So... like the topic title says: What is your favorite type of computer game packaging? Personally I like the classic big box style (only if said big box contains a hefty manual). I don't know why but these cutesy little boxes don't do it for me. There's no room for a big manual with story to start you off.

I'm undecided about digital packaging via downloads like Steam. I'm a collector, and I love having a library I can put on display. I find that I am in the minority these days. I much prefer purchasing CDs than download mp3's. Albeit I rip all my CDs to mp3 immediately after purchase (yup all 600).

I could not care less about the package, what I care is the quality of the game and a big, well written manual is a definite plus. I hate when the manual is only on the CD.

Agreed, down with PDF manuals!

Living in a rather small flat makes big boxes a no-no! All that happens to them is that they get recycled. I do however agree that .pdf manuals suck! BUT having said that I very rarely read the manual anyhow (more fun to figure stuff out myself :w00t: )

No paper envelopes for CDs!

That's about it -- I can deal with PDF manuals (have a pretty hefty colour copier/printer/scanner/fax/etc at work), but I want a plastic case (either CD-style or DVD-style) with a proper insert for the discs. Buying jewel cases and printing off covers is a pain.

Because of space problem I had to throw all my game boxes. Another thing I had to throw is game cases, so I keep my games in the CD folder. Today I got only 8 original game boxes.

And yes, I like well written manuals too. Microprose was the best at manuals!

A Big box is what i prefere..

Nothing like my Colonization-kit.. With 3 extra cards, showing terain, Units and specialtist among others.. and a 80 page manual.. LOVE IT! And Red Alert... was a gem...

i HATE my "DVD-style" "boxes" (?!)... it's boooooring to have.. no color..

and OH!

MY TOTAL ANNIHILATION EXPANTION!!!
Comes with a front that opens up, and a HUGE picture of the commander inside!!

AWSOM! (will have to take a pic and show you some day!) :kosta:

My favorite box is Ultima VII. Nothing beats a cloth map! Clouds of Xeen was cool because it came with a New World Computing notepad :)

Also Ultima VIII had a cloth map. And I still have many packages of the games that I have (and I usually have only good ones) :D
Oh yes, I like the big, classic packages too. Collecting them, earlier at least, that is. Now there're not that many of them anymore, the DVD-boxes take anything over, which is not that bad as they're place-saving after all. But the classic big boxes were more cool and they had the original manual booklet which is very nice. ;)

Ultima Online also had a clothmap and I can't agree with you more on the fact that it sure was an awesome item. :D