1) Where did you find all this stuff?

Luck mainly…and checking auction sites often! Most of my collection was acquired by through ebay.com. I usually check the new listings to see if there’s anything new or rare one to two times a week. Another great place to look is Yahoo Japan Auctions, it can be pricey since I have to go through a third party (Rinkya.com) to make a bid. I don’t shop there that often but it’s a great way to find many rare Japanese items!

2) How do you know if a game is a first edition?

Usually I know if a game is a first edition because I bought it the day it was released in the US. Also any re-releases in the US usually means the game has sold over a certain number of copies. Any reprints of the title would have a green, red or silver band somewhere on the cover art saying either “Greatest Hits” for Playstation titles or “Platnium Hits” for Xbox titles.

For my foreign editions I based it on the the game’s cover artwork. For the Japanese editions when it’s a re-release you can expect the game will have altered cover art and sometimes even a new subtitle. For example, the first edition of Silent Hill shows white tiles and a red smear while the first re-release in 2000 has Lisa on the cover and “Konami the Best Edition” added to the game title. If you aren’t sure be sure to check out Lost Releases which has all the product information and images of each Silent Hill release!

3) How can I tell if a game is legitimate Japanese Edition

I’ve seen some ebay auctions claim to sell Japanese editions of games when in reality they are selling general Asian editions released in China. The Japanese editions of Silent Hill games always has a warning on the front cover about the game’s content. With the older games it’s a a big red triangle with Japanese Text while newer titles like Shattered Memories has the CERO rating right on the cover. If you don’t see the triangle warning on the front of a SH1-SH4 and SH0 but it shares the same cover art as a Japanese edition it’s probably the Asian edition.

4) How can I tell if a soundtrack is a legitimate copy or a bootleg?

If a soundtrack is legitimate it will have the Konami logo somewhere on the packaging and disc. Many soundtracks for sale on ebay are the Taiwanese bootleg versions. Usually these are sold in sets for under $20. Be sure the check the auction photo, is there a Konami logo on the obi, cd back or disc? If you don’t see one it’s not an official release.

5) I’m a collector myself can I show you what I have?

Yes, please do! I love looking at other people’s collections.