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Holiday gaming on the cheap (photos)

Games are expensive, and this holiday season people are watching their budget. So when Black Friday arrives, resist the urge to go straight to the new releases rack and instead pick up a few of these gems for yourself or the gamer in your life. Besides, if you haven't played these epics before, they're new to you!

Jeff Bakalar
Jeff is CNET Editor at Large and a host for CNET video. He's regularly featured on CBS and CBSN. He founded the site's longest-running podcast, The 404 Show, which ran for 10 years. He's currently featured on Giant Bomb's Giant Beastcast podcast and has an unhealthy obsession with ice hockey and pinball.
Jeff Bakalar
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1 of 8 Gamespot

The Orange Box

Arguably one of the best values in gaming, The Orange Box packed in a whopping total of five games onto one disc.

Lowest price online:
$20 (Xbox 360)
$20 (PS3)
$28 (PC)
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2 of 8 Gamespot

Dead Space

This terrifying adventure through an abandoned space station was one of 2008's best.  Just a year later, it's available online for as low as $15.

Lowest price online:
$15 (Xbox 360)
$19 (PS3)
$27 (PC)
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3 of 8 Gamespot

Uncharted: Drake's Fortune

Before the events of Uncharted 2, Nathan Drake found himself in an entirely different treasure-chasing adventure.  Guide him through jungles and ruins in the original game that started it all.

Lowest price online:
$27 (PS3)
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4 of 8 Gamespot

Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure

While critically acclaimed, Zack & Wiki did not receive the mainstream success it deserved.  Praised for its innovative use of Wii controls, it's easily one of the best third-party games available on the system. If you own a Wii, this is a must-have title.

Lowest price online:
$30 (Wii)
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5 of 8 Gamespot

BioShock

If you've never made the trip to Rapture, what are you waiting for?  Before BioShock 2 hits in February 2010, make sure you play the original epic.

Lowest price online:
$19 (Xbox 360)
$19 (PS3)
$20 (PC)
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6 of 8 Gamespot

Resident Evil 4: Wii edition

While Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition is a GameCube remake, its graphics still hold up by today's standards.  Arguably the best game in the series, Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition improved on the original by adding intuitive motion controls.

Lowest price online:
$12 (Wii)
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7 of 8 Gamespot

Grand Theft Auto IV

The first GTA game in HD, Grand Theft Auto IV blew audiences away with its lifelike city and cinematic storyline.  This achievement in gaming is now available for less than $20.

Lowest price online:
$18 (Xbox 360)
$27 (PS3)
$20 (PC)

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8 of 8 Gamespot

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patroits

Possibly the PlayStation 3's biggest game to date, Metal Gear Solid 4 featured eye-popping graphics and an incredibly in-depth and complex storyline.  Amazingly, this masterpiece can now be had for less than $30.

Lowest price online:
$27 (PS3)

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