Halo 3 LE showing up scratched?

  • By Polybren, GameSpot
  • Posted Sep 24, 2007 5:50 pm PT

Source: An angry post on the NeoGAF forums, one backed up by similar claims on the Quarter to Three forums and other gaming sites. What we heard: There's a market in games today for collector's editions of popular games. Typically, they come packed with behind-the-scenes features, fancy packaging,...

Source: An angry post on the NeoGAF forums, one backed up by similar claims on the Quarter to Three forums and other gaming sites.

What we heard: There's a market in games today for collector's editions of popular games. Typically, they come packed with behind-the-scenes features, fancy packaging, and assorted knickknacks related to the game in question. They also come with inflated price tags, which means those shelling out for the collector's editions are typically people willing to pay a bit more for the full experience.

Over the weekend, copies of the $69.99 Limited Edition of Halo 3 began trickling out to various media, and reports have been springing up that a design flaw in the tin cases that hold the game has resulted in a bevy of scratched-up discs. A member of the NeoGAF forums posted a cautionary tale about scuffed up discs in three packages, with accompanying photographic evidence.

Such tales have appeared on a number of forums and Web sites, and GameSpot's own Limited Edition copy of the game arrived with a loose and slightly scuffed game disc in the package. The problem appears to stem from the plastic nub set into the side of the case. Said protrusion isn't big enough to keep the discs in place when the package is jostled, resulting in the disc slipping off the spindle and then being scuffed by it. While annoying, the scratches appear to be only cosmetic, as the scratched copy was running fine for editors prepping for tonight's Halo 3 gameplay marathon.

It is unclear if the disc-scratching problem extends to the $129.99 the Legendary Edition of Halo 3. Early shots of the set show a regular Xbox 360 case inside the shelf that is part of the pricey set, which would exclude the possibility of the offending nub. However, several members of the press reported that the Legendary Edition comes with the Limited Edition packaging inside the miniature helmet that is the Legendary edition's main draw.

The official story: When asked how widespread the problem is and what gamers should do if they purchase a scuffed-up Limited Edition copy of Halo 3, a Microsoft representative busy setting up for a midnight launch of the game declined to comment on the issue.

Bogus or not bogus?: Not bogus that discs are arriving scuffed up, but it's unclear how many of them are actually unplayable.

495 Comments

  • PS360Fanboy

    Posted Oct 12, 2007 8:12 am PT

    i took mine out and put it in a seperate dvd case, problem solved

  • Stu1515

    Posted Oct 7, 2007 5:27 am PT

    MICROSOFT ARE CURRENTLY EXCHANGING THE LIMITED EDITION OF HALO 3 IF YOU HAVE A SCRATCHED ONE, THEY DO THIS FOR FREE FOR ABOUT ANOTHER MONTH, CHECK YOUR REGIONAL XBOX SITE FOR INFORMATION ON THE 'XBOX DISC EXCHANGE PROGRAM'

  • nickopicco

    Posted Sep 30, 2007 5:39 pm PT

    idk wat to do help me my disc is scratched but i have no limited addition

  • nickopicco

    Posted Sep 30, 2007 5:31 pm PT

    this suks becuz idont have limited addition and myne is scratched

  • diamond2d

    Posted Sep 27, 2007 3:22 pm PT

    Tut Tut......

  • ithyandel

    Posted Sep 27, 2007 7:59 am PT

    Rumors?! the scratches on mine looked pretty real, as real as the four other boxes i make them open before i chose to go for a normal edition...

  • Poshkidney

    Posted Sep 27, 2007 7:21 am PT

    just rumors spread by sony fanboys

  • EchoEcho

    Posted Sep 27, 2007 7:05 am PT

    I was planning to get a 360 Elite and Halo 3 Limited Edition at the same time, but a sudden insurgence of unexpected bills means I have to put off getting my 360 for another couple of paychecks. So I won't even know if my copy of H3 is playable or not until then. Talk about crappy.

  • OldWhit1

    Posted Sep 27, 2007 3:29 am PT

    Had to take mine back as it was unplayable, the bad news is that I bought the regular version of the game. Got a replacement from the retailer and it worked fine.

  • DatGMan

    Posted Sep 26, 2007 8:29 pm PT

    You know, why is this in the rumor section? It seems like its been confirmed by many, and therefore should be treated like a regular news article.

  • DataDream

    Posted Sep 26, 2007 7:29 pm PT

    I stood in line with about 300 people Mon night/Tue morning - to get my CE which has been pre-ordered for over a year, and...

    Yup when I got home it was scratched ALLOT. Luckily the scratches are not deep ones and the disc is completely playable. It's still irritating though. The disc holder in this box is a horrible design.

  • HaloArchAngel

    Posted Sep 26, 2007 5:24 pm PT

    No problems with the Ledgendary as the Disks came in basic cases that are black. And disks are black not colored like standard disks.

