Wow, it is an awesome time to be a Tales fan. I mean, yes, things could be better (still waiting on those Vita ports), but overall there have been an incredible number of releases in the series that have been localized, and more are on the way. This time, we have an HD update to one of the most successful and well received entries to date, coupled with its Wii sequel. Not only that, but it comes available in a collector’s edition (and a nice one at that). Now, it’s easy to look at the vanilla version of Tales of Symphonia Chronicles with its $39.99 MSRP and then wonder what exactly you get for an extra sixty bucks. Hey, that’s what I’m here for.
Here’s a shot of the packaged set, which was smaller than I was anticipating on account of how much stuff was in it, though still quite large even compared to sets NIS releases for the system.
Of course, the box has six sides, so I took the plastic wrap off so you could get a nice glimpse of the various artwork surrounding it.
They’re also individually numbered, as you can see. Not sure how I wound up towards the back of the pack, but it is what it is.
I took it out of the plastic box thing, so you can see what that looks like.
This is the backside of both of them.
When you lift off the top, this is what you have to look forward to. They packed a lot of stuff in there.
I laid out all of its contents so you can see.
Let’s start with the two cases. Yes, TWO. There’s the standard plastic case (as you would see with the regular retail release) and a steelbook case.
Both feature artwork on the inside too, which is awesome. The plastic version even comes with a MANUAL and standard artwork on the inner lining as opposed to now standard health warnings.
Here’s a close up of the book. Yes, a book. With words. I haven’t read it yet, but I’m assuming it’s a novella of some sort that ties into the story.
Next up is the art book, which unlike the novella is a softcover booklet. I didn’t take a picture of the backside because it has DLC codes on it, which are mine. Sorry.
This is the outer box for the four disc soundtrack.
I’m still in awe that we got a four disc soundtrack, in a large jewel case no less. Some more shots for you.
This is the container for the mini figurines.
OH MY GOD, THERE ARE DISEMBODIED HEADS IN HERE!… Oh, they’re just not assembled yet. That will be a project for another day.
As before, here’s a size comparison.
I’ve gotta say, this is one of the best collector’s edition sets I’ve had the pleasure of owning in a long time. Namco really knocked this one out of the park. It has all of the things I’ve wished would be included in a set like this and then some. My only gripe would be having a hardcover art book, but that’s nitpicking at this point. It’s worth every dollar.
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