Recommend a FLGS

[Lord Liaden]

I've seen quite a few of our fellow posters lament that they would like to find a Friendly Local Game Store in their area to patronize, but have trouble finding someone who is actually friendly, not to mention knowledgeable, and either willing or able to order the games they're looking for. I thought it might be beneficial if those of us who have found a good store in our area would list those places in one spot that someone on the quest could refer to.

For the Greater Toronto Area, my recommendation would be The Hairy Tarantula Comics and Games, on the west side of Yonge Street about two and a half blocks north of the Eaton Centre. It's one of those little hole-in-the-wall walkups that you can pass right by if you're not watchful, but inside you'll find a wide selection of new and used games for sale or trade, and a helpful, generally knowledgeable staff. They're among the enlightened who have carried every Hero Games product since FREd first came out, and keep most of them in stock.

[tengu]

If you happen to be in the area of Worcester, MA, the place to check out is That's Entertainment. Mostly a comic shop with sports collectibles, but they do get most of the new gaming materials that gets published. Best thing about this place: anything off the shelf is 15% off. If you have to special order something, you get 25% off. You can see why I frequent this store.

In northern Virginia, specifically in Chantilly, there's The Game Parlour. They have space to play games, and PCs for computer gaming. Their stock is quite extensive. However, you can't flip through a book to see if you like it or not -- they have everything shrink-wrapped. So if you go there, you better know for sure if you want it or not.

Another shop in Worcester MA is called Gameboro. It's all right, nothing truly special. The staff there is friendly enough though. I've gone in there to pick up a lot of stuff for Hackmaster, but I usually just go in there to see if something is out, and then go order it at That's Entertainment.

If anyone wants to know how to get to the shops in Worcester, let me know.

[Bartman]

In the greater Denver area, it is hard not to love Black and Read (http://www.blackandread.com/main.htm). They have 20% off all roleplaying games and have carried a solid stock of all Hero stuff. In fact the last time I went in I picked up Millenium City and found Enemies: International File and Hudson City Blues in their used section to boot. By the time you add in aisles of used DVDs, new/used comics, books and CDs, I have a hard time walking out with my budget intact.

[Captain Obvious]

On Oahu, I suggest Jellies in Pearl City. They've got a fair selection of 5th Ed Hero Games as well as other games that might be good for source material (d20, Warhammer, various others). They also carry used games, books, CDs, vinyl records, comics etc etc. Lots of good stuff in there....

However, I'm not on Oahu any more. If anyone knows of a really good store in SE Arizona, I'd appreciate it....

[Jhamin]

In the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, The Source is pretty much everything you could ever ask for in a FLGS. They carry pretty much everything that is current in RPGs, Comics, and Miniatures. They also have a fairly good DVD anime section & regularly hold special events.

The whole place is clean, organized, well lit, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

[Tom McCarthy]

In Ottawa, I recommend Fandom II about 4 blocks south of the Parliament buildings on Laurier, west of the canal and City Hall. They keep the best range of products in stock of anyone in the city. Sadly, their distributor has somehow dropped the ball on Millennium City; something I hope they'll correct soon.

Silver Snail, a few blocks further south and west on Bank St., focuses more on comics and toys, but usually has one of each Hero product on the shelves.

[Tasha]

In the Southbay/Pennisula region of the San Francisco Bay area. I would heartedly recommend Gator Games. The owner is a RPGer and is really interested in what she sells. The staff is very knowledgable and very helpful. She carries just about every RPG product that you would ever want. She has a resonable selection of Boardgames.
Also her Games workshop selection is as good or better than the Games Workshop store in the SF Metreon. This is mostly due to her having older product as well as the newest stuff.
There is a rather complete section of Reaper Minis. She has just placed her first order for Conflict minis.
She also has a fairly good collection of vintage gaming stuff. She buys old games for store credit so you may be able to find some gems that you are missing from your collection.
If you cannot find what you are looking for, she will order it for you.
There are always sales going on so it is a good idea to get on her emailing list. The list also includes industry news and upcomming releases.

