What's It Worth?

Two PS1 games. One is a famous RPG people still talk about. The other is a strange little 2D action game most people never played. Which one's worth more?

Suikoden: about $25 loose, about $46 complete.

Silhouette Mirage: about $60 loose, about $176 complete.

It's not close. A complete Silhouette Mirage sells for almost four times a complete Suikoden. And the Suikoden people think of as big money is actually Suikoden II (about $67 loose, about $190 complete). The lesson: price the exact title, not the series, and never judge a game by how famous it is.

Doug's own photo.

This one came home from Final Boss in Culpeper, VA: Ogre Battle for the PS1, for $80. It's a deep strategy RPG from Atlus that's been climbing for years.

Doug's own photo.

Ours is tested and working, with the disc, case, and manual, but it's missing the fold-out map. Copies like that sell for about $125 to $135, and fully complete ones with the map have gone for $200 or more. So we got it about $50 under, and now we're hunting for the map.

Pricier PS1 RPGs are favorite targets for fakes. Three quick checks:

Flip the disc. A silver underside means it's a burned copy. Black is a must, but it isn't proof anymore, because newer fakes are pressed on black discs too.

Next, match the code: the SLUS number on the disc should match the spine and the back cover.

Last, a real disc boots on a stock, unmodded PS1, and most fakes don't.

Our Ogre Battle checked out: tested, working, and the real thing.

Doug's own photo.

Not sure about one of yours? Full guide: How to spot a fake retro game cartridge.

Got a game you're wondering about? Send us the title (and a photo if you have one) in our Discord or an Instagram DM, and we'll tell you about what it sells for. Free.

Want to talk games between issues? The Hero's Cache Discord is open: first looks at new finds, deal drops, and live stream alerts.