This article is dedicated for all those gamers who have just purchased a console and are looking for great games without continuing the bank breaking. The following games are great choices for any gamer to purchase, and they have a smaller price tag (I will include $30 and below). Keep in mind that the prices are for NEW games only, and you would probably find them used for cheaper, but we all would rather give the little difference to the developer rather than the supplier, right? Oh, and just to make sure, I did my research at my friendly local Gamestop, you might also find better deals in sites like Amazon. Great, let’s carry on:

30$ Price Tag:
Granted, it may still be a little high, but at least you get them new. The two games on this list will offer high value for their price, featuring good and long single player campaigns and a robust multiplayer component:

Far Cry 2 (XBOX 360, PS3)

Far Cry 2 takes place in an African nation where two rival factions are duking it out for control over the country. It’s an open world First Person Shooter that has the player tackling objectives at his leisure. Far Cry 2 features a large expanse of territory where you are free to explore and experiment with objectives and characters. In fact, the NPCs play a very big role in the game and your decisions on how to interact with them affect the overall outcome. It has very pretty graphics and boasts a campaign that could last to the upwards of 25 hours. It also has a pretty decent multiplayer – although I’m not sure if it remains popular.

Amazon – Get it for Xbox 360 ($27.99)

Amazon – Get it for PS3 ($27.99)

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3)

One of only 2 perfect scores this generation on IGN.com, MGS4 is one of the greatest gaming experiences of all time. It features a rich and powerful story, amazing graphics, varied gameplay and one of the best characters out there – Old Snake. The campaign will have you mesmerized with its twists and turns, and even though the length of the cutscenes can be a little off-putting, their delivery and power is well worth it. MGS4 also comes with a solid multiplayer called MGO that still enjoys some very decent activity, if you don’t own this game, stop reading and go buy it now!

Amazon – Get it for ($27.99)

$20 Price Tag:
Ahh much better. These games have a very enticing price, and offer an incredible experience, even back when they used to cost $60. These are must have games not only for their price, but also for their quality.

Bioshock (XBOX 360)

I included the 360 version only because it’s $10 cheaper than its PS3 counterpart, although exactly the same in every other aspect. This game is a must have masterpiece, and every gamer should experience the wonders of Rapture at least once. I already wrote an extensive impression on this game (even though it’s filled with spoilers, so don’t read it if you haven’t played it), and I have nothing but praise for the game. The ambience, script, voice acting, story and graphics must be among the best this generation. This is a highly stylized, smart, and deep game that everyone should play.

Amazon – Get it for Xbox 360 ($19.99)

Amazon – Get it for PS3 ($27.99)

Amazon – Bioshock & The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion Bundle ($39.99)

Burnout Paradise (XBOX 360, PS3)

This game is a must for any racing fan out there. It features gorgeous graphics, incredible crash animations, and all around fun gameplay. The base game goes for $20, but a slew of updates can be purchased afterward. Criterion Games has established a policy of continued support for its title, and it now features 9 different DLC packs. From extra cars to bikes and new locales, Burnout offers something for everyone, and if the game grows on you, you can purchase the packs and expand your racing library.

Amazon – Get it for Xbox 360 ($19.99)

Amazon – Get it for PS3 ($19.99)

The Orange Box (XBOX360, PS3)

The Orange Box contains 5 games in the disc: Half Life 2, Half Life 2: Episode 1, Half Life 2: Episode 2, Team Fortress 2, and Portal. All the games featured on the disc are very good games; the Half Life franchise is iconic in the video game world as one of the best First Person Shooters out there, complete with an engaging story, and some great mechanics that prompted many emulations throughout the years. Team Fortress 2 is an incredibly fun multiplayer only game that focuses on classes, each with their own weaknesses and strengths, as well as outrageous personalities. Finally, Portal is a puzzle game with teleportation mechanics, it is very short, but one of those games that won’t cease to amaze you, thanks to its depth from an apparently simple premise. A word of advice though, if you are torn between the two versions, go XBOX360, it has much less bugs, and a more active community playing Team Fortress 2. If you only have a PS3, get it anyways, its $4 per game ;)

Amazon – Get it for Xbox 360 ($18.99)

Amazon – Get it for PS3 ($27.99)

All right bargain hunters, go out and get them. Again, you may find better deals from used games, but if you’re like me and don’t mind paying the extra $5 to benefit the developer rather than the supplier, then go new, more people win.