Everytime we see an auction listing for either a toy or video game that we owned when we were younger, we always ask ourselves the same question: why, oh why did we open the box?
Don't get us wrong, actually getting to play a game and create lasting memories with your friends is far better than making a quick buck, but in hindsight, it does kind of make you wish you purchased a second copy when the game was later reduced in price. Today's hit sports games could be tomorrow's classics, which made us curious as to which games have manged to either retain their original retail price or actually increased in value.
Not all of the games we found on eBay would actually be considered "classics" (we're looking at you Wayne Gretzky & NHL All-Stars), but apparently limited availability coupled with light amounts of nostalgia makes for a high listing price. Here's a look at six games that are going for a high price tag online. Keep in mind that the prices below are for listings of games in "brand new" or "mint" condition (minus one game), meaning that if you were looking to buy them used, you could find them for a whole lot less.
Stanley Cup - SNES - $107.21
This. Game. Didn't. Have. Scoring. Although this game launched back in 1993, I found myself playing this in 2001, as my parents weren't really into the idea of buying me current generation systems. I don't want to get too negative, but here's a quick list of things that weren't all that great about this game. It didn't include player names, the whole ice shifts when you move, there's a weird black void where the glass should be between the ice and the crowd, you couldn't get more than two penalties at the same time, oh and did I mention? It was impossible to score. Still, this game is selling for more than $100, without a box.
NHL 99 - N64 - $123.56
Now here's a bonafide classic. It took awhile for wrist shots to be included in hockey games, but NHL 99 had plenty of those, and as a result, plenty of scoring. Of course, that's not the only thing that makes a game good. But add that on top of great play-by-play, a funny in-arena announcer, a celebration sound button and overall great gameplay and you have a game that had staying power. Again, probably wouldn't pay $123 for it, even if it is in mint condition, but it's deserving of the title of classic.
Blades of Steel 99 - N64 - $123.56
We're not quite sure who started the trend of playing hockey games from the broadcast angle, but we really didn't like the idea. It's tough in an NBA game, and it's nearly impossible in a hockey game. The Blades of Steel series will forever be remembered as a staple on the SNES, but on N64, it began to move further down the pecking order. We all have our game biases, but I was definitely never a huge fan of this game. I'll pass on this price tag, too.
NHL Hitz 2002 - Xbox - $74.29
The NHL Hitz franchise has been sorely missed in the past few years, something the team at EA Sports seem to recognize with the addition of the new 3-on-3 mode. The hockey video game scene is still missing a true arcade experience, which may give you a reason to buy an unsealed copy of NHL Hitz 2002 for full retail price. Or if you don't mind used games, you could buy it for under $10. Your choice...
Wayne Gretzky 3D Hockey - N64 - $151.32
Here's yet another game guilty of having a broadcast camera angle, but for some reason it seemed to work out a little better with Wayne Gretzky's 3D hockey. The weirdest thing about WG3DH had to be the strange colour palette on the ice. There were more colours present on-ice then in a Cirque du Soleil performance.
Wayne Gretzky & NHL All-Stars - $99.99
This is the one game on the list that I can openly admit that I've never played. However, judging by the video of it, I wasn't missing a whole lot. Imagine a game that had licensing from the NHLPA, but not the NHL, meaning that while there were a few real players in the game, all of the actual teams were bogus. Wayne Gretzky deserves better, you deserve better. Who cares to have an unsealed game if the game itself isn't all that desirable? Also, at least take the $4.99 price tag off before you list it for more than a hundred dollars. It would be nice to at least feel for a slight second that you weren't getting totally ripped off.