    When I was at Best Buy one Buyer did get scratched disk. Exchanged them and the next copy also the disks were loose in the case and scratched.

  • Mortal_Days

    Posted Sep 26, 2007 1:46 pm PT

    Microsoft NEVER does well in terms of quality including the 360 and even the Halo 3 disc. It is RIDICULOUS that a company sells broken hardware and software. This is a shame.

  • Magical_Zebra

    Posted Sep 26, 2007 1:25 pm PT

    My LE came with a few scratches on it. It hasnt stopped me and my brother and a friend from playing co op on Legendary. Game is just ******* amazing...

  • comthitnuong

    Posted Sep 26, 2007 12:32 pm PT

    Mine is scratched up.

  • Anubiskamui

    Posted Sep 26, 2007 7:53 am PT

    im glad i got the legendary edition

  • XxLongJohnxX

    Posted Sep 26, 2007 3:11 am PT

    Yeah me and four of my friends all bought the collectors edition and all noticed that the discs were loose and scratched up, but the game plays fine that's all that matters I guess

  • IguanaBob

    Posted Sep 26, 2007 2:24 am PT

    If it's not scratched, don't worry. I got a x360 that will do that for you. Free of charge.

  • XanderZane

    Posted Sep 26, 2007 1:28 am PT

    Yes, both of my discs were off it's plastic holder as well. My game also loaded up with no issues. The scuffs on my disc were very minor. I may use my disc cleaner on them anyway just to may sure they continue to play with no issues. For the people saying to give your LE case a shake, it's going to rattle no matter what. Their is a Halo 3 Manual and hardcover art/story book in the LE edition that will rattle. You won't know if it's the actually discs or the book/manual that is rattling. They all sound the same.

  • JSharpe_187

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 9:16 pm PT

    The Legendary Edition's discs have the same packaging as the regular edition, so it won't get scratched up.

  • mergirox

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 9:14 pm PT

    Well thats M$oft for ya...

    Well I cant wait till my legendary comes out!!!!!!!!!!! im not the biggest fan of halo but hell, lets hope its the best one yet. The helmet better not be dollar store material......

    Heres to Halo 3 probably the only reaon we all bought a 360 in the first place

  • ardandil

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 9:09 pm PT

    i want my original collector edition scratched copy!!! you may no see it now, but it would rise his collectible status and appeal

    hahahaha

  • arcsphere

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 8:57 pm PT

    When I picked up my copy of the limited edition at Best Buy the girl helping me opened up the game and checked the discs. Sure enough they were scratched. She then proceeded to open up around twenty copies until she found one without scratches. I'm sure someone didn't end up getting their pre-ordered copy but I'm glad Best Buy cared enough to take care of their customers.

  • ChaoticAtwa

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 8:10 pm PT

    load of crap, it isn't cosmetic, i work at a retail store and basically all the collectors edition and multiple customers returned their collector copies for regulars because they're unable to play their game. Because it ISN'T cosmetic!

  • KIELW93

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 7:56 pm PT

    I can personally verify that this story is completely true. Needless to say, I'm kind of annoyed. However, only my bonus disc was affected, not my main gameplay disc. I haven't actually played either yet, so I don't know if this is actually going to hinder its performance, though I'm inclined to believe GameSpot, and say it's just cosmetic. Fingers crossed at least.

  • Da_Bacon_master

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 7:32 pm PT

    God dats gotta suck..hopfully my friends copy aint scratched..oh well all i can say is good on ya Microsoft...

  • Da1ShrpSh0trGrl

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 7:11 pm PT

    It's true! I saw ppl at midnite turn around from the parking lot because of that. 3 people on my local GameStop. And all they said to them was go home and if they play there's nothing we can do for you at this moment.

  • animemog

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 7:06 pm PT

    Haha, nationwide problem there. I was at the launch and we had to give a guy a normal copy of the game because every LE was scratched.

  • ZombieViking

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 6:42 pm PT

    My Legendary copy is just fine, it has no scratches, it doesn't have that crappy design the Tin Case had. All of the discs come in a regular XBOX 360 case (the only difference is that it's black not green) . Halo 3 RULES!!!!!!!!

  • ZombieViking

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 6:41 pm PT

    My Legendary copy is just fine, it has no scratches, it doesn't have that crappy design the Tin Case had. All of the discs come in a regular XBOX 360 case (the only difference is that it's black not green) . Halo 3 RULES!!!!!!!!

  • mangakid

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 6:30 pm PT

    """""holhardy

    At the best buy i work at, 99% of all the Halo 3 LE received, had loose games. And 99.9% of all copies opened, returned to be exchanged had scratches and the new ones opened had scratched. Only 1 copy from a employee that exchanged his after get the first one scratched, though loose was not scratched. Best buy has ordered all Halo 3 LEs If found to be loose in the sealed box are to be pulled and returned to the vender(aka Microsoft) for DEVO{returned to get money back for them being defective} Any customer wanting to return can return the game but only get a cd change for the scratched CD with the regular edition. As of today most all best buys will have not have if any Halo3 LE available to purchase due to the "loose issue""""""

    lol this is starting to sound like one of the biggest "botched" game releases of all-time lol.

