There are many games out there clamoring for your hard earned money. They all try to dazzle you with fancy artwork, big name stars, and amazing graphics; but, what makes a game fun and what makes a game look good are two separate things.

The majority of your purchases will be dictated by what type of game you prefer. While we prefer RPG and Adventure games, other people prefer sports and action games, and still others prefer puzzle and mystery games. While there are a vast number of game genres out there, there simple tips will help you get the most bang for your buck.

• Listen to reviewers, but don't depend on them. Reviewers are often pressed for time and while big name games (Final Fantasy, Zelda, Metal Gear Solid, etc...) can garner a very in-depth review, most games are only played for one or two hours before a final verdict is made. What should you look for in a review?
  • Graphics
  • Gameplay
  • Controls
  • Bugs

  Each of these will manifest themselves throughout the game. If the game has any of these problems in the few hours the reviewer had with the game, then you can be certain that those problems will continue to manifest themselves in the rest of the game.

• Narrow your scope. When I go shopping for a video game I try to limit the genre of game I'm going to pick up. While I like to keep my options open, there are too many games in too many categories for me to make a decision on. The more I focus on one (or two) genres, the faster I can make my decision.

• How much value does this game offer for your dollar? This is the meat of your decision. To better answer this question, I break value up into several categories:
  • How much time does it take to beat the game? This depends on what type of game you're looking for. If you want an expansive RPG you probably don't want to pick up Tetris (of course, if you're looking for a quick 'pick up and play' game, Oblivion isn't your cup of tea).

  • Can the game be replayed? You can start every game over, but they often get repetitive; for example, playing Halo 2's single-player missions a second time around tend to get boring.

  • Does the game offer multiplayer/online play? Supporting multiple players can help extend the life of the game ten-fold. With its online component, Halo 2 has managed to be a stable game that I go back to again and again.

  • What content does the game offer? In other words: what reward system does the game use? Are you able to unlock features or components of the game, or is it a linear game? Generally speaking, games that offer "unlockables" also offer more content, thus more bang for your buck.

By asking yourself these simple questions you can separate yourself from the marketing hype and determine if you're going to have a fun time with the game you're going to purchase.