For new games (i.e. not sequals) I rely on demos when possible. If not then reviews. If I liked a previous game in a series then I will usually buy the next one no matter what. For example, I will buy Galaxies no matter what since I have not been let down on a Mario game yet. Even if it got horrid reviews. For a new IP I would want to check it out, read reviews, and also get a consensus from other users.