The store is located in south San Mateo and I found it fairly easy to get to from just about anywhere in the Bay Area.

Tasha :)

[SuperPheemy]

My FLGS in the Sacramento area would be Great Escape Games. Big store, good selection, and a nice big gaming room. There's even partitians so tabletop games can have a bit of privacy when the wargamers are fielding their armies.

[Blue]

Locally, in the Orange County, California area...
Brookhurst Hobbies - on Brookhurst in Garden Grove. They've been around since I was a kid and have a GREAT selection of miniatures (Reaper, Vamp wars, CAV, Superfigs, etc.). Lots of games you haven't seen in eons, disorganized and in Bins. Their new books come in a little slow. In fact, the next game store I'm going to list gets them in about a week faster...
Game Castle - At State College & Chapman, just south of Cal State Fullerton in Fullerton. Best organized local store, and typically have their prices slightly cheaper than the suggested retail. Small selection of miniatures.
All-Star Games - On Diamond Bar blvd in Diamond Bar. Technically this is L.A. County, but it's five minutes from Fullerton O.C. Some back stock. Neat and organized. Knowledgable help.
I'm sure there are more that I'm forgetting, but these are the ones I've been in recently (searching for an old Game that's out of print...with no luck).
Edit: I Knew there'd be more
Mile High Comics - Harbor Blvd in Garden Grove. Really a comics and memorabilia place, they still have a bunch of tables where one can game and a limited amount of RPG stuff.

[Killer Shrike]

Originally posted by SuperPheemy
My FLGS in the Sacramento area would be Great Escape Games. Big store, good selection, and a nice big gaming room. There's even partitians so tabletop games can have a bit of privacy when the wargamers are fielding their armies.
Hey, quick question, does a big tattooed Russian named Vlad ever play Warhammer there? If he does, tell him Ed says hi ;)

[PowerMavin]

Riverside, off Madison Ave

Adventure's Guild
Nice place. Very good selection as far as I could tell with some older stuff in the bargain bin. About 10 tables to play with including a large back area neatly sectioned off from the rest of humanity. The front area is mostly RPGs with the walls covered in minis. The employees are knowledgable, social and friendly. Warning, athough it is a good game shop the main patrons are Warhammer junkies and the owner is really into historical minis. Thus, this is mostly a wargame store.

What I found funny is the "geek elitest" dynamic that goes on in the store. Although the employees a careful not to get into the situation there seems to be almost a caste system among the customers: Warhammer > Clix > CCGs > RPGs

Maybe I am reading too much into it...

[ChaosDrgn]

In Dallas I'd have to say either Gamer's Chest in Valley View mall or Lone Star - Dallas.

Sometimes the staff makes me wonder but it's amazing that a city the size of dallas, the game stores are a little on the thin side.

[TheEmerged]

Anybody got a recommendation for SW Ohio/Cincinnati area I don't know about? Because the only FLGS around here I know about is neither F nor L (for me anyway) and just barely G (they *definitely* play favorites with products).

[Celtic Cowboy]

Denver Metro Area

West Side
Black & Read are great. Always a good discount on new stuff - 20% I think. One of the best selections of used stuff anywhere.

East Side
Has to be Attactix. No everyday discounts - but one of the best selections in town.

[JohnOSpencer]

In the Baltimore area i'd have to suggest Games, and Comics...and Stuff!. They carry a wide selection of everything and have a friendly and knowledgeable staff. They also have a great deal of open gaming area.

John Spencer

[Publius]

In Metro Detroit check out Riders Hobby Shops. They are spread out around the area, but the one I like best is off I-75 and 14-mile. Of course one of my players works there, so that might be why... :D

[lemming]

Originally posted by Tasha
In the Southbay/Pennisula region of the San Francisco Bay area. I would heartedly recommend Gator Games.
Good suggestion. When I worked in Redwood City and lived in Mountain View, I kept stopping there.

