With newly-released PS3 games in the UK generally released at a consumer-unfriendly price (usually in excess of 29.99) it is a consideration to wait some short months for a price-discount by customer-hungry retailers - slashing prices drastically in an effort to encourage gamers to part with their cash on new titles.
Sony have their own 'Platinum' label - where big-selling releases are re-branded and sell for around 50% less than six months previously. In a sense, it pays to be very patient (if you can) to wait for games to be released this way - it seems more and more are re-branded in this way each year.
So with games cheaper than they've ever been - what are some 'steals' out there that any self-respecting gamer should snap up at the 'bargain basement' these days.
Killzone 2 (Sony Platinum)
A superior sequel to the original 'Killzone' in every definable way. Setting the bar at a height that many will never reach in terms of a quality-produced FPS game. With a fairly basic scenario about invading the home-world of the Helghast, each level is packed with explosive action that is unrelenting in its power and visceral imagery that few games can ever hope to achieve.
Single-player can be played through in a fair number of attempts; the game does have a number of difficulty levels to prolong the challenge - added to that is a robust multiplayer online game that is quick and easy to access and to play. A 'must-own' for all shooter fans.
GTA:IV (Sony Platinum)
The Grand Theft Auto series continues to supersede itself with each new release - 'GTA: IV' can be considered to be a contender of being the very best that Rockstar Games have ever produced. Featuring a fully-realised 'Liberty City' - there is a distinct sense of an ongoing world in this edition of GTA - more so than even the massive 'San Andreas' game on the PS2.
Characters might be as stereotyped as they've always been in these games but the missions, cars, locations and the overall look and style of the game is what will impress you from the very beginning (a dark and stormy night has never looked so good!).
Ratchet and Clank: Tools of Destruction (Sony Platinum)
Don't be fooled by the cartoon-like look of a Ratchet and Clank title - this adventure takes the twosome on another wild and crazy adventure across the galaxy. The subtitle is an indication of what lies ahead - with many, many weapons to choose from during your quests, you're sure to find favourite 'Tools' to vanquish your enemies as you go.
Luscious graphics are throughout the game - a true example of just what skilled artists can do given the time and budget - platform games should all try and look as good as this one does. It also plays as smooth as it looks so all abilities can give this a try.
Bio-shock (2K Games)
Thrown into a bizarre world where perfection was a goal but never achieved - the world of Bio-shock is a mix of shoot-'em up and adventure game. Aimed at the more mature player - the experience is a brutal one, never knowing what horrors lie around the atmospheric ruins of a once paradise-like underwater city.
Stunning visuals accompany spooky sound effects with the player never really left at ease with the strange series of events unfolding before them. With a sequel on the way - this is a spectacular foundation to build upon.
Dead Space (EA)
Believe the hype - any fan of films like 'Alien' or 'Aliens' will be instantly hooked by the ramped-up tension in this slice-'em up (the best words to describe the main action). From eerie-looking corridors of a stricken ship to the nerve-jangling action scenes when the alien mutants are bursting out of the walls at you - this is a real fright-fest of a game.
As your mission slowly falls apart you get a real sense of tension as you wander the ship; struggling to survive the onslaught before you. With some fantastic artwork and absorbing gameplay - this game works on all levels - action and horror fans will find a new 'best game' here.
With games in general at some of the lowest prices you're likely to ever see in the UK - it has never been a better time to pickup some quality titles you may have overlooked recently.