xfanatic: You're probably playing half life 2 for the first time, and back then it was revolutionary, now it's not so great. But to truly realize how great this game is, you must complete episode 1, and episode 2. The two episodes are way better than HL 2, especially half life 2 : ep2. When I replayed hl2, it was snorefest, and ep1 was better but not that much better, episode 2 makes everything worth it, and I'm definitely looking forward to episode 3.

Episode 2 is almost as emotional as when aeris died in ff7.

I got a brand new core for 225 online and then bought a 20gb used hard drive for about 60.

If you're willing to search, you should be able to find someone on ebay within 30 miles willing to meet up with you and sell a new core for about 200 cash. I got mine back when it was still 299 so with the recent price drop you should be able to find one for 200.

I wouldn't say the wii is a gimmick. I called it a gamecube with motion controls and a sensor bar. The two best games for it have been what were supposed to be gamecube games. Metroid Prime 3 looks like it could have been done on gamecube, again now with motion controls.

 It's doing extremely well so I won't comment on its success but it's quickly losing the hardcore gamer in my opinion. The only thing saving it is super smash bros brawl.