Games Where Collecting Items Unlocks Director Commentary

Video game enthusiasts often seek to understand the creative process behind their favorite titles. Many developers include director commentary tracks that reveal secrets about design choices and technical challenges. Players frequently must explore the game world to find specific collectibles or earn currency to access these audio insights. This list highlights fifty games where gathering items or achieving specific goals unlocks developer commentary.

‘BioShock Remastered’ (2016)

Players must explore the underwater city of Rapture to find hidden Golden Reels scattered across various levels. Each collected reel unlocks a video episode featuring creative director Ken Levine and lead animator Shawn Robertson. These videos discuss the artistic influences and technical hurdles faced during development. Finding all the reels provides a comprehensive look at the making of this atmospheric shooter.

‘Firewatch’ (2016)

The developer commentary in this game takes the form of an Audio Tour mode that players can activate. You must locate cassette tape stations placed throughout the Wyoming wilderness to hear the developers discuss the narrative and design. These physical items in the world encourage exploration while offering behind-the-scenes stories. The commentary stations appear as scavenger hunt items distinct from the main game objects.

‘The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay’ (2004)

Players unlock the commentary mode by finding cigarette packs hidden throughout the prison facility. Collecting these packs is a secondary objective that encourages thorough exploration of the dark environments. Once unlocked, the commentary provides insights from the Starbreeze Studios team about the stealth mechanics and graphical innovations. This feature was a rare addition for first-person shooters at the time.

‘Mark of the Ninja’ (2012)

You can unlock a developer commentary track by finding hidden scrolls within the levels. Activating this mode places thought bubbles throughout the stages that explain the stealth systems and level design. The developers discuss the challenges of creating a 2D stealth game with fluid animation. These collectibles add significant replay value for fans interested in game design.

‘Tomb Raider: Anniversary’ (2007)

Players must locate hidden Relics and Artifacts to unlock various bonus features including the director commentary. These collectibles are often tucked away in hard-to-reach areas that require precise platforming skills. The commentary features Jason Botta and Toby Gard discussing the task of remaking the classic original game. Unlocking this content rewards the most dedicated explorers.

‘Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune’ (2007)

Treasure hunters must find hidden artifacts throughout the game to earn points for the rewards store. These points allow players to purchase the developer commentary videos and skins. The team at Naughty Dog discusses the transition to the PlayStation 3 hardware and the creation of Nathan Drake. Collecting every treasure is necessary to afford all the unlockable content.

‘Uncharted 2: Among Thieves’ (2009)

Finding hidden treasures in this sequel grants currency that players use to unlock bonus materials. The commentary tracks reveal how the team built the massive set pieces and improved the combat mechanics. Naughty Dog refined their motion capture process for this title and they discuss it at length. Dedicated players must search every corner of the linear levels to earn enough points.

‘Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception’ (2011)

The tradition of collecting hidden treasures to buy bonus content continues in the third entry of the series. Players earn in-game money by finding relics which can then be spent on the developer commentary options. The discussions focus on the simulation of sand and water effects used in the desert and ocean sequences. Completing the treasure set is a major goal for completionists.

‘Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End’ (2016)

Nathan Drake’s final adventure features numerous hidden pirate treasures that award points for the extras menu. Spending these points unlocks a toggle for developer commentary during cutscenes and gameplay. The directors discuss the emotional weight of concluding the series and the technical advancements of the PlayStation 4. Thorough exploration is required to access these production insights.

‘Uncharted: The Lost Legacy’ (2017)

Players explore the Western Ghats to find tokens and treasures that serve as currency for the bonus menu. Unlocking the commentary reveals details about shifting the protagonist role to Chloe Frazer. The developers explain the challenges of creating a semi-open world segment within the franchise. Collecting all optional items provides enough points to purchase every bonus feature.

‘The Last of Us Remastered’ (2014)

Survivors must scavenge for Firefly pendants and artifacts to earn points for the bonus exchange system. These points can be redeemed to unlock commentary for the cinematic cutscenes. Neil Druckmann and the main cast discuss the motion capture performances and character motivations. Finding these narrative items rewards players with a deeper understanding of the story.

