Okay - thanks to all who chimed in on my previous query of which to purchase. Now, the where is daunting. Which would you trust most, an eBay purchase or an Amazon purchase? Are there any other reputable places (with actual stores) where I might find BG?

I will surf Best Buy, GameStop, Electronics Boutique later on during lunch, but was wondering what thoughts you all may have on this topic.

TiliaLyn

Wow... all this stress over the game ;)

I would just walk into a game store when I felt like getting a new game, and browse the selection to find one I like.

Course... mine are a lot cheaper I suppose [img]tongue.gif[/img]

No real help from me though ;)

I think you'll find BG "massive packs" in the stores. By that, I mean those compendium collections of BG plus all expansions, or BG/Bg2 plus all expansions, and so on. That's what I'd do... it's a worthwhile game if you're into more classic-oriented CRPG (which it sounds like you are), and for no more than $40 (which is over your $30 limit, IIRC, but sorry), you can get the game with all expansions. That's far less than you will ultimately pay out...

Check CompUsa, EB Games, or one of the others. I refuse to shop at Best Buy, so I can't help you there.

Callum: I tend to overthink things, but that's only because I want to do it right. I have this need to rationalize this purchase.

Bungleau: I too frown at the thought of walking into Best Buy - personally I think there's no truth in advertising with their name. And you're right I do love the classic CRPG and did only want to spend about $30, but considering that was a self-imposed limit. But considering my husband spends around $4/pack of cigs and smokes about 1 1/2 packs/day, so I figure a $40 investment to keep me unbored is justified. (Holy crap - I just did the math on that. I didn't realize he spends about $155/month on those darned things. And I wonder why we're always tight at the end of the month!!)

If you can get an acceptable price from Amazon, I'd use them before eBay. Since you're buying from a known company instead of an unknown individual, there's less chance of a problem. I've bought from both & never had any problems from either one (yet!). If you can walk into a store & get the same thing, that's even better.

Crap - just looking on Amazon - yes I know it's not really 12:00 EST yet, but hey. Will BG original work on Windows XP?

Yep.

::wiping brown:: whew. Then I'm ordering it this afternoon. Thanks Johnny!!

T