Let’s look at the lovely BUSTAFELLOWS collector’s edition

Visual novel fans — particularly otome enthusiasts — are doubtless aware that the long-awaited English version of BUSTAFELLOWS is out tomorrow, and we’ve been fortunate enough to get our hands on a copy of the lovely BUSTAFELLOWS collector’s edition that is still available for preorder via our friends at Funstock.

With that in mind, we thought it prudent to show you exactly what you get in said limited edition, so if you haven’t yet pulled the trigger on this lovely commemorative edition of one of the best visual novels in recent memory, you might be tempted to do so! And if you need further convincing, be sure to check out our initial thoughts on this wonderful game right here.

Here it is. This is the Switch version; as with most recent limited edition releases of console games, the actual game comes outside of the BUSTAFELLOWS Collector’s Edition box, but will fit neatly into it once you’ve unwrapped it all, particularly if you remove the protective foam insert that stops everything rattling around in transit.

We know how much you all love a good oshiri here, so here’s the backside of the BUSTAFELLOWS Collector’s Edition. Note how the large box is designed to resemble the metallic case that Limbo dramatically drops dirty cash out of at the conclusion of the game’s first chapter.

Inside the Switch case, we have the French warning leaflet that seems to be an obligatory inclusion in European releases these days — and some lovely in-sleeve art.

Here’s that art in all its glory. Look at the lovely men. Look at Teuta in her tights. Something for everyone to enjoy right here.

Inside the box, you’ll find a copy of Scarecrow’s Mixtape, which is, of course, on a CD. Rather endearingly, this is designed to look like something a friend has burned for you — complete with hastily sketched “label art” in Sharpie — rather than an “official” release.

Then we have the New Sieg People Weekly, a magazine-style artbook exclusive to the BUSTAFELLOWS Collector’s Edition that contains concept sketches, character art and event scenes.

There are, of course, spoilers in the artbook, so be aware of that before diving into it. We’re not talking in-depth character and plot analysis or anything, but you might see a few event scenes before you’ve come across them in the game. This also seems like a good time to remind everyone that developer Extend has politely requested that people refrain from posting videos, screenshots and game text from anything beyond the first chapter online — give people a few weeks to enjoy the game before declaring your undying love for [insert favourite BUSTAFELLOW here] in the most spoileriffic manner possible.

Conveniently, the magazine also features a full track list for Scarecrow’s Mixtape, so if you don’t like surprises coming out of your CD player (you still have a CD player, right?) then you can prepare yourself in advance for each of the 27 tracks here.

A fair chunk of the book is taken up with character profiles and sketches like this — including both main and side cast members. Here’s Carmen, inimitable mistress of order-in cuisine.

There’s also plenty of other concept art and sketches throughout the book, so if you wanted to see how the character designs came to be, there’s lots to enjoy here.

Finally, the BUSTAFELLOWS Collector’s Edition includes a series of six eminently frameable art cards showing Teuta in some racy situations with the fellas. Look what a good boi Scarecrow is in comparison to all those other filthy men. Look how Teuta reflects the wholesomeness of the scene with that cosy Aran jumper. Lovely.

And that’s that! The BUSTAFELLOWS Collector’s Edition is one of several examples of PQube’s recent limited editions that I personally really like. They’re not overly extravagant (and very affordable as a result), but they come with some nice extras to make the investment in a physical version worthwhile — and both their form factor and the goodies included remind me of classic boxed releases for home computers, particularly back in the days of the Atari ST and Amiga.

Speaking as an old fart in gaming terms, that latter aspect in particular pleases me enormously — I’d happily see that become the norm again, but for now I’ll continue to enjoy lovely boxed copies like this one. And you can join me if you preorder a copy here!

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