The last year or so has been a glorious, yet stressful time for gamers. It seems by the time I am about to beat a game, a new one is knocking on my door. Because of that you or the gamer in your life may have missed some quality games. Why spend $60 on a new game or $150 on a motion accesory when you can get a whole pile of games to stock up for the winter months.
The following is a list of quality games that still have enough of that new smell on them, but can all be found on sale or used for under twenty bucks!
Bioshock 2
Despite being a well crafted sequel, Bioshock 2 didn’t exactly rock the gaming world like its predecessor. Today, the return to rapture can be found at practically the cost of the packaging and dvd it comes on. Buy on Amazon
Mass Effect 2
To me, there isn’t a single game as immersive as the Mass Effect series. Bioware are true artists and story tellers and make sure every little decision the player makes feels like it has an effect (get it?) on the story line and its world. I can not recommend this game more and with two discs packed with some of the greatest gameplay and graphics I have ever experienced, it is easily worth the discounted price. Buy on Amazon
Alan Wake
Despite being a critics darling, this inventive Stephen King inspired survival game didn’t exactly inspire sales. With DLC to sweeten the purchase, their loss is our gain! Buy on Amazon
HALO 3: ODST
About everyone with an Xbox bought the perfect HALO: Reach, but probably missed the previous installment in the HALO story which can now be found in bargain bins. Buy on Amazon
STAR WARS: The Force Unleashed
Even though its sequel was universally panned for a its short length, the first Force Unleashed was a tour-de-force (couldn’t help myself) of an action game with a story and acting far beyond anything found in the STAR WARS prequels. Plus, you buy a star destroyer out of the sky with your bare hands… so there’s that. Buy on Amazon
Beatles Rock Band
Although Rock Band 3 hit the shelves recently with a whole variety of improvements, it won’t have the Beatles catalog or likenesses found in the fab four’s own edition. If you know a Beatles fan that may have some how missed this great release despite the overwhelming press coverage, you can find this game on sale everywhere this season. Buy on Amazon
Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition
Since it includes all five DLC expansions, this package includes approximately 150 solid hours of gameplay. Although I personally prefer the new Fallout New Vegas, if you want to spare a few bucks, this is a perfect gift. With Bethesda’s almost godlike attention to detail and the brilliant VATS system, Fallout 3 is the very rate game that can be enjoyed by first person shooter and Adventure/RPG fans. Buy on Amazon
Final Fantasy 13
I was able to nab this game for $17 on Black Friday. Square Onix claims that it would take 350+ hours to complete every main and side quest, meaning 5 cents a hour of gameplay. You can’t beat that! Among the highest rated Final Fantasy games since the classic FF7, this absolutely drop dead gorgeous game is a great gift for hardcore gamers who like a bit of nostalgia. Buy on Amazon
World of Warcraft
With the entire game relaunching itself with the new expansion, Blizzard is practically giving away the earlier installments of the game. At the time of this writing, Amazon has the Battle Chest for ten bucks! What more needs to be said about WoW, it is the gold standard of online gaming and just like the Jelly of the Month Club, it is the gift that keeps giving all year with years worth of content to play and discover. Buy on Amazon
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