Greatest Hits packaging

[kainemaxwell]

Has anyone seen a variation of the "greatest Hits" packaging for multi-cd PSX games where the "Greatest Hits" label is only a small strip on the side of the casing instead of draped on the front of the case on the spine-side in big lettering?

[Nature Boy]

Unfortunately yes. Had somebody do a bait and switch on me - my FF VII case has that small strip on the side, even though there is no indication anywhere else that it is a Greatest Hits disc.

Luckily for me I have a friend who could care less about the labels so at some point I'll swap my case for his.

[dsullo]

what is the reason you guys shy away from Greatest Hits packaging?

I never really understood that

[udisi]

I hate the ugly green staring me in the face in my collection...that's my main reason...on a secondary reason...the original is usually harder to find.

[Nature Boy]

I don't know if the originals are necessarily rarer or not to be honest. I mean, a game has to sell hundreds of thousands of copies before it gets the greatest hits treatment. But it's always cooler, in my eyes, to have that first edition with the original artwork and not some green or red or orange splash on it.

If I didn't care about the packaging and artwork that went with the games I probably wouldn't even buy the Greatest hits stuff - I'd probably pirate everything.

[kainemaxwell]

The green is kinda ugly..plus, IMO, having the orginal versions of said games may mean more to collectors then a re-release under the GH packaging.

I did see a couple non-GH FF7s today..couldn't find a non-GH FF tactcis though.

[udisi]

well legend has, Tactics wasn't produced in large number, and the only reason tactics was made greatest hits, was because there was a large demand later after the original release had long sold out. Thus why non-GH is hard to find.

[kainemaxwell]

Intresting rumor..anyone know anything else to that effect?

[IGotTheDot]

I want to eventually get both versions GH and Original but not untill they are 2 or 3 bucks each at the swap.

There are even GH versions that are just stickers applied to the jewel case.

[Six Switch]

My friend had the original Tactics and I told him how I wanted the original version and I would give him $25 so he could buy ht new one.He also threw in the original version of the guide too.Having cool friends is cool. :D 8-) ;)

[kainemaxwell]

I want to eventually get both versions GH and Original but not untill they are 2 or 3 bucks each at the swap.

There are even GH versions that are just stickers applied to the jewel case.

Screwy thing is I never really noticed the little GH tag on my FF7 copy till the other day! All my other games are non-GH unless listed clearly (THPS2, Spider-Man, Crash 3).

[Neo-Jorge]

I hate the greatest hit Labels that green is ugly, all my PSX games are original 1st run I mean couldent they just keep em the same and sell em for 20 bucks. I usually try to hunt down original versions just as GH ones are released and get them for the GH price.




Thanks

[gamingguy]

The bright green color attracts the eyes of gamers looking for popular games and thereby increases sales. That's why it's there.

[kainemaxwell]

I'd actually love to get the non-GH versions of my 3 (and FF7) PSX titles myself. FF7'll likely be the first I would do- it's kind ainsulting to think you have a first run FF7 then see tha tlittle green bar with the organge font mocking you.

[digitalpress]

what is the reason you guys shy away from Greatest Hits packaging?

I never really understood that

I can't really explain this, but I'm the same way - I HATE the Greatest Hits" packaging. I guess there's just something about having a first-run game in the collection... like you cared enough to buy it "in its day" and not after it got mega-popular. I dunno, it's hard to put my finger on it.

[maxlords]

Personally, I hate that ugly green strip. I've only got one GH game and it's an eyesore in my otherwise uniformly black PSX collection. Stupid Crash Bandicoot...couldn't find any non-GH copies when I got it! Doh! Ah well. I do have all the good stuff like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night and FF Tactics in non-GH format though. It's true that FF Tactics was fairly limited in it's release. I remember that I had to go to a few stores to find one and it wasn't on shelves for all that long. Not a surprise to me that it's now hard to find the original printing. All my FFs were non-GH, but I sold 8 and 9, and was thinking about dumping 7 if it wasn't for the snowboarding game at the end ;)

What about the PS2 Greatest Hits games? Are the cases on those different or is that just a cardboard insert inside the shrink? I've never bought one yet.

[kainemaxwell]

I'm gonna agree with DP here, I only have 3, not counting FF7 that are in the GH packaging, but the lime green bar and the organge font is an eyesore and ugly. Eventually I'd like to get the non-GH packaging for those tiles (probably get FF7 first) and sell the GH version off to someone her eor to a store.

Obviously a 1st run non-GH title be more valuable in a collection then a 2nd run GH version.

[digitalpress]

Oh it goes way beyond that lime green bar.

I first started seeing this on Sega Genesis games. Those had a garish yellow and red stripe down the side, and they took games that may have been in those nice Genny plastic cases and put em in those crappy cardboard "sleeves".

