How much is a game worth to you?

After reading Matt’s newest post about his second favorite video game of all time, I wondered how much the original Japanese version of Ico with it’s awesome boxart would cost.

Turns out, a lot. Even if you want to buy the US version of the game, it’s probably going to run you about $25. I got my copy of Ico at Walmart a few years back in the clearance bin for $6.99. Of course, I got lucky.

So when does gaming cross that line from being a hobby to being something that you collect? Should it even cross that line?

I also sometimes wonder whether or not it’s okay to find an ISO file of Ico and burn it to a DVD-R and play it on the PS2 using some sort of ByPass disk and device. I mean, Sony isn’t selling Ico anymore, so what would be the point of buying it from the dickfaces at Gamestop when the creators aren’t seeing any of the money.

Of course Sony hasn’t manufactured the game for more than five years, and I think that could probably warrant some piracy if you really didn’t want to pay idiots premium price.

I think it’s okay to acquire a game rom or ISO if it’s no longer in production. It’s better than getting dimed and nickeled by a third party, and someday if the game is released again, I’ll most likely pay for it.

Currently I’m playing Earthbound, yet I have no way to purchase it new and no way to buy it so Itoi gets the money. So, I’m not going to buy it and I’ve been playing it with an Xbox 360 controller on my Mac. Not the same as playing on a TV with an SNES, but close enough.