I can't believe no one has mentioned bad company 2 yet. Visually stunning, team oriented first person shooter (with vehicles!). I'd probably be willing to sell my copy to you or anyone else for bitcoins, It's one of my favorite games but I quit gaming a month ago. Just shoot me a pm.
Besides that suggestion, be aware that a lot of games have mods available with high res textures and models for the whole game. Such mods can make games like HL2, which came out in 2004, look better than most games released this year.
As for games coming out later this year, keep an eye out for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Battlefield 3.
I think BF3 is going to be sick. Good call on bad company.