PSX... sigh. Then Dreamcast, with the bright orange stripe. Now PS2 has 'em. The maroon border (its printed on the package, not a cardboard insert) is not as ugly but they SAY the same thing to me: you have a discounted, "after it was popular" version of the game. You wouldn't think this would matter to a collector but I'd debate that it's PRECISELY because I'm a collector that it DOES matter. Though I still don't know why :)

[kainemaxwell]

True, the companies re-issue said games to make more money and bring in new players who just started playing said system by making the packaging look attractive and discounted with pretty colors and fonts. All well and good but to the collectors and even some players, they can be an eyesore in any collection.

In a stack of uniform black cd cases, would you really want some standing out with a puke green bar and organe text staring out at ya?

[autobotracing]

they need to do like nintendo and make the gh boxes cool like they did for metroid on the nes

[WiseSalesman]

Guh....I JUST got my first greatest hits game ever.....Devil May Cry for PS2 (for christmas), and it's been bugging me since I got it. Even my Castlevania:SOTN and FF:Tactics are originals! What sucks is that they're releasing GH titles a lot earlier for the PS2 than they did for the PSX. I mean, the only reason I didn't buy the original was because I didn't own a PS2 yet. Gimme a break!

[Buyatari]

Well from a marketing standpoint I think it works well for Sony.

1. It showcases some of the best titles the system has to offer. Uneducated consumers know that if they pick up a greastest hits game they are getting a very popular and often fun game to play. You buy a greatest hits game once and hey that was pretty good I think I'll try another. Its almost like a real seal of approval.

2. Some retailers might be slow to drop prices on hot games. Its Sony's way of saying look if we drop the price on this game we want you the pass along the saving to the consumer not pocket the difference. Sure WE know which titles are no longer $50 titles but grandma at Chrismas time doesn't know that Jak and Daxter is a 20 dollar game.

3. Its a selling point for systems. A consumer has to pick between an Xbox and PS2. They each have their strong points and as the consumer debates over this he sees a whole endcap of greatest hits games. Metal Gear Solid 2 , Max Payne, Resident Evil ,Tekken TAG. All games he has heard of and would like to try. After shelling out $200 for the system he might not have alot left over for games.

4. For collectors it presents another facet. A coveted non-greatest hits version wouldn't be so if they just re released it without the greatest hits banner. Many Final Fantasy collectors buy both versions.

5.GREEN. Its been proven that the average consumer equates green with technology. I really don't know why they do they just do. Microsoft mentioned this as one of the main reasons they went with green on the Xbox. I know the PS2 greastest hits are red I don't know what thats supposed to represent. Like a stop sign I guess. STOP! you buy now!

As a collector I try to find the non-greatest hits sealed for collecting. Just try to find a sealed 1st run Spryo sometime, but when it comes to playing it doesn't matter to me. Then again, any game thats not sealed doesn't stay at my house very long. I play it for a week or two and then take it to the store to sell it.

I wonder, are there any Sony PS1 games that came in 3 formats?

Big Box, Little Box and greatest hits ?
I think NFL gameday did. Can anyone confirm this?

Adam

[digitalpress]

Hey Adam, I found you a new, sealed first-run Spyro if you were serious:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3719&item=1950559853

Have fun.

[Sniderman]

Big Box, Little Box and greatest hits ?

How about Resident Evil? Big box, yup. Little Box, yup. Greatest hits? Eh...does Director's Cut count?

[slapdash]

You wouldn't think this would matter to a collector but I'd debate that it's PRECISELY because I'm a collector that it DOES matter. Though I still don't know why :)

I'd think that a "real" collector would one of each in his collection...

[kainemaxwell]

Comparing the maroon GH packaging to the lime green PSX GH packaging I did discover I do like the maroon look better then the bright lime green. The maroon's a bit easie ron the eyes then the bright lime green.

[mauigamer]

In some rare cases the game discs arwork on greatest hits can be completely different than the original. I think that there is a final fantasy (type) game for the Playstation where the originals have really cool art on the discs and the GH only have the game name and writing.

[Buyatari]

Joe- Chances are that pic was pulled from somewhere other than his digital camera. I'd bid and he'd send me the greatest hits version. :(
I'll send him an email to check but I'm pretty sure thats the case here.

Yes I was serious I do need an original Spyro sealed if you see one that looks like that actually took a picture of the game them I'm all ears. Well ears and wallet :)

Adam

[Buyatari]

Thank you for your interest in my auction and for asking this question
before you bid.

The copy I have is the Greatest Hits version. I'll make a note of it and
scan my game to get the right graphic.

Sorry I couldn't be of service.

Thanks again,

Colleen Odle

At 01:50 PM 1/8/03, you wrote:
>I am looking for the original version of this game. The one you have
>pictured in this very auction. I want to make sure thats what you are
>selling and not the greatest hits version.
>
>LMK
>Adam

Got a reply that was quick.

Foiled again :(

Adam

[Magus]

All there is to it is that that ugly ass "Greatest Hits" logo is just that, ugly when looking at a collection.

