Are “definitive” editions worth your money?

Joe from GamersFTW writes about the trend of rereleasing games as "definitive" editions, and whether they are worth your money.

[c00lvilKid69]

I really liked Dishonoured, but I didn’t see any point in buying the definitive edition for PS4 at all.

[Yi-Long]

It all depends in the effort they put into it. Some are lazy HD-ports with just some cranked up textures and better lighting-shadows, and others are an actual notable improvement in all areas, making it a better game in all areas, while including all DLC.

When they really put that effort in, like GTA5 or Tomb Raider UE, it's worth the money. If it's a lazy cash-in, people will probably be underwhelmed and skip it...

[Yukes]

In my opinion it depends to a significant degree on whether they make a platform hop, or are released on the next generation of console. If yes to either, then why not bundle everything together into one convenient package?

Dishonored is a good example - never got around to the PS3 version (although bought it for a fiver a while back) so tempted to get it with everything included on PS4 at some point.

[SmallestSteph]

I have never actually had a reason to buy a 'definitive' edition of a game before... I can't see that changing any time soon either. I like the Christmas jumper comparison :D accurate.

[Neonridr]

I can see a situation where maybe you missed the original title the first time around. In that case a definitive edition will still give you the same game, but usually presented in a better overall package.

[Kavorklestein]

Good point, I see another situation where some people might really like the game and want updated GFX. I see another situation where people on PC already pay way more than Console owners do to get their machines to run games at top notch quality- (past tense in this situation because it is an old game, but to run this top gfx a few years ago, you needed a more expensive machine) so for some, the little extra for a remastered or updated version is worth it.

Compare that to people who buy consoles and buy GAMES exclusively once they have said console, the console owners pay much less in the long run.

As such, a console owner's splurge on a re-make or remaster is still less than keeping current on a high or even mid range performance PC.

I personally don't think it matters either way.

Gamers can buy whatever they like!

The only "should or should not" debate that should be up for discussion is Season Passes and pre-release PLANNED Paid DLC.

That crap needs to phase out.

Just my two cents.

[Neonridr]

yeah I agree with you. My only concern is some developers are taking the lazy route and rather than pouring their assets into new games, they are simply reselling us the same things over and over with marginal improvmeents.

Some games are definitely worthy of definitive editions or remasters, but there have definitely been a few head scratchers in terms of choices..

[Kavorklestein]

@neonridr
Agreed.
Like Darksiders 2...
I mean the first one maybe.. but 2?
Lol
Maybe even if they did 1 AND 2 in a bundle then that would be cool.

Like God of War shoulda been all 3...

Etc etc.

Oh well LOL

[1noobgamer]

more money for nothing

[aquaticDonut]

If you already have the game, then of course it's pointless. If you don't then it's awesome!

[SmokingMonkey]

I bought my favorite movies on bluray again, why would games be any different?

[2pacalypsenow]

exactly

[NovusTerminus]

I got TLoU Remastered, because while I beat it on PS3 I never owned it, and I got DMC4SE due to the new content.

I will be getting Dragons Dogma on PC,because as great as the game was on PS3,the framerate was horrible.

In short, I will get a remaster if content is added in, or if it didn't run right but the game was good.

[Roccetarius]

More often than not, waiting for a complete edition is more worth it than getting it on release.

[DualWielding]

Most stupid thing I've heard, definitive editions are always worth your money... buying the game at launch with overpriced Season pass is what is not worth your money

[RosweeSon]

£12 for dishonored definitive edition was £13.50 but with reward points and all that.. Bargain.
Ps4 of course ;)

[XhiXExtreme]

Only if you haven't played the game before

[SteamPowered]

I sure love the free remasters of Darksiders 2 and Divinity Original Sin on Pc. When they do a remaster on console, it seems like a money grab. Especially with BC on the way.

[yeahright2]

replace "definitive" with "game of the year" and a lot of complaints go away. But to the issue, It's really very subjective. If I don't care for the game, then no. If I need that $60 to pay the phone bill, then no. But if I like the game, have the extra cash, enjoy replaying games, no longer have the original, am a graphics or trophy wore, or some combination that I deem enough to buy it again, then sure.

[Crazay]

Depends on the kind of value you see/get out of it. For example, I liked Dishonored, but never got around to playing any of the DLC (in truth, I know little about it) but because I liked the game it may be worth say... $30..maybe $40(preferably less) for me to rebuy it and relive the experience next summer during the inevitable summer doldrums of game releases.

If the game is something I owned on a previous system + all DLC, and the only thing i'm getting is a slightly prettier version then I'll take the pass 100% of the time.

[Yui_Suzumiya]

I bought the Dishonored one for full price and loved it. Had it for PS3 as well a couple years ago.

[bluebenjamin]

If you have a PC their not!