Should I open it?

takashirose · 03/12/2007, 08:15 PM

Today I just bought a sealed Vigilante game for $15. Do you think it is a good idea to open it? Is it a rare game?

Joe Redifer · 03/12/2007, 08:23 PM

Open it. I received a sealed Fantasy Zone as a present from my girlfriend about 8 months or so ago. Damn right I opened it and played it! It wasn't "resealed" or anything like that, either. It was the original factory seal.

SignOfZeta · 03/12/2007, 08:32 PM

Fuck yes you should open it. What the hell...

takashirose · 03/12/2007, 09:00 PM

I open all of my Turbo games except Bonk's Adventure because I got it on the Gate of Thunder game disc. They had a used Vigilante for the same price, but there is nothing like opening a sealed game. For the TurboGrafx games I upen the top plastic and have it in the seal insidy another poly bag. I do that for most of my games. Kind of like comic books. Thanks for your opinions.

nat · 03/12/2007, 11:05 PM

I bought the last unopened copy of Blazing Lazers from TZD like three months ago. It is still sealed, but mainly only because I had a spare cart for playing purposes.

esteban · 03/13/2007, 12:26 AM

Yes, you must open it. However, when I have a sealed game, I sometimes wait for a special occasion to open it. I know, that sounds lame (or incredibly nerdy!), but I actually have a lot of fun doing this. I actually do this for unsealed games as well (usually games I have never played before or beloved games I've finally re-acquired).

All I'm saying is have fun with it! Invite a friend over and have a Vigilante party!

Disclaimer: The following sentences reveal things you might not want to know about me. You have been warned.
For example, I'll have a party with my brothers / nerdy friends, the "main event" is opening a sealed "Timeball" and playing it. When I finally re-acquired Master of Monsters for Genesis, I didn't play it right away. It was an abused loose copy with no label on the cart, but it didn't matter: I knew I had to wait for my brother to visit before I would play it (he loved the game back in the day).

Part of the reason I do this is because I'm very busy. But the main reason is that I am "delaying gratification" in order to reward myself for getting stuff done (i.e. I have yet to play Kiadian 00 because I still haven't finished painting base moulding in several rooms). I denote specific games as rewards for specific tasks. Then I have nerdy parties.

TurboXray · 03/13/2007, 01:34 AM

Don't forget to smell the manual immediately after opening it!

Hobo Xiphas · 03/13/2007, 01:34 AM

Marty Goldberg recommends that you open all sealed games as most of the time they were resealed anyways. Also, sealed stuff tends to compress, it and eventually damages game box.

If you don't open it, you don't get to experience the new game smell or even play the game. What is the point of not opening it?

GUTS · 03/13/2007, 01:43 AM

To resell it later for shitloads of money, except in the case of Vigilante which will never be worth anything. I opened my Shining Force CD that I paid $20 for a few years ago, played it once, then shelved it. Now I see that if I had kept it sealed I could of resold it for $100 or more. Fucking gay.

Plus there's also the fact that its like a piece of history, I mean how many sealed Turbo games could possibly be left out there? I wouldn't open a sealed one unless it was one I bought from TZD or something that I knew would always be completely worthless because it sucks (like Vigilante).

Joe Redifer · 03/13/2007, 02:00 AM

Quote from: TurboXrayDon't forget to smell the manual immediately after opening it!

Do you sniff the manuals of used games as well? Some of the facial reactions from doing that can be pretty funny.

SignOfZeta · 03/13/2007, 07:34 AM

Quote from: GUTS on 03/13/2007, 01:43 AMTo resell it later for shitloads of money, except in the case of Vigilante which will never be worth anything.

Yeah, sure, but games that actually increase in value are such a super small section of the market as a whole. I seem to have several, but that's because I buy stuff when it is released instead of buying games as a badge of the hardcore a decade later. Example: Radient Silvergun was on clearance for months over at NCS, now ota are paying $300 for it.