‘The Last of Us Part II’ (2020)

Players gather trading cards and coins throughout the campaign to accumulate points for the extras shop. This currency allows users to purchase the director commentary track for the game’s cinematics. The discussion covers the complex narrative structure and the technical leaps in facial animation. Diligent scavenging is essential to afford this behind-the-scenes content.

‘Ratchet & Clank: Going Commando’ (2003)

Insomniac Games included a developer commentary mode that is unlocked by earning Skill Points. Players obtain Skill Points by completing specific hidden challenges within the levels. The commentary describes the rush to release a sequel one year after the original game. Mastering the game mechanics is the only way to hear these development stories.

‘Ratchet & Clank: Up Your Arsenal’ (2004)

You must earn Skill Points by performing distinct feats of combat or exploration to unlock the commentary. The developers discuss the introduction of multiplayer modes and the expansion of the weapon upgrade system. This feature provides a humorous and informative look at the production cycle. Players must experiment with gadgets to discover all the hidden objectives.

‘Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction’ (2007)

Collecting Gold Bolts and earning Skill Points grants access to various cheats and the developer commentary. The team discusses the shift to high-definition graphics on the PlayStation 3 hardware. They also explain the design philosophy behind the new Pixar-like animation style. Only the most skilled players will unlock every available bonus option.

‘Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time’ (2009)

Players unlock the commentary mode by gathering Zoni and completing Skill Point challenges. The discussion focuses on the time-manipulation mechanics and the emotional story arc for Clank. Insomniac Games provides detailed anecdotes about level design and cut content. Completing these optional tasks extends the gameplay significantly.

‘Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus’ (2002)

Master Thief Sprints require players to race through levels against the clock to unlock developer commentary. The commentary tracks play over the cutscenes and explain the artistic direction of the cel-shaded world. Sucker Punch Productions discusses the influences from comic books and heist movies. Speed and precision are necessary to access these audio rewards.

‘Star Wars Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader’ (2001)

Pilots must earn medals on various missions to unlock the audio commentary for the game. The developers at Factor 5 discuss the techniques used to push the GameCube hardware to its limits. They reveal how they recreated the iconic trench run and space battles from the films. High scores and fast completion times are required to earn the necessary medals.

‘Star Wars Rogue Squadron III: Rebel Strike’ (2003)

Earning gold medals across the campaign missions unlocks the commentary track for this sequel. The team discusses the addition of on-foot missions and the complexities of the new engine. Factor 5 provides technical insights into their lighting and sound design choices. Players must master every vehicle to access the full array of bonus content.

‘Spider-Man’ (2002)

Players earn points by finding golden spider icons and completing combat challenges to unlock the production gallery and commentary. The developers discuss the challenges of creating a web-swinging mechanic that felt authentic. Stan Lee also provides voice-over work for some of the bonus content. Exploration of the city skyline is key to finding the necessary collectibles.

‘Spider-Man 2’ (2004)

You must collect tokens and complete Hint Marker challenges to earn points for the rewards store. The commentary explains the physics-based swinging system that defined the genre. Treyarch developers discuss the integration of the open-world mission structure. Accumulating enough hero points requires saving citizens and stopping random crimes.

‘Indigo Prophecy’ (2005)

Players find bonus points hidden in the environment to unlock special features in the main menu. These points allow access to the director commentary and making-of videos. David Cage discusses the interactive drama format and the motion capture technology. Thorough investigation of every scene is required to find the floating bonus icons.

‘Heavy Rain’ (2010)

Completing the game with different endings and finding bonuses unlocks the developer commentary videos. Quantic Dream explains the complex branching narrative and the casting process. The directors discuss the difficulties of managing a script with four playable protagonists. Players must replay chapters to uncover all the hidden content.

