Cash-strapped gamers forced to work to play

Personally, I buy almost all of my video game equipment used: games, systems, controllers, memory cards, strategy guides - I’m able to play more on a tight budget.

Certainly, as an avid gamer, there are exceptions. Zelda is a franchise that I will buy as soon as I can. These are games that I know are going to be worth three times the full retail value.

For me, a game’s value is determined by its replay value. This could either mean repeated runs through the main game, a plethora of mini games or just an infinite world where there is no real “end” except when you finally put the controller down; the first game that comes to mind in this department is Fallout.

As a somewhat new Mac-user, I’ve felt the scorn of having all my PC gaming ripped away. It’s hard to admit, being as dedicated to my little Apple as I am, that the Mac is worthless to me in the gaming department. The biggest deficit is surely the Fallout series. I’m a zealous Fallout fan who has yet to extensively play Fallout 3.

This is a shame.

The first two titles, along with the PC Brotherhood of Steel, were fantastic games to which I dedicated (thankfully) uncounted number of hours. While there was a linear chronology to be accomplished, the bulk of the game relied on exploring the vast post-apocalyptic wastelands of California and its outlying regions. There were caravans to guard (or raid), mutants to slaughter (or befriend) and enough weapons to moisten Rambo’s pants.

But what really matters is that I was able to buy used copies of Fallout 1 and 2 for less than $8 each. A quick Amazon.com search shows that buying the games new would run you about $30 each individually, or a bundle pack for roughly $20. These games are completely worth the full price, but I don’t have to preach the importance of thriftiness in these times.

Shops like Game Stop or EB Games are not the best way to fly when purchasing used games. Even though they have a wide variety of used trade-ins, these stores operate more along the lines of a pawn shop-mentality. For example, I went to purchase a used copy of Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles and brought a Gamecube and a copy of Call of Duty: World at War to trade. A used copy of Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles ran for $40 and after my trades were cashed I still owed $25.

Beg pardon?

I can’t abide by such senseless profiteering. That is inexcusable.

Since that unfortunate incident, as a rule, I find it important to check at least two different shops before buying a game. It’s simply a way to make sure you’re not needlessly wasting money just so a shopkeeper can make a few extra dollars off of your uninformed purchase.
As a solution (to all you slackers) I recommend eBay to all interested video gamers who are looking to buy something on the cheap ... you also don’t need to leave the house.

I’ve considered starting a Gamefly account to alleviate my pocketbook. I’m a bit bad at making enough cash to make consistent payments (ask Discover card), so that is the only reason I’ve shied away from Gamefly. You start at $8.95 per month, but it jumps to $22.95, making me wonder how long a slacker such as myself would be able to keep up with payments, especially if all my time is being spent on video games instead of work.

E-mail me if you have any cash:

slacker.solutions@gmail.com