Games are a piss-poor investment if there ever was one, and if one is never opened, then an investment is all a game can be. Just look at all the PCE titles on eBay that were $70 once, and are now Buy It Now for $3.50.

takashirose · 03/13/2007, 12:03 PM

Thanks guys. I opened it, but only where the flap is at the top. What I do with Turbo Grafx games is after reading the manual and taking out the game, I only put back the jewel case and manual into the box; the hucard and sleeve I put outside the box in the same poly bag. Yes, I put a poly-bag on as many games I could.

How do you know if a game is resealed? The Vigilante game had a label that sad "new" and it still has the proper hang tag that was never used to hang that game up. Talk to you later Turbo people.

Nazi NecroPhile · 03/13/2007, 12:25 PM

I don't think that you can tell if a game has been resealed - if it is in perfect condition and properly resealed. You could wipe all finger prints off of your fresh Vigilante, reseal it with appropriate plastic, transfer the little hang tag thing, and nobody would ever be able to tell the difference. Of course, most resealed games are not going to be in such pristine condition with no fingerprints, case scratches, scratches on the CD or back of HuCard from insertion, etc. Fingerprints really stick out like a sore thumb on the black section on the back of the manuals and are difficult to remove if left on for years. Good choice on your opening method - you'll maintain the quality condition and still be able to play the game.

takashirose · 03/13/2007, 03:20 PM

I started doing that with Turbo games. On the CD games I try to open one side of the shrinkwrap. My Lords of Thunder shrinkwrap isn't in that good condition even though I take it off and put it back on after use. But I put it in a poly bag. On most of my games I do that. WIth all new games in dvd like clamshells I take all of the shrinkwrap off and put it in a poly bag. That's the best I can do.

Seldane · 03/13/2007, 03:50 PM

Why not just put the stuff in a bookshelf? They won't melt, there's no need to put them in plastic bags.

Nazi NecroPhile · 03/13/2007, 04:01 PM

Be wary of open shelving - U.V. will ruin just about anything over time. Direct sunlight is obviously the worst, but with low-emissivity coatings becoming more and more common in windows, it isn't as bad as it once was. Fluorescent lights (and incandescent lights to a lesser extent) provide more than enough U.V. to eventually cause discoloration; and nobody wants a yellow PC Engine or yellow game cases. I hope to one day build some barrister bookcases with anti-U.V. laminate glass in the doors so that I can proudly display my meager Turbo collection and not have to worry about fading or discoloration.

Seldane · 03/13/2007, 05:31 PM

Aha. Fortunately, I don't live in the future, so I should be good. I've had unsealed games on my shelves for over fifteen years. They're still in perfect condition. Actually, I think the colors have actually gotten more saturated during the years. Honest.

SignOfZeta · 03/13/2007, 05:41 PM

Quote from: Seldane on 03/13/2007, 03:50 PMWhy not just put the stuff in a bookshelf? They won't melt, there's no need to put them in plastic bags.

Well, I think it has something to do with toilet training.

But seriously, if you keep all your CDs in baggies then the clear plastic won't get dull, and they will be crystal clear for a lifetime. It also probably means you are fucking insane though, and probably have the skins of children drying in your attic.

2X4 · 03/13/2007, 06:05 PM

It puts the rubbing alcohol on the contacts! It does what it's told or it goes back in the baggy again!

Seldane · 03/13/2007, 06:41 PM

Man, if it weren't for SignOfZeta, Joe Redifer and Necromancer, this board would be pretty dull!

takashirose · 03/13/2007, 09:24 PM

No not insane. Some of my games are in a closet shelf that I could access easily when it is open and the rest are in a cabinet with Scooby Doo wrapping paper covering the glass. It's the best I can do. I'm just telling you how I store things. I also put towels over my system so that they can be slightly shielded from small things falling on it, like pencils or remotes, and not getting dusty.

VestCunt · 03/14/2007, 03:21 PM

Quote from: takashirose on 03/13/2007, 09:24 PMNo not insane. Some of my games are in a closet shelf that I could access easily when it is open and the rest are in a cabinet with Scooby Doo wrapping paper covering the glass. It's the best I can do. I'm just telling you how I store things. I also put towels over my system so that they can be slightly shielded from small things falling on it, like pencils or remotes, and not getting dusty.