[kainemaxwell]

Having a stack on uniform black cases, then some with the lime green is an eyesore. The maroon ones for the PS2 aren't as bad, i'll admit.

[geelw]

In some rare cases the game discs arwork on greatest hits can be completely different than the original. I think that there is a final fantasy (type) game for the Playstation where the originals have really cool art on the discs and the GH only have the game name and writing.

mg, in every case i've seen, the disc art is different on first print & gh discs. why?i think that because it probably costs less to screen one colour (black) than multiple colours. most ps games have more than one colour on the disc label, while gh games go for the minimalist approach- black on silver. i've heard of ebay scammers switching discs, so it's handy to have access to a picture of the original run disc if you're uncertain about bidding on a game you really want.

personally, i'd prefer first-run titles, but if there's something i haven't played before that i'm interested in, i'd snap up a gh just to see if a game is worth keeping. i have about 10 in my ps collection, but i'm in no hurry to dump them just yet.

here's something to consider: if sony re-released intelligent qube, capcom put out puzzle fighter II, and konami castlevania: sotn, but with the green strip- how many of you out there who DON'T have these would pass them up?

[game_trek]

You wouldn't think this would matter to a collector but I'd debate that it's PRECISELY because I'm a collector that it DOES matter. Though I still don't know why :)

I'd think that a "real" collector would one of each in his collection...


Yeah, a real rich collector. Wish I was.

[game_trek]

Also dont forget these green labels usually come with a cheaper $19.99 price sticker. But It doesnt mean that all of these will not be rare down the road. I believe some will, some wont. Hope I was of some help.

[Achika]

geelW: SOTN DID have the greatest hits green sticker.

What about collectors prices here? Is this something we should start making a list for and reprices some of these in the DP guide? Or atleast, just make a mention?

I can't stand the green bar either. It's so damn ugly, and the bright red/orange of the lettering doesn't make it any eaiser on your eyes. On the other hand, looking only at the spines of PS2 games, it's sometimes difficult to spot a GH without a second glance.

edit: pasted geelw's name back together....sorry!

[kainemaxwell]

Actually that's a good idea, Achika. Sometimes in the case of my FF7, you don't realize you have a GH game till you notice the small green bar (compared to the larger ones).

[geelw]

Geel W: SOTN DID have the greatest hits green sticke.

yup- i knew that, but as it's out of print (again), i should have said re-RE-released, lol...

actually, the "best" thing that could happen is if konami decided to release ALL the castlevanias, contras, gradius/parodius, and metal gear games as collection dvds for the ps2 (or are we talking ps3 :roll: already)... :D

like the new spelling of my name, btw- just caught it now...

[Buyatari]

Just got an email from Mark Androvich which covered in some length this very topic. I thought I'd add a few things he said.


Jet Moto 2:
The Greatest Hits version differed from the original! It featured all JM 1
and JM 2 tracks, unlocked from the start, and a faster frame rate (as they
dropped the total number of simultaneous racers).



Lost World: Jurassic Park
The Greatest Hits version features a new T-Rex level (that's what you refer
to as the "special edition")

Adam

[Android]

I've also heard that the GH version of Soviet Strike was different from the original in terms of difficulty. Unfortunately, I don't the original, so I cannot compare them side-by-side to confirm this to be the case.

Another reason I prefer the originals over the GH versions is that, in the case of games such as Crash Bandicoot 2 & 3 and Spyro 3 and Lost Word, the originals had 3D lenticular cover inserts that were NOT included in the GH versions.

Mark

[kainemaxwell]

Just got an email from Mark Androvich which covered in some length this very topic. I thought I'd add a few things he said.

You got a link to his orginial artcile then? So what would they add stuff to a GH game you think?

[Atari7800]

some import sega saturn games are the same way. they released a "greatest hits" version for popular games. the cover art is the same except for its shrunk down and put in on a white background with red graphics. very ugly. i bought a donpachi and hated it so much i traded it plus $10 for the original game. other games i think are princess crown, bulk slash, a wrestling game, and several others.

[Buyatari]

You got a link to his orginial artcile then? So what would they add stuff to a GH game you think?

Kaine- Email not article.

Although he does write for PS Extreme for those who don't know what Kaine was talking about.

Mark- Glad to see you pop in. Take the time to introduce yourself up above if you have not done so already. We could have used a man like you, while we were working on the PSX list a few weeks back. I put forth a decent effort at first but totally dropped the ball as the real world hit me at all angles at once.

Adam

[l_lamb]

There were actually two different versions of Jet Moto 2 Greatest Hits. One was Jet Moto 2 and the other was Jet Moto 2: Championship Edition. The first one was just the second game with 10 new tracks, but the CE version included all tracks from Jet Moto and Jet Moto 2. I own just the regular JM2 GH, but I have Vidpro plaques (I used to work for Toys R Us) showing both versions.