Recession gaming at its finest
This article about cheap games wouldn't be complete without a crack at the recession, so here it goes... Everyone is watching where their money is going due to the current economic downturn - which is bad news for gamers. Thank goodness for investigative journalism, as this guide will suggest some good games for each platform that can pe picked up for under $50!
To begin with is the current crowd-favourite, the Nintendo Wii
Rayman Raving Rabbids - $29.99
Rayman Raving Rabbids is a fun little title for people of all ages. It follows Rayman as he is held captive by 'Rabbids' which resemble something of a humanoid rabbit. To escape he must collect plungers which he is rewarded for completing challenges. Rayman Raving Rabbids consists of a number of mini-games that provide heaps of variety, entertainment and laughs for all ages.
Red Steel - $39.99
Red Steel was released the same time as the Wii console itself, meaning that the game is relatively old - but it has aged well. Red Steel has a classic Japanese revenge story that revolves around the honour of battle, be it with sword or gun. The controls feel quite natural but for a new console convert it takes a bit of getting used to. The game feels reminiscent of the original '007: Goldeneye' for the Nintendo 64, which was undoubtedly a revolutionary game for its time. Red Steel doesn't break any barriers but will provide plenty of entertainment for the price
Then we have the ever-popular handheld console, the Nintendo DS
My Word Coach - $39.99
My Word Coach follows along the same lines as 'Brain Training' but follows specifically on developing one's vocabulary. This isn't quite your standard game but more of a self-development tool. The rewards for using the software regularly will expand the vocabulary of any person of almost any age group. A must for parents wanting to put their kids ahead the rest of the pack.
Project Rub - $19.99
Not half as dodgy as it sounds, Project Rub is a fun launch title for the NDS and features many different ways to interact with the game. You can be controlling the wheel of a car in one level, then be blowing into your DS to put wind through the sails of a yacht in the next. If you want to explore the intricacies of the DS' touchscreen and don't care much for storyline, go ahead and give Project Rub a go.
While on the continuum of handheld consoles lets look at Sony's PSP
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories - $29.99
If you are over eighteen years of age and have a yearning for some carnage, then pick up GTA: Liberty City Stories, a must-try for PSP owners. GTA:LCS features a massive open environment and a number of vehicles that can be jacked from their unfortunate owners. GTA:LCS has the same storyline composure as its PlayStation 2 counterpart 'Grand Theft Auto III', which means the game has some decent playtime within it and a very compelling plot. Well worth the money paid.
Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core - $39.99
Crisis Core has been hailed as a 'must-have' for any PSP owner. The game is packed with hours of gameplay and beautiful cinematics that form part of the massive story of the Final Fantasy VII universe. Crisis Core may come across as something a bit too deep for a handheld game, but thanks to faster-paced combat and more opportunities to save your progress, Final fantasy VII Crisis Core proves it is well worth the money you pay.
Let's take a look at the Sony PSP's big brother, the Playstation 3
Ratchet & Clank Quest for Booty - $34.99
The Ratchet & Clank series has been around since the early days of the PS2 and is very popular with kids all over New Zealand. The series has transcended onto the PS3 smoothly, but unfortunately the price of the console and the games repel parents from buying the new Sony console or games for their kids. Thankfully Ratchet & Clank: Quest for Booty provides many hours of entertainment for a low price, making it perfect for kids.
The Club - $49.99
If mindless violence is your thing then get your blood-soaked hands on 'The Club'. The game features fast-paced combat with points being awarded to linking kills and the time that you take to complete each stage. The Club wasn't exactly ground-breaking or thought-provoking but it does provide some cheap and violent thrills for the price.
Time to move on across to Microsoft's Xbox 360
Crackdown - $49.99
Crackdown is a sandbox-style game which involves the player taking the role of a genetically engineered super agent sent out to remove crime from their city. Players can increase their character's abilities by eliminating criminals, finding hidden power-ups, or completing challenges and missions. Crackdown provides an open environment that caters to your play style, whether that be all-out guns blazing or using stealth and agility to get the drop on the enemy. Hours of fun and heaps of cool challenges and achievements to complete.
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas – 39.99
RSV (Rainbow Six Vegas) is a tactical squad-based first-person shooter to cater for urban warfare enthusiasts. You control a special forces operative with command over two other troops as you play through a high-intensity story from the mind of Tom Clancy himself. The game also features online play and a co-operative mode, making for some fun firefights with your friends.
On now to a couple of good PC games to pick up for dirt cheap prices
That's Hot Range - $24.99
The 'That's Hot!' range of budget games has many good titles for a fraction of the cost when it was a new release. Most of the games in the spectrum have rated highly among gamers, making for a brand you can trust with your hard earned money. The range features titles such as Age of Empires, Prince of Persia, Splinter Cell, Ghost Recon, FarCry, Resident Evil 4, Thief III, and many others. It's hard to miss them too, just look for the flaming orange box next time you're in an store that sells video games.
Portal - $29.99
A mere thirty dollars will get your hand on one of the most loved games of the current generation. Portal is a first-person puzzle game designed to make the player think in all dimensions in order to get through each puzzle. The game is relatively short but provides heaps of entertainment as well as an intriguing storyline. If you have ever wandered why people say “The cake is a lie”, then take a peak!
All of the games listed above are brand new and are priced as an average from various stores. You will most likely find the game cheaper than stated at most stores around the country but beware those who price these games higher than what was stated in this article. Second-hand games are also well worth investigating. Exploring TradeMe, pawn shops, and any other store that sells second-hand games will reward you in getting the same product in (hopefully) decent condition for only a fraction of the brand new price. Happy bargain hunting!
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COMMENTS (23)
And the T-Hunts in Vegas are still some of my favourite Co-op times. Especially on the hardest setting, working out plans and paths etc.
$25 for PC and preowned from EB.
The Club and Crackdown are $25 preowned too.
The Club is $20 at d*ck Smith and Crisis Core is too I think.
The Club is $20 at d*ck Smith and Crisis Core is too I think.
What a dunce. I can confirm both games are under $20 at DSE because I bought them both...
Both were under $20 though.
And yes, Crisis Core is $20 at DSE. I managed to score it for $11.XX due to clearance pricing =)
i can confirm this. also i saw noels had all EA games for PS3 for $49
And also check steam, even with the exchange rate it's still a good deal.
Number 13 should be 'Trademe'.
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