Hi everyone, this is my first post here. English is not my native language, so please excuse any mistakes.
This isn’t really a high-end collection. It means more to me as a set of keepsakes. I can’t go through every single game, so I’ll pick five titles that left a deep impression on me.
These are my personal purchase prices for used games. Prices vary a lot by region and condition.
1. Need for Speed: Most Wanted PS2
European version. Minor crease on manual. Paid ~34 USD.
This was my very first 3D game. Back then, information was hard to come by where I lived, and the studio had already shut down by the time I played it. It was a lucky accident. My old PC had really weak specs, and this game just happened to run on it. I downloaded it because the cover art looked awesome, and it gave me an unforgettable experience. I got my first PC fifteen years ago. If my computer had been more powerful, I might have never found this game at all. I know buying used game discs doesn’t send money to the original developers anymore. But for me, it’s a meaningful ritual, something I do for the kid who loved games all those years ago.
2. Shin Sangokumusou 3, PS2
Japanese version. Great condition. Paid ~14 USD.
This was my second 3D game ever. There’s a nice little story behind this copy. I told the seller I wanted the version I played as a kid. Worried I’d pick the wrong one, he hopped on a phone call with me even though he wouldn’t make much profit from this sale. He sold me a great condition copy with the registration card, saying it would hold more sentimental value. I also picked up the Xtreme Legends expansion at the same time.
- Demon's Souls
Japanese PS3 the Best reprint. Fair condition. Paid ~9 USD.
I originally planned to get a PS2. A friend offered me one, but it turned out to be broken. Instead, he gave me his PS3 that came with a Demon’s Souls disc. He hadn’t played it in ages and couldn’t remember if the disc still worked. The console would show the game info but fail to launch it. I bought another disc from the same seller I got Dynasty Warriors from, and that one worked. I think the error came from region mismatch; the PS3 is a Hong Kong region console. I really love this genre. Standard copies are pretty affordable these days, so I picked up a working disc to play through it.
4. Nanatsukaze no Shima Monogatari
Japanese version (Sega Saturn). Includes obi and reply postcard. Fair condition. Paid ~41 USD. This is a Japanese exclusive adventure game for the Sega Saturn. I bought this disc from a game streamer I follow. He was clearing out his old collection, and nobody showed interest in this obscure Saturn title. I was drawn to its gorgeous hand-drawn art style; it feels so healing, just like reading a fairy tale book. I also wanted to support him, so I picked it up. It’s really meaningful to me. He even sent a signed card along with the game.
Song Shaohong — More Than Just a Gamer
- Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
PS3，includes bonus disc. Minor rust on metal parts. Paid ~16 USD.
This was recommended by the friend who gave me the PS3. He said I would enjoy Hideo Kojima’s games. It is not a very mainstream title among Chinese players, but it has a small group of die-hard fans. Many of us have been waiting a long time for a remake. I bought the Japanese first-print limited edition. It comes in a nice steelbook case at a reasonable price. As for the gameplay: In my opinion, this game is perfect for players who want to explore gaming culture. New players may not love the gameplay itself, but they can still feel how meaningful this title is. I plan to buy the new version during Steam China region sales, to support Hideo Kojima.
Four more game discs will arrive in my hands tomorrow. I bought them from the same streamer who sent me the signed card. They are the original Resident Evil and Resident Evil: Director's Cut for PS1, plus 1945 for the Sega Saturn. These are all games I really love. There were some interesting stories when I purchased them. I also plan to talk about how these games influenced Chinese players. Stay tuned!
I love the metal gear series, and MGS4 is fantastic, but this is the worst possible one for someone to start with.
Not only does it take place last chronologically (with the exception of Raiden's spinoff), it was also originally meant to be last game in the series, so a lot of the playtime is watching movies to fill plot holes. All the reveals will have 0 impact to someone not familiar with the series.
I'd say just about any other game in the series is better to start with (I started with MGS2). I'd recommend MGS3 because its a good blend of modern gameplay and requires very little prior knowledge of the series.
Yeah, I always suggest MGS3 for people looking to get into the series. Being a prequel means you don’t need a bunch of prior knowledge about the series.