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Good news for computer gamers who don't want to blow $50 on the latest titles, or for those whose computer is so old it chokes on loading Windows Solitaire : The "bargain bin" at your local electronics store has a few buried gems in the pile.
Sure, you need to roll up your sleeves and dig deep, but a few of these slightly older, overstocked or undersold titles are worth your time and spare change  and they'll work on your aging computer.
After scouring the bins for this annual roundup, the following are a few recommended picks. Prices may vary slightly between retailers, but here's what we found at a few stores, including Electronics Boutique, Game Stop and Best Buy.
Unlike many run-and-gun action games, the Splinter Cell series is all about stealth and strategy.
Inspired by Tom Clancy's fiction, Splinter Cell lets you strap into the boots of a highly trained secret operative named Sam Fisher, who must acquire critical intelligence about terrorist groups, infiltrate their headquarters and remain invisible while gathering evidence or silently subduing enemies one by one.
One tense mission involves infiltrating an enemy oil rig wearing nothing but night vision goggles and a lock pick.
A great story, cinematic camera angles and an effective use of lighting and shadows make this single-player adventure an immersive and addictive one.
'Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06'
(EA Sports; $9.99; rated "Everyone"; www.easports.com; 4 stars out of 5)
Tee off as or against the No. 1 golfer in the world on a dozen exclusive courses, such as St. Andrews Golf Links (Scotland), Pebble Beach (California), TPC Sawgrass (Florida) and Sahalee Country Club (Washington).
Alternatively, you can play as more than 15 other PGA Tour golf pros  including legends of the game, such as Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer  or create your own golfer from scratch.
Unlike its console cousins, the PC version of Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06 offers three ways to play the game. You can use the old-fashioned three-click mouse mechanic, a game pad, or the TrueSwing method, the latter of which is preferred as you simply pull back on the mouse like a club and then push forward to whack the ball.
Tackle a course on your own, against a friend beside you on the same PC or over the Internet, or choose to play the lengthy career mode, which takes place over many consecutive seasons.
Seasoned sportscasters David Feherty and Gary McCord provide authentic commentary and color commentary.
Unlike most computer games that are self-contained on the CD-ROM, Missing: Since January folds in "real world" game-play elements such as clues on websites and cryptic notes sent via e-mail.
You play as a private investigator hired to discover the whereabouts of photojournalist Jack Lorski and his female companion, Karen, after the duo disappeared while tracking down an alleged serial killer.
The only lead you have at the start of this cat-and-mouse game is some video footage sent to Lorski's employer, SKL Network, by The Phoenix, the mysterious murderer who could lead you to the missing journalists  if you're willing to play along.
Much of this thriller involves cracking The Da Vinci Code -like puzzles, such as anagrams and other head-scratching riddles, as well as analyzing video clips and hunting for clues on more than 300 real and fictitious websites. Virtual characters in the game, and eventually the killer himself, will send you e-mail messages to help solve the crime.
While not for everyone, Missing: Since January is creepy, exhilarating and challenging.
Other recommended bargain bin games include Ubisoft's XIII ($4.99), EA Sports' FIFA Soccer 06 ($9.99), Eidos' Hitman 2: Silent Assassin ($9.99) and Ubisoft's Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time ($9.99).
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