. Things like Akalabeth and Colossal Cave Adventure. However these are super old and 'rare' doesnt even begin to describe it.

Since anyone can make any game they want and release it on PC (in any quantity), there are probably thousands upon thousands of obscure "rare" games you can find, yet they aren't worth diddly squat.

What may mean a lot to one collector, another won't even keep for free. I am sure those Japanese Neverhood versions are sought after by Neverhood fans but it isn't like having a Nintendo World Championship cart, where it is highly sought after by every serious NES collector. This may be actually why PC collecting scares off so many people. A game on auction today may fetch $400 because three interested parties noticed it, a month later it may sell for $50 because only one has seen it. Only really popular franchises (like Ultima) are always monitored and sought after by many many people.

Because of the [relative] lack of organization of PC releases, it is difficult to assign any kind of value to the truly rare and obscure stuff.

PC collectors tend to collect either stuff that has a personal meaning to them (favorite genres or series or nostalgic games from their childhood), or revolutionary milestone games (like the two I first mentioned).

[Tanooki]

True to that last piece youn wrote but also scarcity due to other forces like a company failing/bought out and limited runs can do it too keeping high price and low selection possible. Look at wing commander kilrathi saga especially when it is still complete in the box.

[theclaw]

NFL Blitz 2000 is looking scarce. Don't think I knew about a PC version until hours ago.

[Alpha2099]

Don't know if you're looking for strictly Windows-based or also DOS, but if you're a fan of Doctor Who, there are a couple really old computer games based on the show. One is called "Dalek Attack" for DOS, and there's a Windows one called "Destiny of the Doctors". Neither game is particularly great, and I'm certain they don't hold up after all these years, but if you're a collector it might be worth searching for.

Also, while I'm on the thought of licensed games based on popular culture, see if you can track down "Queen: The eYe". I've seen video of the game, and while it looks horrible, there's something cute about making a PC game with an all-Queen soundtrack.

[chronox12]

I recently joined this site just to meet other collectors and to talk about collecting on the whole. I hope this thread continues! I think one of the rarest games I have is The Simpsons Arcade Game. I would love to hear some of the games in everyone's collection :)

[postulio]

Digital Press is more leaned towards console collecting and sadly there isn't much discussion on classic PC collecting here. There are some other online communities where old PC gamers and collectors hang out.





True to that last piece youn wrote but also scarcity due to other forces like a company failing/bought out and limited runs can do it too keeping high price and low selection possible. Look at wing commander kilrathi saga especially when it is still complete in the box.

As far as Wing Commander Kilrathi Saga goes, it actually isn't all that rare of a game, you can always find several listed on ebay. I feel like the prices are more artificial than anything, with auctions opening at high amounts right off the bat.

You can actually get all three Wing Commander original releases together for about the same price if not less, arguably a better collection piece than a compilation released later.

Since most collectors don't actually use their collection as a library, the format or edition is of little concern. We just keep CDRs of all the games in order to not disturb or damage the collectible releases.