X-Blades Royal Bundle

Some collector's editions are subtle. The X-Blades Royal Bundle is not one of them. This PlayStation 3 release of Gaijin Entertainment's anime-styled hack-and-slash goes all in with a 23cm Ayumi figurine, a 72-page art book, the original soundtrack by Michael Dees and Pavel Stebakov, a two-sided poster featuring the world map and a 2009/2010 calendar, and an official strategy guide.

For a game that flew under most radars in 2009, the Royal Bundle punches absurdly above its weight in physical content. The Ayumi figurine is the showpiece, nearly 10 inches of the game's dual blade-wielding protagonist rendered in detail that rivals figures from far bigger franchises. The 72-page art book is surprisingly substantial for a mid-tier release, packed with concept art and character designs that showcase the game's distinctive cel-shaded aesthetic.

Having the strategy guide bundled in adds a retro charm that feels almost quaint by modern standards, a physical book telling you how to play the game you just bought. X-Blades occupied that wild mid-generation space where publishers were willing to take swings on stylish, niche action titles and back them with premium packaging. The Royal Bundle didn't sell in blockbuster numbers, which means finding one complete today is a genuine score.

If your collection skews toward the obscure and the overlooked, this belongs on your radar.