Buying games with messed up labels?... [Archive]

MyTurnToPlay

09-14-2011, 06:10 PM

So what do people think about buying a game with a messed up label, removing it, buying a new label from one of those sites that allows you to order one, and then slapping that on the cartridge. Would you feel okay about having such a game in your collection? Any qualms about doing this?

The reason I ask is that my friend has a few games, some of them common, some of them rare. But several have serious label issues. He's willing to sell them to me for a much cheaper price because of that. I consider myself a gamer, and not really a collector. So I'm ready to jump on that deal. And yet, a part of me feels like if I buy the games, tear off the bad labels and replace them with new ones, like that would be a 'bad' thing to do. For some reason, it's unsettling. I guess I can't really explain it.

Any thoughts on this?

:)

Gameguy

09-14-2011, 06:15 PM

I'm against replacing the labels. If I came across a cart with a replaced label, I'd either think it was a bootleg or a reproduction. I don't see a reason to replace them, if you want a cart in good shape then track a better one down instead.

bunnybum

09-14-2011, 06:16 PM

If it's a game I'd want to play I'll buy it regardless of what the label looks like. It's not like owning a game prevents you from getting another copy with a nicer label, if you're into appearances.

MyTurnToPlay

09-14-2011, 06:31 PM

hmm...just want to be clear. The games he's offering to sell me are extremely rare NES games, and the price he's giving is CONSIDERABLY cheaper than buying them with intact labels. Will I ever spend hundreds of dollars buying the same games just to have minty labels? Hell no. Has the thought of buying the games, replacing the labels, and throwing them up on ebay to make huge profits, has that crossed my mind? Hell yes. But I actually would like to keep the games. I wonder if the game's value would drop because I replaced the labels. In other words, what is the value of a game with a messed up label compared to the same game with a replaced label?

But more than anything, I was curious what other people thought about replacing messed up labels on your games.

thanks

Aussie2B

09-14-2011, 06:37 PM

I'd rather preserve what's left of the original label rather than scrap it all.

I don't fret that much over label damage. I love a game with a mint label, but tons of games in my collection have some kind of label issue. If if you treat a game like gold, the label can still go sour, like with all the 2600 and Genesis games that get Actiplaque. And if you buy used games, label damage is pretty much unavoidable, what with all the people that slap stickers on the labels and what have you. I do take a lot of pride in restoring labels, though. Even though they'll still have some problems when I'm done, I've made a lot of labels look MUCH better than when I started.

bunnybum

09-14-2011, 06:42 PM

I guess it depends on how messed up the label is, if you're thinking value. A game with a poor original label will always be worth more than a game without the original label. Well, to me at least.
If you want it to look nice on the shelf, go ahead and replace the label, just don't expect its price to be affected to the better.

leatherrebel5150

09-14-2011, 09:37 PM

The way I see it is that it is like any other collectible. When you get a repro label it is like restoring it it is not worth as much as original but it still looks good. Think about it would you rather buy a 1970 Challenger in original condition if the paint was all chipped, scratched, and rusted or a restored one?

This is why I tend not to have a problem with putting a new label on a very damaged game. Eventually all collectible items get to the point where they need a little restoration. BUT, and this is a big but, it should always be mentioned when reselling that the label is a reproduction.

InsaneDavid

09-14-2011, 09:49 PM

The only re-labeling I do is on end labels that have completely been demolished or are missing. For instance you'll come across a lot of Atari 2600 games that are missing their end labels. I just use a P-touch labeler and make a new one. I'm not trying to replace the original, I just want to know what the game is. Same goes for a couple NES games I have where the end label area has been worn away completely. Torn, damaged, faded, etc. no big deal. Can always be replaced with a better condition cartridge and then the older copy can be sold off.

MachineGex

09-14-2011, 10:07 PM

I would buy it if it was at least 50% less than normal price. As far as removing it, unless it is totally trashed, I would just leave it. If it is really messed up(like half of it missing), then I would re-label it. Well, "I" wouldn't.....because I am too lazy. But if someone would do it for me, that would be nice! I would love to have some nice N64 end labels. Is there someone who sells them individually?? I need about 20 or so...

SparTonberry

09-14-2011, 10:19 PM

I would love to have some nice N64 end labels. Is there someone who sells them individually?? I need about 20 or so...
If I was to label them, I'd probably just clear-tape a paper label on.

Duke.Togo

09-14-2011, 11:00 PM

If you are just adding them to your collection, I'd say do what you like. As said before, if you sell, just inform the buyer. Personally I would pay more for a cart with a damaged label than one I knew had a reproduction.

Emperor Megas

09-14-2011, 11:23 PM

If you're mainly a player: Replace the labels if you'd like them to look nicer. If you're not one to really resale games, and only purchase games you're interested in playing, there's little reason to care about the integrity of them media.

