I look at reviews from gamers themselves, from 'industry professionals' like PC Gamer, and watch gameplay footage & reviews on youtube. I don't buy games often.
Researching games can be a fun part of the pre-purchase hype!
Here's my approach:
Reviews: I check trusted reviewer websites and YouTube channels for in-depth analyses. This helps me understand core mechanics, story elements, and potential flaws.
Gameplay videos: Watching streams gives a first-hand look at the game's atmosphere, controls, and difficulty. It helps me gauge if the gameplay loop is something I'd enjoy.
Community forums: Reddit threads and online forums are great for discovering hidden gems, user opinions, and bug reports. They can also reveal if the game has a healthy online community.
Price comparisons: I check different retailers and platforms to find the best deals. Price trackers can alert me to price drops.
System requirements: Making sure my PC can handle the game is crucial. Checking minimum and recommended specs avoids any nasty surprises.
By combining these steps, I can build a good picture of a game before buying.