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The games change, the prices stay the same. As much as players might moan that video games cost too much, the truth is they've ALWAYS cost a lot. And though the systems themselves might be skyrocketing a bit as technology improves, those games you stick int he systems are as expensive as they've ever been. Considering that's how most of these companies make money, it's not surprising.

Yet there's no obligation to buy the games. There's always an alternative to an outright purchase: rentals. For a much smaller fee you can essentially borrow the game for a few days and, with any luck, blow through it in that time frame. Rentals can be surprisingly handy with certain titles.

Despite that, however, I wouldn't necessarily recommend renting. It's handy for older titles, that much I'll admit: often you can toss out a couple bucks for a full week's rental, grab the game and beat it in that time rather easily. This is especially true of shorter titles with few secrets - a couple hours a night will probably be enough to get your fill. I often do this with games that have been given iffy reviews, as I don't want to waste money on a game I might not enjoy.

For newer titles, though? Renting's kind of dumb. If a game just came out you'll end up paying $5 or $6, depending on where you go, for a game you'll only be able to keep for two days tops. And while this might be suggestible for REALLY short games, the longer titles are invariably going to take longer. You'd have to keep re-renting the game, and if you enjoy it that much why not just buy it?

Think of renting as an investment without a return. You're getting temporary entertainment that won't stick around in your home once the rental is up. Unless the game really isn't that great then renting's not worth it. I'd rather expand my video game collection and be able to play at my leisure than be forced to power through a game in a few days. The overall experience isn't as good if you're pressured into completion. And chances are good you won't get everything the game has to offer even if you do manage to beat it.

What's more, rentals are used games, so there's always the possibility your CD won't work in the first place. I've run into this roadblock more times than I care to think. A lot of gamers out there don't know how to treat their games, and thus are even less worried about destroying rentals.

There is one plus side to modern rentals, at least: saving. In the days of cartridges you'd lose your save game whenever the cart went back, and if you wanted to pick up where you left off you'd have to hope you snagged the exact same copy - not to mention hope somebody hadn't saved over your game. This is still applicable for Gameboy Advance and DS games, and in either case I'd just say buy rather than rent.

The best advice I can offer is at least waiting on a rental. Brand new rentals aren't worth the money you're plunking down since you only get the title for a short time. Once the title has aged a bit you'll be able to take it out for a longer time and get your money's worth.

Learn more about this author, Matt Bird.
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