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HL2 Collector's Edition
Full article (polls, links, images, and text) @ http://www.hlfallout.net/articles.php/mailbag_3/

by Mr Bond
Sunday June 27th, 2004

Welcome to Fallout's first mailbag. This week's topic: what you'd like to see included in the HL2 Collector's Edition. For those who don't know, HL2 will be shipping in three flavours (http://www.hlfallout.net/view.php/hl2info/faq.php#merchandising) (if you don't count Steam download): SP only, regular and CE. The CE will obviously sell for a bit more than the other editions but I'm sure Valve will make it worth our dollars.

Before we get into the mail, I'd just like to congratulate everyone on a fine job with the submissions. A fine job of sending me two freakin' emails, you failures! I guess our forum-goers were too busy with more important business (http://www.hlfallout.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=296).

image: http://www.hlfallout.net/images/content/articles/mailbags/twomails.jpg


Well it looks like DDan and HackMackleTackle get to hog the soapbox.

From: DDan
Subject: Mailbag: Collector's Edition
I would like to see the obvious in this supposed "Collectors Edition" of Half-Life 2. The usual being of course, the game, the Source conversions of Day of Defeat, Counter-Strike etc. I would like them to use DVD as the format for this version, because I would like to see high resolution copies of the E3 videos on there, screenshots of the development, etc. Basically an archive of all the stuff we thrive on right now, before we see the actual game.

OK, call me a little crazy, Danster, but we've just spent a year and a half analysing HL2 media to death. You know, that little piece of Combine machinery that you can kinda see in the reflection of the G-Man's eye at 0:37 in the second IGN video at 16.5x magnification if you increase the contrast by 187% and use one of three pairs of special HL2-3D-glasses held only by a cutthroat merchant in regional Kenya? And then, when the wait for HL2 is finally over, you just want to watch it all over again?? Who are you, you crazy media-eating robot, and what have you done with the real DDan?!

The latest we've heard from Valve is that the CE should include the Source conversions, some sort of tin/metal box and a bunch of other "cool stuff". Last week, we heard some rumours (http://www.hlfallout.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=235) that it would include some plastic figures and posters. However, we never found a reliable source for the "announcement", so we're putting that one firmly in the rumour column. The predicted price seemed a bit steep for reality as well, but who knows, maybe it'll include a golden crowbar or something.

From: :MackleMackle-
Subject: CE HL2 Package Idea
Wow, headcrab Keychain. I'd buy it just for that! Seriuosly though, if CE dose have more than 1 version of it (which is most likely) I wouldn't want it to make me feel like I got jipped by not getting something the first time. Maybe they should just put a real headcrab in there that way not matter what happens I'll be happy, jk. I think it should come with a CD that includes a non-crashable skin maker for steam or something so you can customize you gamming platform(Steam) and a HEADCRAB KEYCHAIN!!!!!! Seriuosly. I want a Headcrab Keychain now!

You've got some interesting ideas there, SnapCrackle 'n' Pop. Wait just one second... they can't put a real headcrab in the box! What happens when the post gets delayed, huh? Rotten headcrab, that's what. Everyone knows those things need water every few hours (or a new host).

Seriuosly, though, Valve has a great opportunity with the HL2 CE. Instead of just the usual gimmicks, they're packaging highly anticipated extras like the Source conversions. Things like posters and keyrings can only sweeten the deal and no one can deny the ultimate nerd-dom of a Gordon figurine.

Got your own suggestions or comments? Sound-off in the comments (http://www.hlfallout.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=382) and hope DDan's robotic impostor doesn't attack. Next time, let's see some more submissions, fatties. It's not like it costs you anything except your dignity.

Post comments @ http://www.hlfallout.net/comments.php?id=7432

—Mr Bond, send feedback to mrbond@hlfallout.net

Written for HL Fallout - http://www.hlfallout.net