If you're mainly a collector: Just clean them; otherwise leave the original labels alone. Collectibles should be maintained, but not necessarily restored. Especially when we're talking about things like packaging, and label graphics. Think of it as 'electronics patina'. Preservation is the name of the game if the focus is mainly collecting/archiving. Besides, it's not uncommon to resale and trade valued acquisitions with fellow collectors, and most would prefer the original damaged labels rather than reproductions, I'd imagine.

If you're planning on reselling: Determine if the quality of the replacement labels and damage to the original labels would warrant replacing them in the first place, and if you do decide to replace them, ABSOLUTELY disclose that the labels are reproductions, and take several pictures of the carts...possibly next to ones with their original label for comparison reasons, if you can.

If you go this route, I'd decide what to replace on a game-by-game basis. The rarer, more sought after stuff is the stuff I'd just leave original. I'd imagine a casual collector would be quicker to purchase a $30 game like Gun*Nac with a really nice replacement label than a hardcore collector would a $200+ game like Flintstones: Surprise at Dino Peak with a repro label.

MyTurnToPlay

09-15-2011, 01:20 AM

So the consensus seems to be to leave the original messed up labels intact. And like I said, I'm more a gamer than I am a collector. However, even I have to admit that the games look absolutely trashy the way they are now. Being able to purchase such rare games for so cheap a price is definitely a great deal. And honestly, I will NEVER come across these games at a cheaper price, unless I somehow get SUPER lucky at a flea market, but I can't be f*cked to dick around such places. So it's a trade off. Do I buy the games and put them on my shelf knowing fully well that their labels look like absolute trash? Or do I pass, and thus say goodbye to the only chance I'll ever have of owning these rare carts?

Seems like I'm in a catch 22. I honestly don't think I'll be satisfied either way.
thanks

bunnybum

09-15-2011, 04:47 AM

Think about the worn and torn labels as a testament on how much the games have been played. Games that are played to the brink of falling apart damn well better be nothing short of phenomenal.

If, as you say, you are mostly a gamer, a funky looking cart almost falling apart pretty much equals that old TMNT VHS tape you used to watch over and over again as a child until it started skipping and flickering. It's barely watchable but you know it's quality entertainment.

Yes, I'm a nostalgic old fart.

Out of curiousity, what are the games in question, since you see no way of ever getting them in better shape?

Rickstilwell1

09-15-2011, 04:54 AM

ugly_monster

09-15-2011, 08:35 AM

Buy them for sure. As long as you can get your money back (or close to it) then you get a chance to try something you've never played. What games are they?

You ever think about making a custom box? That way the only time you have to see the ugly game is when you put it in to play it.

FayeC86

09-15-2011, 08:55 AM

Clearly the labels are an issue to you, or you wouldn't have bought them up. If you think it will make them more acceptable in your collection then get them restored, just make sure you disclose that before you let them loose in the community.

jcalder8

09-15-2011, 09:10 AM

I really don't understand what the big deal is. If you're mostly a gamer then just buy the games and play them. I'm mostly a collector and I have some rare games with messed up labels because I was able to get them cheaper.

It sounds like you just want to know how you can make the most off your friend's kindness by selling you these games for cheaper because of the labels.

My advise is for you to not buy them and let someone who will enjoy the games buy them rather than selling them to you for you to just turn around and sell them for profit.

bunnybum

09-15-2011, 09:56 AM

It sounds like you just want to know how you can make the most off your friend's kindness by selling you these games for cheaper because of the labels.

Looking at OP's previous topics makes me think you're right :shameful:

MrSmiley381

09-15-2011, 10:53 AM

I've got a replacement MUSHA label and box insert coming my way soon, mostly because of the following:
My copy's label is absolutely destroyed.
I really like MUSHA.

It's more a project in creating a replica of art. I am not planning to sell it. I am planning to actually swap the cartridge shell and keep my shitty cart shell. I just want it to look pretty and see how accurate of a reproduction I can make. If I find a complete copy when I have the cash, of course I will buy it. I was somewhat pissed when I missed a copy for $45 over at the shmups forum. I don't think I would even consider selling the copy with reproduction bits because even if the buyer knows it's a reproduction, what's to stop him or her from selling it to someone else without telling him or her? Sounds like a recipe for disaster.

bunnybum

09-15-2011, 11:15 AM

I've got a replacement MUSHA label and box insert coming my way soon, mostly because of the following:
My copy's label is absolutely destroyed.
I really like MUSHA.

I can dig that, and, as you said, if you get a nicer cart you can sell off the old original one and possibly offering the replacement case as a bonus for whoever takes it off your hands.

Running the risk of taking this too off topic, I see a lot of love for MUSHA everywhere I look but I haven't played it myself. What makes it stand out from other shmups (Besides the absolutely stunning graphics, that is)?

