There are a ton of different video games on the market today, and it can be hard to tell which games you’ll like and which you won’t. Here are five tips that can help you when it comes to buying video games for yourself, as a gift, or for your children.

1. Rent it before you buy it. You can rent most games at any local rental store, and it’s much easier to swallow losing a little money on renting a game you hate than it is losing more money actually buying it. Plus, you no longer have to start over on a game like you did in the old days when files were saved on the cartridges instead of memory cards. Check out the reviews here at TestFreaks to help you figure out what games you would enjoy.

2. Find what kind of gamer you are. Games for the Nintendo Wii, because of its unique controller, are going to require you to be more active than RPGs for the PlayStation 2. Action games like Lara Croft require some quick reflexes and puzzle solving skills, while RPGs like Dragon Quest require gamers to unravel mysteries and follow detailed storylines. Fighting games like Tekken are almost nothing but button-mashing games, and racing series like Grand Turismo ask players to have a steady hand (and, for maximum fun, a special steering wheel controller). Try a few games in different genres to find the type you like best.

3. Do the research. You can find information about almost every game online, and there are many sites which can help you, including TestFreaks. Some sites even provide videos showing gameplay to give you a better idea of what the game looks like. Also, some games come in both regular and special versions that feature a second disc with interviews, artwork, and other extras that you may or may not want, especially since they usually cost more. Bundle versions of games that use unique accessories, like Dance Dance Revolution, are also available that include the game and special controller.

4. Check the rating and the genre. This is especially important for parents who are buying games for their children. Some titles may not be appropriate for players of all ages – some include blood, violence, cursing, and sex. Likewise, read the back of the package to see what kind of game it is before you buy it. If you’re in doubt, read some reviews or talk to other gamers you know before buying a game.

5. Look at other games made by the same company that made a game you like. If you love Final Fantasy, for example, you might like other RPGs made by the same company (Square-Enix), such as Star Ocean 3. Many game companies specialize in a certain genre or type of game. EA Sports makes almost nothing but sports games, while some companies, like Namco Bandai, make games in a variety of genres. Get to know which companies make your favorite games and look at other titles they offer.