The new definition of complete is.....whatever you want!

[esquire]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8106492746

I am not one to parse words, especially when it comes to listing my own auctions. But the last time I checked, I thought "complete" meant everything is included (save maybe those game catalogs or hint line advertisements).

Question from eBay Member: Rare Used Sega Genesis Phelios (8106492746)


Dear videogameadvantage,

Hello, I am interested in this item. You say it's complete, but then state it comes with the case/box. Are the instructions included? Thanks

Response:


The game comes complete with case. There are no directions included.

Arghhh!!!!!!! @_@ x_x :hmm:

Complete with case. I guess he meant the cartridge is complete, as opposed to broken into tiny pieces. :2gunfire: :rockets:

[D-ville Gamer]

Yeah thats bullshit, good thing you were smart enough to ask...
Maybe "complete" will become the new "rare".

[-hellvin-]

Lol!

This game comes complete with NO instructions!!!

Hmmm..../me is confused.

[Duncan]

My definitions of Completeness (yes, there are several!):

Incomplete - Loose cartridge or disc. A blank jewel case or rental cartridge holder most definitely does not count.

Visually Complete - Original box and game; DVD/CD cases must have their insert paper intact and clean. This displays well enough in a collection, hence the "Visual" tag. (Note that the game itself need not actually work for this tag to apply, thus allowing for "place-holder" items.)

Functionally Complete - Box (with DVD/CD insert card where applicable), game, and main instruction booklet. Cardboard boxes (SNES and N64 specifically) must have any cardboard stabilizers intact and functional; Sega clamshells must be clean and unbroken. Extra items like maps, trading cards, stickers, etc. need not be present, though there are exceptions if the item in question is a "must-have" in order to play that particular game. Oh - the game has to be working, too, or it drops back to "Visual" status only.

Super Complete - Everything required for "Functional" status plus anything extra that would have been in the box if it were being opened for the first time. This means everything, such as maps, cards, plastic baggies, warranty papers, health and safety information, freebie offers, etc, etc. You get the idea.

Mint Complete - Just like you'd guess. This item will be unblemished, untouched and basically as perfect as it can possibly be. There will be no marks, no scars, no creases, no cracks, no dirt. Most any item described as "new, but opened" belongs here.

New Complete - Strictly unopened and in original plastic wrap or factory seal. Nothing has been removed, and nothing has been used. The game is in exactly the same shape as when it left the production plant and sat in the store.

That's my take, anyway. And I'm usually more than happy with just Visual or Functional completeness myself. :D

I'd like to propose this list as a rough standard, if I may... :)

EDIT: Definition of "Mint" has been changed and a "New" category has been added, at the suggestion of other members.

[thegreatescape]

I bought a "visually complete" exhumed for saturn last week. Spent half an hour cleaning it in a futile effort to get it working :P
But generally speaking, working visual complete is usually enough for me too.
As for the auction- Shouldnt someone with a website that sells games know the difference between "complete" and "box + cart" :roll:

[Naiera]

According to a lot of people, a japanese game can be COMPLETE without the spinecard. Erh :roll:

[Duncan]

According to a lot of people, a japanese game can be COMPLETE without the spinecard. Erh :roll:

Nuh-uh. See, without the spine card, it looks like any old CD-R case when you put it on the shelf - so it's not Visually Complete. However, I suppose there's a tradeoff in that if it works and has the manual, it's still Functionally Complete. I'd lean toward the latter, but it depends on your style, I guess.

See how well this can work, though? :D

This, by the way, is a good example of Super Complete status:

Whomp 'Em for NES on the 'Bay (http://imagehost.vendio.com/bin/viewimage.x/00000000/steelersrule/whompem.JPG?allow_track_link=1&track=02286a006e-324ad&sp=1)

Note that the promo flyer and warranty card, as well as the instructions and slipcase, are all included along with the game and box. Good deal, too, considering it's an R4.

[Daria]

Just to coment on Duncan's list... mint doesn't mean sealed. It means like new but unsealed. The cripsy, vibrant look of an untouched virgin game but without the plastic wrapper. That's mint. While sealed is just called sealed. Unless it's resealed... >.>

[captain nintendo]

Yes.... there is sealed, and then there is factory sealed.

Mint just means it is unscratched and basically perfect. IMO ;)

[Duncan]

Just to coment on Duncan's list... mint doesn't mean sealed. It means like new but unsealed. The cripsy, vibrant look of an untouched virgin game but without the plastic wrapper. That's mint. While sealed is just called sealed. Unless it's resealed... >.>

This is true - I've revised my list accordingly, adding a specific "New" category. :)

[Griking]

Just to coment on Duncan's list... mint doesn't mean sealed. It means like new but unsealed. The cripsy, vibrant look of an untouched virgin game but without the plastic wrapper. That's mint. While sealed is just called sealed. Unless it's resealed... >.>


Also something to keep in mind is that a game can be sealed but not in mint condition. In fact, most of the sealed games I've run across were in less than mint condition because of box crushage.

[Daria]

Just to coment on Duncan's list... mint doesn't mean sealed. It means like new but unsealed. The cripsy, vibrant look of an untouched virgin game but without the plastic wrapper. That's mint. While sealed is just called sealed. Unless it's resealed... >.>

This is true - I've revised my list accordingly, adding a specific "New" category. :)

Looks good. (:

[ebay gremlin]

Not.
Complete.