MrSmiley381

09-15-2011, 11:38 AM

I can dig that. Creating the best possible replica for a game you love is to me totally legit, and the fact that you're planning on using a replacement shell and keeping the original proves that it's done with respect to the original material, and, as you said, if you get a nicer cart you can sell off the old original one and possibly offering the replacement case as a bonus for whoever takes it off your hands.

Running the risk of taking this too off topic, I see a lot of love for MUSHA everywhere I look but I haven't played it myself. What makes it stand out from other shmups (Besides the absolutely stunning graphics, that is)?

It's one of those games that oozes character. All of the sprites are gorgeous, the music is nothing short of incredible, and it's just the right length. It's forgiving with damage (until you actually die, in which case you may be properly screwed) and the hit boxes are sensible, unlike CAVE's liar hit boxes that perpetually confuse the hell out of me. Enemies actually act differently from one another and the bosses themselves are unique but actually require pattern recognition to kill (not like super high-speed murder common in certain Thunder Force encounters) without taking forever (Soldner-X being a culprit of this problem).

Compile seemed to have a touch with shooters that I could actually enjoy and manage to 1CC. Hell, I beat Space Megaforce on my first try in a mostly blind play, having only seen video of the first stage and a later boss. Is it a better game than MUSHA? From a gameplay standpoint, potentially; its difficulty options and weapons far outnumber MUSHA's own setup. Hell, it even manages to have more bullets on screen, which is a feat for the SNES. On the other hand, MUSHA is like actually playing through a mecha anime, from the first stage to the end credits.

And god dammit, that's why you make the game look pretty and you play it until the ROMs fry, then you make a reproduction and do it all over again.

Emperor Megas

09-15-2011, 11:57 AM

On the other hand, MUSHA is like actually playing through a mecha anime, from the first stage to the end credits.This snippet alone is why I enjoy the game. It's the same with Robo Alesta, which I believe is the same series, actually.

Gameguy

09-15-2011, 01:15 PM

I don't think I would even consider selling the copy with reproduction bits because even if the buyer knows it's a reproduction, what's to stop him or her from selling it to someone else without telling him or her? Sounds like a recipe for disaster.
That's what I'm really worried about, more than someone just replacing a label for a game in their own collection. Sooner or later the game will end up for sale, unless you'll be keeping the collection forever even after you die. And what's stopping someone from making a reproduction of Stadium Events, making a repro label, and then selling it as though only the label was replaced? I just want to avoid this problem entirely, labels don't usually wear out on their own unless they get abused. It's not like a car which you'd expect would rust and need regular maintenance and replacement parts all the time to function properly. The only thing I'd be fine with is replacing dead batteries to keep the games working properly, even then I'd be nervous about buying them already replaced as it seems tons of people would just use tape to hold a new battery instead of soldering in a proper holder.

Oddly I also have a loose copy of MUSHA with a beat up ripped label, I still won't change the label though. I almost found a better complete copy that someone was selling with a Sega Genesis/Sega CD combo and a pile of complete games for $100 total but the guy found out the value before I could pick it up and pulled the game from the lot. I'm still hoping to come across a complete copy eventually.

Emperor Megas

09-15-2011, 01:36 PM

Oddly I also have a loose copy of MUSHA with a beat up ripped label, I still won't change the label though. I almost found a better complete copy that someone was selling with a Sega Genesis/Sega CD combo and a pile of complete games for $100 total but the guy found out the value before I could pick it up and pulled the game from the lot.Bah, denied! I'm sorry to hear that. Good luck finding another one though. I got my copy, complete, for about 30 bucks a few years ago on eBay. There's still deals that slip through the cracks.

MyTurnToPlay

09-15-2011, 04:41 PM

okay, I don't know why some of you are having a hard time understanding. I said that even though I'd consider reselling them with replaced labels, my preference is to keep the games. I'll never have another chance at owning these games in cartridge form if I pass this up, but again, the condition on some of them is atrocious. And I can tell you this, I'm certainly not about to blow hundreds of dollars to round up these games individually at some stupid thrift store or flea market. I've got better things to do than dick around those places. For those who asked, the games are the following:

1) Little Samson - pieces of the label are torn off everywhere and it also has what look like crayon marks on the label and front of the cart. it looks hideous
2) Ducktales 2 - about 75% of the label is torn off. If no one told you it was Ducktales 2, you wouldn't know it. that's how bad the damage is
3) Bonk's Adventure - label peeled. not too bad, I can glue it back. But some idiot wrote his name all over the cart including the label.
4) Jetson's Cogwell's Caper - label torn and looks like crap

So yeah, I'm still on the fence about this. But I'm leaning towards buying them, and then treating the restoration process like a little project. I know people keep saying leave them in their original condition. But they look like trash and I think the games deserve better.

thanks

RP2A03

09-15-2011, 05:38 PM

jcalder8

09-15-2011, 05:47 PM

okay, I don't know why some of you are having a hard time understanding.
I don't know why you are having a hard time understanding.

