Recommendations please!

I need some recommendations here for a HTPC that will run Win 7 fine, and also play games like OpenTTD, Empire Earth II, C&C3:TW, and Civ IV decently.
I believe I can save C$100/month for the next year, making my total budget C$1200. I prefer to buy from NCIX and TigerDirect.ca, but I'm also willing to buy from NewEgg.ca if it's cheaper.

What are your recommendations?

My recommendation is to wait till you have the cash lined up and then ask.

Technology changes too fast to give proper recommendations 6 month out.

when you do buy, buy from ncix. provide a link and they'll price match. I've had nothing but amazing service from them

I completely agree with Aron. Do not start pricing out parts now. You will end up with a much different machine a year from now if you are waiting 12 months to save up the money. Don't even buy some parts now for the future build. You will gouge your eyes out when you see the prices start dropping in a few months on the things that you already purchased. Trust me.

My Dad wanted me to build his system this way and he ended up getting a gimped machine because of it. He should have just waited to buy everything at once.