Most "special editions" don't really provide a lot of added value for the extra cost unless you are a big fan of a given franchise. Most of them are also pretty far from being truly limited and end up being priced about the same as the regular versions at shops like EB and GS when bought used.

With the GTAIV SE, while the extras thematically kept with the spirit of the game, they were more or less convention swag level material. Extra junk in the end.

Among the few exceptions to this seem to be the limited editions of MGS games, which are truly limited, and typically end up picking up collectible premium prices on the secondary market, not that this is a reason to buy a special edition.

MGS3 Subsistence LE in particular commands a ridiculous price, but it was very limited and did come with a lot of nice extras like a movie based on the cut scenes and original ROMs of MG and MG2 from the MSX.

Konami could have at least changed the dust sleeve for MGS4 LE rather than just throw in a hardware bundle copy of the game along with the soundtrack on CD and MGS documentaries on Blu-Ray. At least the storage box art by Shinkawa looks good.

But again, all this means nothing to anyone who isn't a big fan of the series.

It really goes without saying, otherwise why would anyone pay even $10 more than the regular version since it's almost always extra video footage, documentaries and miniature illustrated books?

Is there a special edition of Devil May Cry 4? I've only heard of DMC3:SE - which is an excellent purchase BTW.

It's cheaper than the original game, has additional difficulty levels, playing modes (Gold/Yellow orbs), and unlockable stuff including Vergil. Probably one of the better special editions I know of.

I see how some people would like the extra stuff, but I just want the game. I've never cared for special editions.

No, I don't get special editions 'cause I like all my cases to be the same size. That, and you can find all of the bonus content on the internet, anyways.

Depends on the game and how seriously it has fucked me up. I love the Guild Wars SE's, got a soundtrack, artbook and some random stuff.
Hell, I used to fall asleep to that soundtrack! (Great OST, very soothing)
Most of the time though, I don't really care.

I bought the MGS4 limited edition game
I might buy the Resident Evil 5 limited edition if they have one

The regular version of MGS3: Subsistence I got at Wal-mart for like $30 has the same roms of Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2 in it. Not sure what this movie you're talking about is, but if it's the secret theater where there's a bunch of funny altered cut-scenes like Raiden's "Snake Eraser" it's there too.

I think special/limited editions are typically just a way to get more shelf space, or get more attention at retail. That big hulking Halo 3 Helmet box surely got attention even if almost no one bought it. (The Helmet version, not Halo 3 itself) There's rarely anything special or limited about packing in toys modeled after the game and extras that rise to the level of DVD Bonus footage then charging you more for it. Hell, Two Worlds has a special edition.

Guess it's good for fans but those people would have probably bought that stuff separately. So that leaves you with a shiny box, some of which are harder to open than the ordinary versions.

Too many special editions on store shelves. Stranglehold? Lost Planet? Before making a special edition, publishers need to make sure they have a "special edition worthy" game. I only own a couple of special editions, and the bonus content is usually available on youtube, or is totally forgetable.

I dont care about special editions. The regular MGS4 was fine. If i wanted to watch a load of 'making of' documentaries and trailers i would simply buy a dvd

I care about figurines and concept art, but not the slightest about making of. However I won´t buy a special edition if it´s more than 10 euros than the normal edition.