  • M_Fresh

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 6:24 pm PT

    I work for best buy in NY and Every single copy of the LE was returned. We opened the ones that were not purchased and they were all scratched aswell. Lots of angry customers...

  • holhardy

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 6:15 pm PT

    At the best buy i work at, 99% of all the Halo 3 LE received, had loose games. And 99.9% of all copies opened, returned to be exchanged had scratches and the new ones opened had scratched. Only 1 copy from a employee that exchanged his after get the first one scratched, though loose was not scratched. Best buy has ordered all Halo 3 LEs If found to be loose in the sealed box are to be pulled and returned to the vender(aka Microsoft) for DEVO{returned to get money back for them being defective} Any customer wanting to return can return the game but only get a cd change for the scratched CD with the regular edition. As of today most all best buys will have not have if any Halo3 LE available to purchase due to the "loose issue"

  • mangakid

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 5:55 pm PT

    Oh and also there's video evidence of the loose disk in the video I was talking a bout. Here's the link to that video.

    http://www.gamevideos.com/video/id/14985

  • jcslmassy

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 5:50 pm PT

    well got mine this morning(sorry but i can choose sleep over a game and too much hype)and opened it up and sure enough scratches. the scratches were so minor that i said no biggie and the game has run just fine.

  • mangakid

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 5:50 pm PT

    I have the halo 3 legendary edition. and mine didn't come with the metal case that the LE one has its just 2 normal boxes one with halo 3 in it and one with the bonus content.

    In a way I'm glad I didn't get the LE case. But after seeing one of the videos showing off what comes in the legendary box I was a little disappointed to find the normal retail case in mine.

    I thought form what I saw we got the LE box. But maybe I lucked out to.

  • simadden

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 4:58 pm PT

    opened mine in the shop and sure enough it was scratched as were the next two the member of staffi tried. ended up buying a normal edition. not good!

  • mastermind89

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 4:38 pm PT

    my LE disc fell off the plastic thing but the disc was fine *phew*

  • sonicare

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 4:22 pm PT

    I got the LE. When I opened it, the disc was not in the holder but dislocated. It did have a few small scratches on its surface, but I've had no problems with it playing well.

  • GoreObsessed

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 4:05 pm PT

    My collectors was scratched so I just ended up downgrading to the regular.

  • peeweeshift

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 3:52 pm PT

    i got legendary and no problem with it. the le is tine case which is different. we have 2 seeperat cases

  • DaDude253

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 3:41 pm PT

    Well my bro got Limited edition and it works fine

  • DChy

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 2:00 pm PT

    I don't understand how the packaging company could've have been so careless with the biggest game of the year. For that price tag, or for any price tag for that matter, Halo fans deserve the absolute best for what they're paying.

  • lil-maxy

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 1:40 pm PT

    I hope this does not happen to my copy.

  • moreswifter

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 1:26 pm PT

    please use a protective plastic film on the disc just like a brand new watch , lcd , phone screen on. etc.because the problem is very common and the disc producers must be consider the problem.

  • secondomen

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 1:16 pm PT

    I was in line at midnight and a friend who was w/ me who didnt reserve it, was denied a copy of Halo 3 regular edition because so many ppl were returning there collectors editions for the regular edition due to all the scratches. There was literally a pile of opened collector editions sitting behind the counter and my friend was denied Halo 3. We went to a different location and got him one. Good times.

  • andrew_ribbons

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 12:59 pm PT

    Hmm....how annoying must this be for MS, has anyone considered that aspect? Anything that marrs the title they've been pinning the whole profitibility of the 360 on, is bad to them, just as to us. Personally, i've just seen my friend's Collectors Limited Edition with disk, it's fine.

  • whitey3221

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 11:59 am PT

    You would think they would learn. My Halo 2 came the same way, but then they weren't willing to replace it like they are now. When will they learn that the metal cases, although cool, have a much higher chance of scratching the disc inside. Disc+Metal=Scratch

    Here's an idea make the outside metal, and line the inside with marshmallows...Safe and delicious.

  • Buttonio

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 11:52 am PT

    I will be so pissed off if my disc is scratched, thank god ive got a disc repair kit, although i'm still sending it back if its scratched

  • tintuk

    Posted Sep 25, 2007 11:47 am PT

    just opened my legendary edition, i am actually surprised that the cost seems justified to me. i bought the limited edition too- scratches on those discs of course. but the legendary no scratches at all. GREAT PACKAGING ON THE LEGENDARY!!

advertisement

Hot Stories

Newsmakers

Featured Stories

Submit News

Got tips? Send them in!