Yeah, I keep a towel over my SGX, otherwise the slanty hucard port acts as a dust funnel.

takashirose · 03/14/2007, 04:10 PM

I actually used to like dust on my systems, but I found the towels to cushion any falling objects that people might have and keep the dust off, which as I grew did not like because it might stick and be there for a long time. But yes it is a good idea for you to cover your SuperGrafx. Too bad it didn't have a cover like the Duos. But I cover them all regardless of rarity.

offsidewing · 05/16/2007, 01:40 PM

I have a sealed copy of Blazing Lazers. I bought a used one so I would stop thinking about opening it.

I also have Final Lap Twin and CF2 (US) sealed.

shubibiman · 05/16/2007, 01:44 PM

There are so many used games out there, why open the new ones?

nat · 05/16/2007, 01:55 PM

I, too, have a sealed copy of Blazing Lazers. The value of yours just went down, offsidewing!!!

I also have a sealed copy of Fatal Fury 2.

Whee!

offsidewing · 05/16/2007, 02:42 PM

Quote from: nat on 05/16/2007, 01:55 PMI, too, have a sealed copy of Blazing Lazers. The value of yours just went down, offsidewing!!!

I also have a sealed copy of Fatal Fury 2.

Whee!

It's monitary cost in no way indicates it's value to me (lest I quote Oscar Wilde).

MrFulci · 05/16/2007, 05:33 PM

The only sealed game I own is Spaltterhouse. Reason for that, is that it was the game came packed with my Turbo Duo system. It sits in the Turbo Duo system box at the moment.

I nearly forgot, I also have a sealed copy of TV Sports Basketball. Reason for that, is I bought a sealed copy, and sold off my worn copy. I've not had the itch to play the game since acquiring it, so it stays sealed. Eventually I'll open it, that also is currently packed away in my, box of turbo grafx game boxes.

I open sealed games, because to me it is a bit pointless to have a sealed game sitting around. I generally don't seak out sealed games, unless the price is reasonable and it's a game I don't have, OR my current copy is a bit worn (torn manual, sunbleach, stickers, etc) and I'd like something in better shape. I prefer to buy complete games in great condition, though I don't buy these games as investments to sit sealed on a shelf somewhere. I have them to play. There are better things to invest in.

I've opened many sealed games the past few years, since getting back into the Turbo grafx in 2003 or 2004. Some of the following sealed games I have opened:

- Jackie Chan's Action Kung Fu
- Order of the Griffon
- Legned of Hero Tonma
- Super Star Soldier
- Dynastic Hero
- Fatal Fury 2 (PCE)
- Y's 3

My feeling is that if you are looking for an investment, want to open a museum, etc leaving it sealed may be understandable. Though, I suggest not being too concerned about those things and jsut play the game if that's what you like to do.

offsidewing · 05/17/2007, 08:00 AM

For some reason, I think it's neat to have a sealed copies of the games I really like. I have a sealed Final Lap Twin, Blazing Lazers, and CF2. I guess it's a lame novelty that the games have survived all these years in sealed condition, hang tags and all. The Mrs thinks I'm a giant dork, but she collects all kinds of purses and shoes that she's only ever worn ONCE!

I digress...

nat · 05/17/2007, 11:28 AM

Quote from: offsidewing on 05/17/2007, 08:00 AMThe Mrs thinks I'm a giant dork, but she collects all kinds of purses and shoes that she's only ever worn ONCE!

Yeah, what the fuck is up with that?

And then it's a huge battle to try to get her to throw ONE FUCKING PURSE AWAY!

It's like,

"Honey, you haven't used that purse since 2005. Do you REALLY plan on using it again any time soon? You'll still have the other 8,567. It's just I can't hang my coat in the coat closet anymore because all the hangers are being used by purses that haven't seen the light of day-- this century."

