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!
Metal Gear Solid 3 is one of the few games to truly take advantage of all of the PS2 controller’s functions. Did you know the controller buttons were pressure sensitive? I didn’t, until I played MGS3.
I found out when I was hiding inside of a locker. There is a peek button, to lean forward and peek out of the little grill on the locker door. I pressed it, and barely moved. But I realized that it was based on how hard I pressed the button. So then I mashed it hard, and heard a loud “thunk” as the character’s face slammed into the metal locker door.
The guard heard the thunk, and I was caught. The fact that they:
It truly is peak gaming culture. I’m convinced Kojima makes games that he specifically wants to play, and the fact that other people also enjoy them is just a happy accident.