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For a few quid more - sometimes, many quid more - you get a fancy box stuffed with extras: an art book, a soundtrack CD, bonus DLC, high-tech surveillance equipment, and the bragging rights that come with having the best version of the game.

Publishers have realised the money-making potential of this, and special editions are now an industry standard, with some companies taking the idea to extremes.

Remember Activision's infamous COD night-vision goggles? Here, we celebrate ten of the best special editions, as well as ten that'll be released in the coming months.

However frivolous or trashy the purchase, our wallet's always under threat when there's military hardware involved...

Modern Warfare 2 Prestige Edition
The Absolutely Mental One
Contains: Tin case, download code for the original Call Of Duty, art book, fully functioning night-vision goggles.
Verdict: Probably the first ever special edition designed specifically for stalkers and Buffalo Bill fanatics, the Prestige Edition's nocturnal eye-wear is an insanely cool, if slightly worrying, bonus. Mercifully, a Goodbye Horses MP3 was not included.

God of War 3 Ultimate Trilogy Edition
The 'Where Am I Going To Put That' One
Contains: Pandora's Box sculpted container, God Of War: Collection, in-game combat arena challenges, four character skins, God Of War trilogy soundtrack (three CDs), God Of War Blood & Metal EP, art book, postcards
Verdict: God Of War's ultra-edition is a really special set of kit, with every game in the series in full HD, a pleb-dazzling array of DLC content and a gorgeous box. Being EU-only, it even came packaged with some bonus smugness.

Grand Theft Auto IV Special Edition
The One With The Nice Bag
Contains: Soundtrack CD, art book, metal lock box, holdall.
Verdict: A nice set, with the bag as the highlight. It has a fancy gold lining printed with the Rockstar logo, and editor Dan still uses it as his actual bag. The art book is a bit lightweight, though.

Bioshock 2 Special Edition
The Fancy One
Contains: Vinyl record, posters, hardback art book, soundtrack CD.
Verdict: This is pure class, from the real vinyl LP to the art book that's actually interesting. And if you hold the posters up to ultraviolet light, you'll see some chilling hidden messages. Nice box, too. Good job, 2K.

Tekken 6 Arcade Stick Edition
The Useful One
Contains: Hori Tekken 6 wireless arcade
stick, 100-page art book.
Verdict: A bundled Hori stick is a seriously substantial, if not indispensable bonus if you're serious about your fighting games. Strangely, though, this elite set is missing the poster and hoodie that came with the basic Collector's Edition.

Batman: Arkham Asylum Collector's Edition
The Crime Fighter's Choice
Contains: 14" replica batarang, 48-page
Arkham doctor's notes journal, behind-the-scenes DVD, exclusive Crime Alley challenge map download code.
Verdict: Batman's special edition evokes crude vigilante fantasies. The full-sized batarang, modelled after the awesome-looking version in the game, is a one-way ticket to feeling ten years old again. Arkham City's extras will have to include a fully functioning Batmobile to top this.

Assassin's Creed 2 Black Edition
The Misspelled One
Contains: 20cm statue of Ezio in black
assassin garb, three unlockable in-game
quests, art book, game soundtrack.
Verdict: The Ezio figure is exceptionally detailed and a tasteful addition to any gamer's desk. The art book, however, is absolutely ridden with daft typos. A shame, because the rest of the package is quality.

Resident Evil 5 Collector's Edition
The Hit-And-Miss One
Contains: Chris Redfield figurine, Tricell messenger bag, BSAA patch, Kijuju pendant, bonus disc.
Verdict: Not bad, this one. You'll probably never wear the necklace thingy, but the bag is solid 'stealth' merchandise, being game-related but ambiguous enough to use outdoors without (much) recrimination.

Far Cry 2 Collector's Edition
The One Made of Wood
Contains: Wooden box, T-shirt, art book, 50km game map, making-of DVD.
Verdict: The game map can be referenced more easily within the actual game, but using the paper one makes you feel a bit like a real explorer. The t-shirt is fashion suicide, and we assume the box only comes pre-scorched to save you some time next bonfire night.

Infamous Special Edition
The Thrifty One
Contains: Comic book, art book, two special in-game powers, postcards.
Verdict: This fancy digi-pak box comes with a comic book that fills in some of the game's plot details. There's also a code to unlock two exclusive powers. Not the most useful, but the packaging is super nice.

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