WE DON'T CARE

Do whatever you want. Replace, don't replace doesn't matter. If you want the games buy them if not don't now shut up about it. We have all given our opinions if that's not good enough get lost.

Ludwig

09-15-2011, 06:00 PM

If it's rare, and you don't have it, but you want it, and the price is right then go for it. You still can buy a mint one in the future if it's really annoying, and then sell the bad copy, or keep it for normal use.
Personally i don't see the issue. :)

I have to speak against the repro covers though, even bad ones. I rather have any original cover than a fake. This may be down to personal opinion, but hey, my two cents. Besides, just because it's ugly doesn't mean it's bad, it just got history. Someone probably loved the shit out of it. It's a piece of someones childhood maybe, you got to show a little respect, you know what i'm talking about. I remember my GBC and the games got stolen, i never going to see it again but i'm not angry, i just hope it's still ok because it was important to me and keept me sane during very troubled times even if it was a little beat up. Just saying, don't rip that cover off and put a shitty copy on it, it's wrong on many different levels.

MyTurnToPlay

09-15-2011, 06:40 PM

I don't know why you are having a hard time understanding.

WE DON'T CARE

Do whatever you want. Replace, don't replace doesn't matter. If you want the games buy them if not don't now shut up about it. We have all given our opinions if that's not good enough get lost.

Clearly, you do...since you got your panties in a bunch over what I said. Now I gtfo my thread. I posted my situation to get some feedback, and you show up with some pussy b*tchass comment. I never said anyone's opinions weren't good enough you numbnut. I was just trying to get as many points of views as possible, since...you know....this is a gaming forum....and that's what people do here....discuss games. But since you're intent on being a little b*tch about it, I suggest you go do that elsewhere.

thanks

Malon_Forever

09-15-2011, 06:42 PM

Destroyed label>Repro label everytime

Unless there is no label, I'd say just keep the damaged label.

Emperor Megas

09-15-2011, 08:09 PM

If they bother you that much then replace them. Just make sure that the labels are either of low enough quality that they are obviously reproductions or have that fact stated somewhere on the label. This way people will know the labels are repros should those games leave your collection under unfortunate circumstances.Intentionally making low quality reproduction labels is a pretty silly suggestion, IMO. I think informing anyone who would purchase them that they're not original labels is enough. I don't think that you should alter how you yourself enjoy something when it's in your hands.

I think some of you may be taking this game collecting thing a little too seriously if you think someone should gimp their own reproduction labels because something they own might eventually make it into the resale market. They're still just games, and buyers should beware.

Greg2600

09-15-2011, 08:44 PM

Replacement labels are nice, but you need a high quality printer and decal paper. What I don't like is someone doing that and reselling them without specifying that.

Gameguy

09-16-2011, 02:00 AM

Bah, denied! I'm sorry to hear that. Good luck finding another one though. I got my copy, complete, for about 30 bucks a few years ago on eBay. There's still deals that slip through the cracks.
I'm patient, I'm sure I'll come across another copy eventually. In the same lot I got that MUSHA in I also got a beat up copy of Shining Force, I bought that lot just over 3 years ago and I just found a complete copy of Shining Force in excellent condition in another lot less than a month ago. Right now I'm happy to have a playable copy, I sold some other beat up games thinking I would have found complete copies by now, only I'm still looking for them.

It's funny, that guy claimed he looked in the case and the game was missing so it wasn't included anymore. I asked for the case and instructions and he said he already threw them out. I knew someone else who replied to that ad and apparently was told that the game belonged to his brother who wanted it back. The seller is an obvious liar. This was posted for sale almost a year ago.

I don't know why you are having a hard time understanding.

WE DON'T CARE

Do whatever you want. Replace, don't replace doesn't matter. If you want the games buy them if not don't now shut up about it. We have all given our opinions if that's not good enough get lost.
Don't take things too seriously, just remember some of the other topics created by this guy.

The Stupidity of Earthbound
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=153089

I bid $400 on Little Samson...
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=155452

We're all going to die.
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=153619

Let's Artificially Inflate a Game
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=153440

Locations of valuable video game memorabilia?
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=152354

substantial_snake

09-16-2011, 03:24 AM

I personally don't buy games to hoard or sell later so I don't really care what label the condition is in. I'll sell off those "extras" I pick up in lots and keep them as they found them.

If I ever got anal about my own personal games then I wouldn't have a problem replacing the label, its not a moral decision for me because I don't plan on selling those games I enjoy. However I have some pretty marred labels yet I still don't have the urge to replace them so its a non-issue here.