Gaming is an expensive hobby. Among all the classes, books and rent that need to paid for, you’re still scrounging around cash to buy some games to relax to.

As exciting as the next generation game consoles are, it just means that older games are getting cheaper. The best part about games is that older games do not equal bad games.

Take the “Mass Effect” series from Bioware which won so many awards like “Best story,” “Best RPG,” and “Game of the Year” from multiple sites and outlets including the Spike TV’s Video Game Awards.

Now you can find the “Mass Effect” titles used at a GameStop for under $20, especially “Mass Effect 2” for a measly $8 for both PS3 and Xbox 360.

And if you want to go all out, look for the “Mass Effect Trilogy” which includes the three main titles and all the downloadable content for around $40.

There are many entries to the “Call of Duty” series, but “Black Ops” from Treyarch Studios is easily the most refreshing title from the bunch and should still have a healthy online community. The price varies but you can find it for as low as $10 at GameStop.

Also for $10 is “Red Dead Redemption” from Rockstar Games, the studio best known for the recent “Grand Theft Auto 5” videogame. And while you’re at it, look for Max Payne 3 for $15. Both games feature a great story, well-voiced characters and Rockstar’s famous third-person action gameplay.

“Elders Scrolls: Oblivion” and “Fallout 3” are games praised for open world freedom that you can really get lost in and that get total play time that is over a hundred hours. For $10 and $5, respectively, that kind of value is a steal.

And again, if you have the extra cash, spring for the “Game of the Year” editions. The add-on story packs will give you even more hours of gameplay for around $20.

If you’re into independent games, look through PlayStation Store, Xbox Live, Steam or your favorite online store. Indie games usually come in at about $15 dollars and with a bit of research you can find a gem. I recommend “Limbo,” “Hotline Miami,” “Journey,” “Telltale’s The Walking Dead” and “Castle Crasher.”

There are many outlets to finding the best prices for games. Amazon has an email newsletter, Twitter account and a Facebook fan page specifically for games. You can also look at ign.com/deals, hit gaming and sign up to get emails alerts. Reddit.com/r/gamedeals is also a great place, with forum threads full of people trying to save as much as you are.