I usually procrastinate long enough to the point where I just pick something out of frustration.
This speaks to me.. on the very few occasions I go to a brick & mortar store for games. This is basically how I handle it. :v
I have a base requirement of 1 hour of gameplay per $1 spent; if it costs $40, I expect to spend at least 40 hours on it. A trip to HLTB is vital. And I always browse Steam reviews to see what the complaints are. Steam reviews are good for that.
Typically if it's less than $20 and looks interesting, the keyword here is
impulse
If it's over $20, then it is an
expensive game and I must do my homework. Written reviews for opinions and silent gameplay videos to get a feel for the beginning (that is, Longplays, no commentary. I don't want to hear you, I want to hear the game.)
I'll probably still wait for it to drop under $20 or get bundled. That's too rich for my blood.
I can't even pretend that it being part of a series I've loved/hated has any bearing on my decision anymore. Devs what are you even doing
For example, I haaaaated Dragon Age: Origins, and I never played DA2 (eventually got it in a bundle, but its sat unplayed) because it was so poorly received, I never gave it a chance. Meanwhile, Dragon Age: Inquisition was, by far, one of my best impulse-sale purchases. Booted it up just to try it, and nearly 200 hours later.. lol.
On the other hand, I loved the first two (cough, three) Paper Mario titles.. but I never touched the Wii version that I got as a gift, and Sticker Star was.. uh.. boring, to say the least. I regret even spending the $15 sale price on it.