EA/Bioware’s Dragon Age series is one of the the company’s flagship titles and for good reason.  Its brand of violence, dark themes, and sexuality have led to the game’s high notoriety.  I’ve considered it to be the gamer version of Game of Thrones that we wanted instead of the one that we got.  With the recent announcement of the release date (10/7/2014) and the upcoming E3, we’ve been foaming at the bit while waiting for any news of a possible special edition.  And EA has delivered:  Dragon Age Inquisition Inquisitor Collector’s Edition.

This Inquisitor Collector’s Edition contains:

• Highly detailed exclusive Inquisitor Collector’s Edition case produced by TriForce measures approximately 8.5″ x 13.5″ x 14.5″
  • The case is individually wrapped in faux reptile skin, has the mark of the Inquisitor stamped on top in gold foil, with an interior fitted with imprinted red silk.
• Cloth map of Thedas drawn to scale measuring approximately 22″ x 32″
• 72 card Major and Minor Arcana tarot card deck with custom artwork depicting mythology from Dragon Age lore.
• Inquisitor full scale, six piece, lock tool set
• One set of four full scale map markers each approximately measuring 3.5″ x 3.5″ x 4″
• Inquisitor’s Badge
• Quill and Inkpot
• 40-page Inquisitor’s Journal
• Orlesian Coins
• Limited edition SteelBook case to house your copy of the game
• Copy of Dragon Age Inquisition Deluxe Edition

And you get all this for only $170 ($169.99).  Indeed it is a hefty price tag, but this is definitely one of the more swag heavy editions we’ve seen.  This makes me specifically even more happy as the previous two titles have had very little to offer in terms of special editions; Origins only gave DLC, and the most DA2 could offer was a steel case, a bonus dvd, and DLC.

The most enticing item within the pack, however, is likely going to prove to be the box (meaning the faux mole skin box, not the steel case).  If there’s one thing that Borderlands 2 Loot case edition proved, it’s that game swag collectors LOVE swag boxes in which to keep more swag.  The Ultimate Loot Box edition has been previously sold on Ebay for over $300 after the original MSRP was $150, and was so popular, TakeTwo and ThinkGeek got together to have a special loot fill re-release.  Even Fable 3‘s release came with a cute little faux book with hidden compartments which to this day remains one of my personal favorites and still sits on my shelf (with some added cat nibbles).

While most of us will shell out well over $170 this years on games and game related items, it’s not an insignificant amount for a single game purchase especially when there’s no possible way to know if you’ll like the game.  I’d be willing to equate it to being as dangerous as ordering a mail order bride, or even just online dating in general, as you can stare at the pictures ’til you’re blind, but you’ll never know what you’re going to get in the end or if it will make you happy.

Looking at it from a different perspective, this could be a good thing as well.  Sure, you’re paying more, but so long as you’re not ordering from Lionhead Studios (since they have a habit of not delivering on the items promised), you have a decent idea of what you’re getting.  If you liked the previous games well enough to consider these expensive swag editions, you probably will like the items in there anyways.  I think it makes more sense because at least you’re getting some extra value out of the purchase as well as some decent shelf stuffers.  I, for one, will be putting my order in tonight!

And remember, Saint’s Row IV had the Super Dangerous WAD WAD Edition which cost $1,000,000.

Pre-order yours at your local GameStop or online by clicking here.

What are some other items you’d like to see in a Swag Edition for Dragon Age: Inquisition, or any other game?  What was/is your favorite Game Swag from a special edition?  Let us know in the comments below.