This collection will be most advantageous to the novice gamer. If you are an experienced gamer, there still may be something here you can take away with you, or you may have a tip or two that might be added to the list. No one wants to plunk down large sums of money for a game that is poorly designed or one that has mediocre game play or is technically flawed in some way. So before purchasing a game read at least two independent reviews. Ask others who have played the game for their opinion, the adventure games newsgroup is a good place to start.
Demos are another source for evaluating a game.
There is a plethora of websites that offer demo downloads free of charge. Gaming companies often give them away but you have to write and request one. Or you can purchase a demo disc at many gaming stores for a small price. If it is a good game it will withstand scrutiny. Starting out The best advice anyone can give to a gamer, whether new or seasoned, is to read the manual.