"Nat, I just haven't worn the outfit it goes with in a while... But I use it! It gets used! Fine, you throw one of your video game consoles or computers away and I'll get rid of it."

"That's not quite the same..."

"Of course it is!"

...And round and round we go.

offsidewing · 05/17/2007, 12:19 PM

Quote from: nat on 05/17/2007, 11:28 AMYeah, what the fuck is up with that?

And then it's a huge battle to try to get her to throw ONE FUCKING PURSE AWAY!

It's like,

"Honey, you haven't used that purse since 2005. Do you REALLY plan on using it again any time soon? You'll still have the other 8,567. It's just I can't hang my coat in the coat closet anymore because all the hangers are being used by purses that haven't seen the light of day-- this century."

"Nat, I just haven't worn the outfit it goes with in a while... But I use it! It gets used! Fine, you throw one of your video game consoles or computers away and I'll get rid of it."

"That's not quite the same..."

"Of course it is!"

...And round and round we go.

I'm lucky, mine is into 'cute' purses and not the name, although she does have a couple hi dollah purses, which every woman should. But explaining game systems, golf clubs, and televisions to her is futile.

I understand fashion, but what kills me is the 6 black purses and 14 pairs of black shoes she owns. I own two pairs of black shoes and they both go with my $5 jeans to my uber expensive suits.

What really ENRAGES me is this: She has soooo many clothes that she forgets what she has. Then one day she finds something she forgot she owned and says,
Mrs. Offsidewing: oh honey, look what I found. I just saw the cutest pair of heels to go with these.
Me: "didn't you buy a pair of shoes to go with that originally?"
Mrs. Offsidewing: yes, but those shoes are so 2004.
Me: "So, does that mean you're going to get rid of them?"
Mrs. Offsidewing: NO! They're practically brand new, I only wore them once.
Me:

MrFulci · 05/17/2007, 01:01 PM

hahaha, nice to see clothes placed into comparison with video games. It's not that much different...

I'd rather collect certain video games than... stamps. Stamps may be interesting to look at, a bit of history, however you can't do much else with them. Kinda like a sealed game, hah!

takashirose · 05/17/2007, 08:51 PM

I love opening sealed games because I know that it was never played and the just opened feel of it is why I like it.

offsidewing · 05/24/2007, 10:34 AM

I scored a sealed Power Golf for 6 bucks. I can't wait to open it!!

VestCunt · 05/24/2007, 08:47 PM

Yeah, I got sealed copies of Sidearms, Power Golf and TV Sports Basketball in the mail today and they're all waiting for me at home. A sealed copy of Drop Off is in the mail as well. I'm goinng to open all of them.

Order of the Griffon is my only sealed game that I don't intend to open.

offsidewing · 05/29/2007, 11:59 AM

I'm not sure if I want to open my sealed Power Golf. Not that I'm afraid I'll loose out if the game doubles in price over the next twenty years to $12 bucks, but just because it's new. It's sitting on the shelf next to my sealed Blazing Lazers, Cosmic Fantasy 2, and Final Lap Twin.

I'm still trying to decide if it's worth $30 (each) for a sealed Final Zone 2, Monster Lair, and Fighting Street.

esteban · 05/29/2007, 02:38 PM

Quote from: offsidewing on 05/29/2007, 11:59 AMI'm not sure if I want to open my sealed Power Golf. Not that I'm afraid I'll loose out if the game doubles in price over the next twenty years to $12 bucks, but just because it's new. It's sitting on the shelf next to my sealed Blazing Lazers, Cosmic Fantasy 2, and Final Lap Twin.

I'm still trying to decide if it's worth $30 (each) for a sealed Final Zone 2, Monster Lair, and Fighting Street.

I have yet to jump into Power Golf 2 because it is much more involved than straight-forward (dare I say "arcade") golf games: lots of management stuff, if the manual is to be trusted.

I say open PG2 when you're prepared for some commitment to it.

In general, I like to open a sealed-game when I'm really stoked and want to play it and can't wait any longer -- delaying gratification makes it more fun, IMO.