Just wait

The beta run of the video game StackExchange is chugging along nicely.

Recently some poor soul, stricken with buyer’s remorse (I bought an awful game, what now?!) asked about any recourse for bad, expensive PC games.

My answer (surprisingly well-received – top answer):

I think research before buying is the best answer (as many have already said – especially demos, videos of actual gameplay and reputable reviews sites).

But I’d like to add: wait. The game will still be there in 6-12 months, but:

• Less $ wasted: you can buy it on sale on steam (often for as low as $5-10 at some point in the first year or two after release)
• More honest reviews: the reviewers will get over their initial excitement. If the game was really good (once they look back, with the benefit of hindsight) they’ll put it in a “best games of the year” list.
• Maybe even better visuals: you may have upgraded to a faster PC by then

It may seem hard to wait, but there are a million other things to do while you wait: sports, social life, novels, movies, study, family, travel, learning… and if that doesn’t appeal to you: have you really played through all of the best games of all time already?