Here in Denmark the price is seen all the way down to $35, and the graphics are very detailed. Im not sure what games you are comparing to, but it must be the way the graphics are you do not like, because when it comes down to details and effects, other games do not really keep up. Dawn of War 2 is probably the only game coming close, but I have not seen its destroyed units sliding down hills in pieces after being blown up.
I cannot compare it to C&C4, since I that game just does not have what I am looking for in an RTS, which is sad, considering C&C3 made me really like that series for the first time. But SC2 has both a good solid single player campaign and the custom map editor has already made it so much more. 2D platformers, space invaders, pac man, Snake, top down space shooters, zombie survival, tower defenses.
But if the graphics and price are the only two factors for you, I would recommend the old C&C games, they are free if I remember correctly, and quite okayish. At least the price is, the graphics are of course dated. Otherwise the first Dawn of War, there are some cheap anthology packages, and I still find the graphics in that game good.
I cannot compare it to C&C4, since I that game just does not have what I am looking for in an RTS, which is sad, considering C&C3 made me really like that series for the first time. But SC2 has both a good solid single player campaign and the custom map editor has already made it so much more. 2D platformers, space invaders, pac man, Snake, top down space shooters, zombie survival, tower defenses.
But if the graphics and price are the only two factors for you, I would recommend the old C&C games, they are free if I remember correctly, and quite okayish. At least the price is, the graphics are of course dated. Otherwise the first Dawn of War, there are some cheap anthology packages, and I still find the graphics in that game good.