‘Beyond: Two Souls’ (2013)

You unlock bonus materials by finding blue spirits hidden throughout the chapters. The commentary features Ellen Page and Willem Dafoe discussing their performance capture roles. David Cage provides insight into the supernatural themes and non-linear storytelling. Collecting the spirits requires using the entity Aiden to explore inaccessible areas.

‘Detroit: Become Human’ (2018)

Players earn points by filling out the decision flowcharts for every chapter. These points can be spent in the extras menu to unlock character models and developer videos. The team discusses the immense script and the variations in the storyline. Seeing every possible outcome is the best way to earn enough currency.

‘Primal’ (2003)

Collecting Tarot cards scattered across the demon realms unlocks concept art and developer interviews. The commentary tracks discuss the interaction between the two main characters and the combat forms. Sony Studio Cambridge explains the technical feats achieved on the PlayStation 2. Players must search hidden alcoves to complete the Tarot deck.

‘Ghosthunter’ (2003)

Capturing specific ghosts and finding hidden icons unlocks bonus content in the archives. The developers discuss the humor and horror elements blended into the game. They also explain the ghost-catching gadgets and level themes. Diligent hunting is required to fill the archive and access the extras.

‘God of War’ (2005)

Players must destroy statues and collect Phoenix Feathers to unlock treasures and making-of videos. The director commentary reveals the evolution of Kratos from concept to final character. David Jaffe discusses the combat design and the sense of scale. Finding all the secrets helps players earn the rewards.

‘God of War II’ (2007)

Collecting Cyclops Eyes and Gorgon Feathers unlocks bonus costumes and developer insights. Cory Barlog leads the commentary discussing the expanded scope and new mythological setting. The team explains the technical tricks used to create the Titan battles. Maxing out the health and magic meters is part of the unlocking process.

‘God of War III’ (2010)

finding Minotaur Horns and Godly Possessions grants access to the behind-the-scenes videos. The developers discuss the conclusion of the trilogy and the power of the PlayStation 3. They reveal details about the boss fights and the brutal finishing moves. Players must search the environment thoroughly to find the legendary items.

‘God of War: Chains of Olympus’ (2008)

Completing the game and finding all the Gorgon Eyes unlocks the developer videos for this portable entry. Ready at Dawn discusses the challenge of shrinking the epic formula for the PSP. They explain the control scheme adaptations and lighting effects. Collecting every upgrade item is essential for 100% completion.

‘God of War: Ghost of Sparta’ (2010)

Players must locate hidden relics and upgrade chests to unlock the Temple of Zeus bonuses. The commentary covers the backstory of Kratos’ brother and the underwater gameplay sections. The developers discuss pushing the handheld hardware to its absolute limit. Finding the relics requires keen observation during exploration.

‘The Dark Pictures Anthology: Man of Medan’ (2019)

finding secrets and pictures throughout the ghost ship unlocks interview clips in the special features menu. The developers discuss the branching horror narrative and the co-op mechanics. Supermassive Games explains the research into real-world myths. Players must examine every interactive object to fill the secrets registry.

‘The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope’ (2020)

You must discover secrets hidden in the fog-covered town to unlock the behind-the-scenes footage. The team discusses the witchcraft themes and the creature designs. The commentary reveals how the actors handled the motion capture sessions. Thorough exploration is vital to understanding the full lore and unlocking the extras.

‘The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes’ (2021)

Collecting stone tablets and journals unlocks the curator’s cut and production interviews. The developers explain the setting of the Iraq War and the subterranean horror elements. They discuss the monster design and the character relationships. Finding every piece of lore is a challenge for dedicated horror fans.

‘The Dark Pictures Anthology: The Devil in Me’ (2022)

Players find obols and business cards to unlock dioramas and developer interviews. The discussion focuses on the slasher movie influences and the trap mechanics. Supermassive Games reveals the design process for the murder hotel layout. Collecting the internal currency allows players to buy the bonus features.

