Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Black Chest Edition

This is what happens when a publisher decides one statue isn't enough and throws in an entire pirate's treasure chest of extras. The Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Black Chest Edition for Xbox 360 is the definitive version of the game's collector's lineup, anchored by a massive 55cm diorama of Captain Edward Kenway leading the charge from the bow of the Jackdaw. Surrounding that centerpiece is a steelbook, an artbook, the official soundtrack, a world map, two lithographs, two canvas prints, an embroidered Jackdaw Black Flag bearing the Assassin's Crest, and three bonus solo missions.

The diorama alone justifies the hunt. Kenway mid-charge, sword drawn, waves crashing beneath the Jackdaw's hull. It's a dynamic scene rather than a static pose, and at that height it commands an entire shelf on its own.

But the Black Chest Edition layers on display pieces like it's trying to furnish a room. The canvas prints and lithographs give you gallery-style wall options, the embroidered flag adds textile craftsmanship, and the world map ties the whole nautical theme together. The steelbook and artbook handle the standard collector's essentials with the quality you'd expect from the top-tier SKU.

Three bonus missions round out the package with exclusive gameplay content. For the Xbox 360 generation, this was the high-water mark for Assassin's Creed packaging. Finding one complete and in good condition is the kind of challenge collectors live for.