As I understand it an 85 is not mediocre but rather what most of us would consider mint.

**directly from VGA provided description**

The VGA Silver level consists of the grades 85, 80, and 75. The items that receive these grades are in excellent condition. An item graded an 85 will often be referred to as 'case fresh' and should be very close to gold level condition. The term 'case fresh' is certainly justifiable as the average item pulled from a sealed case will grade an 85 due to small flaws which occur when the items are packaged or shipped in the case.

So, average for an uncirculated sealed game.

Just like there are average unread uncirculated comics, and they receive 8.0-9.0 grades.

It's the really pristine ones that get the attention, and the big figures. The ones that truly stand out.

Sounds right to me. 85 = nothing special

I have a few of these coming my way pretty soon and am curious to see the difference between an 85 and 90. From everyone I've spoken to 85s are beautiful, just like was posted above.

Oh god...

vga = collectors fucked.. morons, something to brag about

I just don't understand why you would pay a premium for a graded game, when a 85 is pretty much the norm.
Like Dan said, eh.. an 90-95 okay cool get yourself a bit of a premium for finding something not like MANY others.

I feel that the only good that VGA does is provide proof that a factory seal is a factory seal <--That in some cases is
worth the fee. Purchasing a graded game cause its the norm. in a case is r-tarded.