‘Until Dawn’ (2015)

Finding Totems and clues scattered around the mountain unlocks “The Making of Until Dawn” videos. The developers discuss the butterfly effect system and the horror tropes they utilized. They explain the challenges of creating a game where any character can die. Completing the clue lines provides the full backstory and bonus content.

‘The Quarry’ (2022)

Players must collect Tarot cards during the chapters to unlock insight readings and production features. The director discusses the 80s horror vibe and the large ensemble cast. Supermassive Games explains the lighting techniques used for the night scenes. finding the cards often requires choosing specific paths in the story.

‘Resident Evil 5’ (2009)

Destructible BSAA Emblems are hidden throughout the campaign levels. Shooting these emblems earns points that players can exchange for figurines and filter modes. While not a traditional audio track, these unlockables include developer notes on character design. Players must search high and low to find every blue emblem.

‘Resident Evil 6’ (2012)

You must shoot Serpent Emblems hidden in the four different campaigns to unlock files and figures. The files contain developer insights into the lore and creature origins. Capcom included detailed notes about the intersecting storylines. Finding all emblems requires playing through every character’s perspective.

‘Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening’ (2005)

Completing the game and earning high style rankings unlocks the gallery and developer videos. The team discusses the introduction of the style system and the younger version of Dante. Hideaki Itsuno explains the focus on difficult, high-speed combat. Players must master the combo system to see everything.

‘Devil May Cry 4’ (2008)

Collecting Proud Souls and Red Orbs allows players to unlock artwork and production notes. The developers discuss the introduction of Nero and his Devil Bringer arm. They explain the challenge of balancing two different playable characters. Accumulating enough currency requires stylish play and exploration.

‘Bayonetta’ (2009)

Players earn Halos by defeating angels and finding hidden Alfheim portals. These Halos can be spent to unlock the developer commentary book and concept art. PlatinumGames discusses the flamboyant action style and character design. Earning millions of Halos is necessary to buy the most expensive secrets.

‘Bayonetta 2’ (2014)

Collecting Halos and Bewitchments unlocks the gallery and commentary options. The director explains the colorful art style and the larger-than-life summon attacks. The team discusses the collaborative process with Nintendo for this exclusive title. High-level play is rewarded with more currency for the shop.

‘The Wonderful 101’ (2013)

You must collect O-Parts and secret files to unlock the gallery and Bottle Cap achievements. The detailed files include director commentary on the superhero homage concepts. Hideki Kamiya’s team explains the Unite Morph mechanics. Finding every secret requires mastering the drawing controls.

‘Viewtiful Joe’ (2003)

Collecting film reels and earning V-Points unlocks the production art and character profiles. The developers discuss the cel-shaded comic book aesthetic and the time manipulation powers. They explain the homage to tokusatsu TV shows. High scores are needed to purchase the unlockable characters and extras.

‘Tomb Raider: Legend’ (2006)

Finding bronze, silver, and gold rewards hidden in the levels unlocks developer interviews and object models. The team at Crystal Dynamics discusses rebooting the franchise and modernizing Lara Croft. They explain the physics-based puzzles and the exotic locations. The gold rewards are particularly difficult to locate.

‘Tomb Raider: Underworld’ (2008)

Players must locate hidden treasures and relics to access the concept art and production notes. The developers discuss the conclusion of the trilogy’s storyline. They explain the new motion capture animations for Lara. Thorough swimming and climbing are required to find the relics.

‘Hitman 3’ (2021)

The Deluxe Edition includes director commentary introduced as mission starting points. Players must complete specific escalation contracts or challenges to fully utilize the deluxe content. The developers at IO Interactive discuss the level design of locations like Dubai and Dartmoor. Mastering the assassination methods unlocks further mastery levels.

‘Turok: Dinosaur Hunter’ (2015)

The remaster of this classic shooter requires players to find purple icons to unlock developer signatures and commentary. Nightdive Studios included these secrets to reward exploration of the maze-like levels. The commentary discusses the fog mechanics of the N64 original. Players must check every corner of the jungle to find the icons.

Share your favorite developer commentary track in the comments.