When buying any video game aside from an extremely recent one, I ask for advice from a select few B8'ers (not mentioning names here). Purchases of extra-recent video games depends on whether or not I'm into the franchise in question at the time - for instance, last year I was into the Mario and Metroid franchises, so I bought both of those franchises' 2010 installments.
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Currently Playing - StarCraft
Hopefully Next Up - Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, Brood War