I love me some EVE Online.
I’ve had an on-again off-again love affair with the game for the better part of its ten year history. I’ve played it, I’ve watched it, I’ve written about it, and I’ve even fallen asleep to it. The level of dedication players (myself included) devote to the game is staggering.
So, I was pretty excited to take a look inside the boxed set released for the game’s anniversary. A $150, the price is pretty staggering. Thankfully, so is what’s inside.
Physical items include:
- The 190-page hardcover “Into the Second Decade” history book. This contains details on the production of EVE over the past ten years, as well as some concept art and famous shots of the game.
- A 4-port USB hub modeled after the “Minmatar Rifter,” one of the most popular all-around, low-end frigates in the game.
- The EVE Symphony Soundtrack by the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra, recorded at Fanfest 2013
- A limited edition of “Danger Game,” (Hættuspil in the original Icelandic) the board game created by the founders of EVE Online developer CCP. The game was used to fund the development of the MMO, and has finally be translated into English. It also features the mayor of Reykjavik, Iceland, Jón Gnarr, in a dress.
- A “mystery code.” This will unlock new content as time goes on. Some of the content has been revealed, while some is yet to be announced.
The most important stuff to any EVE player, however, is likely the stuff you can’t touch. The box is packed with exclusive in-game items for both EVE and its console counterpart, Dust 514. These include:
- 60 days of paid game time. Unfortunately for hardcore players, this is only for new accounts. Fortunately for hardcore players, you’ve basically got a free two-month alt.
- “The Golden Pod.” This will turn your escape pod (usually something you want to avoid showing other players) polished gold. This is exactly the sort of thing people are going to want to trip over themselves trying to blow up for bragging rights. Hopefully, this will be reflected in future killmails.
- A five-run blueprint copy for the Gnosis Battlecruiser.
- Genolution CA-3/CA-4 implants. Cybernetic implants are some of the most expensive and important items in EVE Online, as they’re the only way to bump up a character’s skill in less-than-real-time. Expect these to go for a pretty pound of isk.
- “’Time Capsule’”, in-game collectibles celebrating lore, memes, and memorable moments.”
- A Tash-Murkon Magnate frigate with an exclusive, new skin. This is basically an exploration and low-level salvage ship.
- Exclusive male and female accessories and clothing, including a cybernetic arm. Once we finally get the ability to walk with other players inside of stations (hopefully soon), this will probably be a hot badge of honor.
There’s even an exclusive ship for the developer’s upcoming Oculus Rift Game, EVE: Valkyrie, and a few new odds and ends for Dust 514. If you’re looking for exclusive EVE Online content, odds are good you’ll find something to suit your tastes. As a diehard player, I have to admit that the exclusives are incredibly appealing.
On the list of cons, I have to say that the USB hub is pretty flimsy. It looks as though its made of metal from a distance, but in reality its just plastic. Cheap plastic, at that. I’m terrified of breaking off one of its many thin spines just by looking at it too intently. It is, however, very well-painted, and looks rather gorgeous as far as swag goes. The USB slots are located at the back of the model — where the thrusters ought to be — so even if you get some utility out of it, your cables won’t interfere with the look of he thing.
Another downside is that a lot of the digital content is only a timed exclusive. That means much of it will be available in-game at a later date (for in-game currency or real money I’m not sure). That chips away at the glamor of the thing, but it wouldn’t be CCP if things weren’t kept balanced for everyone.
TheDust 514 items are at least permanent, and won’t be lost in battle like those bought with in-game currency. The “Templar” dropsuits are definitely the stars, with a name that probably derives from the tie-in novel, Templar One.
As a complete package, it’s hard not to recommend this to the discerning EVE Online fan. Whether or not that fan has $150 to burn is another matter entirely. That’s an especially important factor when you consider that — in the true spirit of EVE Online — most of the best in-game content will likely be bartered, sold, hunted down, and shot to pieces a week after its unlocked.
Like anything else in EVE Online, maybe it’s worth the cost just to be a part of that story.
This article is based on a copy of the EVE Online Collector’s Edition sent to SideQuesting by the publisher.
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