The Orange Box -> Yes. "Best deal in gaming" doesn't even *begin* to cover it.

Risen -> haven't played it

Oblivion -> Morrowind with shinier graphics and, I've heard, poorly-balanced creatures. Me, I never bothered going past lv3 or so, I couldn't tolerate the weird leveling system.

Fallout 3 ->  Yes. Like Oblivion but even better graphics, an interesting plot, and a *decent* leveling system. If your system can handle it, it's highly recommended.

EVE Online -> haven't played it.

Company of Heroes -> Yes. It's not the best RTS ever made, and tactics-wise DoW2 is the superior game IMHO, but it's pretty fun, the single-player mode is well done, the AI ain't so bad, and most of all, it's cheap.

Burnout Paradise -> haven't played it, though I had Burnout 3 for the PS2 and hated it with a passion.

Sims 3 -> Kinda. It's fun, streamlined gameplay compared to Sims 2 but not dumbed down either (like the 1->2 transition, for example), graphics are good, and there's lots of little touches you can make for your virtual dollhouse to give it more life than in the past two games. I do feel, however, that the price is kinda high for what it is but that's just me.

there are mods for oblivion which changes the leveling system to an exp based one (like in dnd,  wow or diablo ect.):

http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?id=4425&view=OblivionMods.Detail

Okay I put up Demigod and Empire Total War on my list. Those any good?

-i would not buy empire instead wait for napoleon total war (or buy mediveal2 total war for extremly good mods, like the third age total war mod)

-you should try the demo of demigod first, and only buy it if you are into multiplayer games (the single player is next to nonexistant)

It was mentioned earlier in this thread, but it bears repeating: Direct2Drive is having a massive sale.  Lots of quality games, including Company of Heroes (with expansion), for only $5.

http://www.direct2drive.com/d2dturns5

If you like RTS games at all, you really ought to jump on that deal for CoH.  $5 for one of the best (if not the best) strategy games out there is an absolute steal.  Actually, I'd recommend World in Conflict as well.  Again, you get the game and the expansion for $5.

Actually, pretty much all the games on the list are worth a purchase at freaking 5 bucks.

You've just saved my ~$20 investment, thanks

Dunno about Demigod as I've only played the demo, but Empire is awesome IMHO. The AI is beyond moronic however, both strategically and tactically, but the game itself is very deep and there's a great joy to be had in trying real-life tactics in it even if the braindead AI makes them all innecessary.

But I also second the recommendation for Medieval II and add Rome to the mix, M2 is, despite its age, one of the best looking games ever IMHO and the gameplay is classic Total War fun in a Crusades-themed package, and while Rome is a bit more dated it's also the only one with a decent strategic AI (tactically its the same stupidity as always though), and the roman period holds many interesting units and tactics to try out that had become hopelessly outdated by the period covered by the other two games.

Hey, thanks for the alert about direct2drive. However, I have a question. Do you have to download a client like impulse, or does it just download the games?

I've had a lot of fun with demigod, recommend you try the demo first and only bother if you are in to multiplayer.

As for oblivion i played about 1/2 - 3/4 of the way through at which point I got bored having realised I had tasted all the possible spells and any knew ones were simply more powerful versions of the exact same thing. Additionally I thought the creeps that levelled as you did was a dumb mechanic, taking the fun out of working on your character.

You can choose either method: just DL the game (Comes as a setup.exe file. You'll have to input a key to activate the game once installed) or D2D has an installer if you want to use that (I never use it).

If your computer crashes or something like that, can you redownload the game?

Yes. Download Protection is free. From their FAQ:

What is D2D Download Protection?

Being gamers ourselves, D2D knows that there are always those unexpected occurrences—like your hard drive frying or a virus infection—that threaten your precious digital content. D2D's Download Protection helps put those worries to rest! D2D allows you to re-download your digital game purchases at no cost. So every time you download from D2D you'll get a great game and peace of mind.

I bought Risen, and am having fun exploring their world.  It's a single player RPG without much combat dynamics, but I'm only level 2 in the game.

I'd also recommend watching Dragon's Age: Origins.  BioWare will be releasing that November 6.

I wouldn't recommend getting Empire Total War unless you have a REALLY decent PC and graphics card. I can run just about everything except Crysis and I have serious stability issues with E:TC. However, Rome Total War is close to if not my favoirte Strategy game of all time, and you can get it cheap now.