A few "I refuse to be sick/upset/let down again this year, EA!" helpful hints:
- Rent the game before rushing out and buying it.
- Wait 2-3 weeks after release and check user reviews.
- Before heading to the shopping mall, remove all cash and plastic from your wallet.
- Put a blindfold on and duct tape your hands behind your back when wandering through EB.
- If you're married, tell your wife you're going out to go buy another video game. That'll put a quick end to that idea.
- When all else fails, simply grab a brain.