BitSnark

Microsoft has today dropped the details and price points for the limited and ‘Epic’ (read: super duper limited) editions of the forthcoming third person chainsaw-shooter fest that is Gears of War 3.

The official press release can be seen below in all it’s PR glory:

“Gears of War 3” Epic and Limited Editions Unveiled in Making Gears 3: Inside the Wicked Workshop
Epic Games Art Director Chris Perna takes you into the creative process in shaping “Gears of War 3” and the ultimate fan collectibles

London — 16 May, 2011 — Fans around the globe are strapping on their boots, loading up their Lancers, and gearing up for the worldwide launch of “Gears of War 3” on 20th September, 2011. Adding fuel to the fire, Epic Games and Microsoft today released a brand new developer ViDoc, entitled Making Gears 3: Inside the Wicked Workshop, divulging the exclusive contents of the “Gears of War 3” Epic and Limited Editions.

The new video goes behind the scenes with Epic Games Art Director Chris Perna, giving fans a window into the mind of the visionary artist who helped berth some of gaming’s most iconic characters and settings.

In this revelation, Perna unveils the centrepiece of the “Gears of War 3” Epic Edition – a hand-crafted statue of Marcus Fenix, designed by his own hand and brought to life by the expert artisans at Triforce. Available for pre-order now, “Gears of War 3” will be available in a Standard Edition (£49.99), and two special editions:

· Limited Edition (£59.99) available at selected retailers – The must-have for fans who want to celebrate the culmination of the trilogy, the Limited Edition includes:
o An Octus Award Box with Octus Service Medal – A 1:1 match in size and weight, this zinc-alloy cog-shaped medal replicates the award given to Adam Fenix in recognition of his work on the Hammer of Dawn.

§ Dimensions: 77 mm (3 in.) x 10 mm (0.4 in.)

o Exclusive Unlockable Adam Fenix Multiplayer Character – Each Octus Service Medal replica is engraved with a unique Xbox LIVE code that is the only way to unlock Adam Fenix in multiplayer.
o A fabric COG Flag – Proud colors that once flew above the House of Sovereigns.
o The personal effects of Adam Fenix, including his “Last Will and Testament,” the initial Hammer of Dawn schematic, and other Fenix family mementos.

· Epic Edition (£99.99) available exclusively at GAME and Gamestation – The ultimate collection for hardcore fans who can’t get enough “Gears of War 3,” the Epic Edition includes:
o A Limited Edition Marcus Fenix Statue – Designed by Epic Games Art Director Chris Perna and expertly crafted by the artisans at Triforce, this fine PVC statue collectible makes the ultimate living room centrepiece for any true “Gears” fan.
§ Dimensions: height 285 mm (11.2 in.), diameter 225 mm (8.9 in.).
§ Weight: 1.7 kg (3.7 lb.)
o The Art and Design of Gears of War by Tom Bissell – Through unprecedented access to the Epic Games team, acclaimed author Tom Bissell (Extra Lives) gives readers an incisive behind-the-scenes glimpse into one of the most celebrated sagas in video game history with 96 pages of interviews, photos, concept artwork and more.
o Infected Omen Weapon Pack — Custom multiplayer skins for the game’s five starting weapons; Lancer, Retro Lancer, Hammerburst, Sawed-off Shotgun, and Gnasher Shotgun.
o All the contents of the “Gears of War 3” Limited Edition.

The “Gears of War 3” Limited Edition and Epic Edition are the only ways to obtain these high-end collectibles and downloadable content. With production values worthy of the most discerning fans, the “Gears of War 3” Epic Edition is available in very limited quantities and only while supplies last.

For additional information on “Gears of War 3,” please visit gearsofwar.xbox.com.”

Are these limited editions appealing to anybody, or, will the budget concious prevail?