Rayny

Here is my worst experience on eBay. One time I bid on 3 VHS horror movies (yes, it was many years ago. LOL) from this one seller. The seller sold movies regularly. The package must have gotten ripped up during the delivery stage because you could see where some postal employee taped the envelope shut. It was a mess. LOL Anyway, when it arrived, 2 of the 3 movies were included. I emailed the seller, but I was actually ok with it. I seen that they'd mailed it, but things happen! Anyway, the seller told me they'd back order the movie and once it arrived, they'd send it to me. It was an old movie, so it wasn't something they could just place an order for. Remember how that used to be? LOL Anyway, months passed and I had forgotten all about it. Then one day out of the blue, that movie arrived with a bag of microwave popcorn. Since '99, this is my worst horror story. I can't begin to state how much money I've saved thru the years via video games and DVDs (brand new). I could probably get ripped off 20 times in a row and it still wouldn't have been as expensive as buying in the store. It's nice paying $30 for that $50 (in store) video game. It's nice too paying $10.00 for that DVD that's $20.00 in the store. This includes shipping and if bought locally, I'd owe 6% tax too. As for the gift cards. I know for some restaurant gift cards, there is a company that sells them and they get them at a reduced cost. Those savings are passed on to the buyers that bid. I've seen them go for more than face value too, so sometimes, there is no savings at all.

I've had luck with eBay. Knocking on wood here!! I did one time want to bid on some Red Lobster gift cards once though. After checking carefully at this seller's feedback, I didn't think his auctions were on the up and up. He had like 20 or so positive feedbacks, but upon checking those autions, he'd bid on things that cost $0.01 to $0.25 to get his feedback up. Most being closer to the $0.01 figure. I'll probably get flamed, but I emailed everyone who'd bid on all his auctions that he may not be on the up and up. Everyone had already paid. About 4 of them emailed me later to say they did get ripped off. I just knew it. IMO, if you're careful, you should do ok. Of course, it's always a risk though. I've been a member since late '99 and so far, so good.

I just bought 5 new games from eBay today! I wouldn't begin to say how much money I saved. I hope this is allowed too. I go to this site regularly around the holidays (had lost the link and searched for it this evening). My kids' birthdays are Nov. and Dec. too, so I have a ton of buying to do at this time of year. It has a forum for video game deals, but you will have to register to read them. This page however can be viewed without registering and it will keep you updated on all the sales (not only BF sales) on video games. I updates regularly. BTW, I seen the buy 2 get 1 free at Toys R US has passed (end of October). Sorry, we all missed it. http://www.cheapassgamer.com/

Around this time of year, Toys R Us usually runs a sale, buy 2 get 1 free. For $100 (plus tax) you could 3 $50 games. I don't know if they're running it this year or not. Last year a lot of people were buying duplicates to take back and exchange for games that were released after the sale had ended. GTA - San Andreas and Halo 2 were both released after the sale last year, and people just took advantage. They could have possibly spoiled it for all of us, but you might want to keep an eye out just in case. It has never been a BF sale though.

My kids want them because they think they're cool to take on their ONE field trip each year. LOL I don't think so! We've had so many Game Boys and they never really got into the hand helds at all. I see the PSP as being no different for them. I'll use the money and invest it in the Xbox 360 instead. My nephew on the other hand, always plays his Game Boy. He goes nowhere without it, so for someone like him, I think it would be a good gift to get.

Edit: Take note in the BB sale that it's a PC game and not a PS2 game. It's a good price if your computer can handle it.

If you can't cancel the order in time, couldn't you return it to a local store? I'd go ahead and pick the cheaper one up while you can get it for that price. Check out Amazon too 1st (toysrus online). I was just there and I wouldn't swear to it, but I thought I seen that one for $19.99. I was looking thru Xbox games though, so I'm not sure if it's the same for PS2. Make sure you're not talking the new release title too, because there is now, Call of Duty and Call of Duty 2. The new one is $50.00.

What kind of games do you like to play? Will you be taking the system online? IMO, if you like RPGs the best, especially Japanese ones, the PS2 is your best bet. If however, you like shooting games, Xbox is your best bet. Both systems have excellent racers out there as well as sports (but you're not interested in sports). Xbox is Live ready out of the box, but you have to pay like $50 or $60 for the year for it. What's nice about it though is, say they put out extra content for a game. You at that time can decide if you want to pay $5.00 for the download. It keeps developers working on the game and it makes that game that much more appealing to you. IMO, it really lets you play games for a longer period of time and I think it makes the initial investment go that much further. If you want to take the PS2 online, some tout that you don't have any fees to pay. While this is certainly true, you will need to invest in a modem as well as a hard drive for the PS2. Add it up, and I'd bet it was around the same if not more to take it online than the yearly dues for Xbox Live. Especially now when you consider the PS3 is right around the corner. I doubt you'd get much use from it. I just feel you should buy whichever system is going to suit you the best. It may take a little homework on your part to determine which that might be, but it will be so worth it in the end. Check out http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/simpleratings.asp and see how the games stack up. Enter in Xbox, PS2, or Gamecube. Off to the left there is a search box. You can type in any game and you can read the various reviews from gaming sites. My two personal favorites are IGN and GameSpot.

I was surprised it wasn't listed yet too. I guess we'll have to keep waiting, eh?

I don't know how strange it is, but my daughter wants a chair that says (it rhymes with witch) on it. It is really cute though. I don't know if she's getting it or not though. Hubby definitely won't like it.

I would have to 2nd these recommendations! I only have Beyond Good and Evil for the Xbox though, but truly an awesome game, and Eternal Darkness is as well. Resident Evil 4 is only available on the Gamecube too, and it was beyond excellent! Get the kids Animal Crossing, Pikman, Pikman 2, Mario Sunshine, Viewtiful Joe, Super Monkey Ball 1 and 2, Paper Mario, Mario Kart Double Dash....I'm sure there are tons more, but all these are ONLY available on the Cube. What a loss for those who don't get to experience them.

I don't like when I see anyone saying this system or that system is better. They each offer a lot. You really need to ask yourself what type of games you're interested in. If you like the Japanese style RPG games, the PS2 is the best choice for you. If you like more 1st and 3rd person shooters, and more American type RPGs, the Xbox is for you. If you don't care for anything but the fun factor, IMO, the Gamecube is for you. Nintendo shines here and always has. The PS2 does have a lot of games, but they also have a lot of crappy games. Don't let that be the deciding factor. All have good racing and sport games too, so that really doesn't have to weigh into the decision process. Personally, we have all 3 and are getting the Xbox 360. My son is 14 and my daughter 13. We get the most use out of Xbox and Live, followed by the Gamecube, and in our family, the PS2 comes in dead last. We don't like Japanese RPGs though.