In Cupertino, D&J Hobby used to be good. (Haven't been there in three years.)

Portland, Oregon: Bridgetown Hobbies & Things from Another World, though I'm not that fond on TFAW after they bought Planet 10 and closed it.

[MarkusDark]

A new Comic and small game store has just opened up in Fremont area called Distant Realms. These people are friends of mine and are trying to get things started not only for their main store, but also to create a "Gamer's Guild". This is currently a back area of the store that, for a fee, offers you various benefits above and beyond the typical 'back table' gaming. Ideally, they'd like to branch it out into a full fledged Gaming Center where people can gather to do nothing but game.

They are located near the Thorton Ave and Fremont Ave intersection (literally 3 blocks from Senario Games - perhaps not the most marketing saavy idea :p) and the number you can reach them at is 510-739-1101. As they are brand spankin' new, they are taking all sorts of advice and suggestions as to what to carry and so on. Currently, no Hero stuff on the shelves but I plan on changing that real soon. ;)

I'll be running a Champs game there in the very near future.

Okey, now I need to go shower after feelin' all "Car Salesmany".

[beauxdeigh]

Originally posted by Captain Obvious
However, I'm not on Oahu any more. If anyone knows of a really good store in SE Arizona, I'd appreciate it....

Well, Tucson is in SE Arizona and it has three FLGS within its city limits. My favorite is Things For Thinkers. It has been in business since the late seventies, and always has a decent stock of HERO product to be perused.

...

[Derek Hiemforth]

Originally posted by lemming
In Cupertino, D&J Hobby used to be good. (Haven't been there in three years.)I stopped in there a couple of weeks ago, and it's the last time I'll ever do so. Their stock is extremely disorganized and chaotic. It takes forever to find anything specific, and they'll have 15 copies of some random sourcebook for a game, and no copies of the core rules. The staff doesn't seem particularly knowledgeable or helpful. I think a particular guy (who's no longer there) used to run the RPG section for them, and it looks like it's fallen apart without him.

In the south bay, the best game store now is probably Legends in Vallco mall. But honestly, when I was living in the south bay, I found it was worth the drive up the peninsula to either Gator Games in San Mateo or Gamescape in Palo Alto. They're both quite a bit better than any south bay stores I know of.

In my new stomping grounds in Sacramento, Great Escape Games is the dominant store, but I've actually been kind of underwhelmed by it. They have a good selection, but the store is VERY Warhammer-centric, and the staff has often been unprofessional (goofing around instead of helping the customers) or dense, in my experience. For example, I called there a few days ago to see if they had the UNTIL Superpowers Database book in yet. The conversation went like this:

Me: Hi. I wanted to see if you had the new Champions sourcebook called "The UNTIL Superpowers Database."

Them: Is that Games Workshop?

Me: No, it's Hero Games. It's a Champions book.

Them: Yeah, we've got Champions.

Me: No, I want a supplement for Champions. It's called "The UNTIL Superpowers Database."

Them: Is that software?

Me: No, it's a book.

Them (aside, speaking to another employee): There's a guy on the phone looking for the something powers something. {I'm not making that up... she actually said "the something powers something."}

Me: *sigh*

Them: What was it called?

Me: The UNTIL Superpowers Database.

Them: Oh! That book! It hasn't been released yet.

Me: Yes it has. It shipped from the printers to distributors several days ago. I know people who have it already.

Them: Let me look. (time passes) We don't have it. Try back next week.

Me (thinking): Oh, I'll try next week all right, but not here. ;)

Viking Hobby in Carmichael is tiny and cramped, but actually has a pretty good selection. The owner is pretty knowledgable.

Adventures In Comics And Gaming in Carmichael doesn't have a wide selection (they only carry d20, White Wolf, Rifts, and GURPS by default), but you can special order anything and all RPG stuff is always discounted. A good deal if you don't mind waiting a while. They also have a lot of card tourneys, so it tends to get overrun by rugrats.

A comic store, A1 Comics on Madison Ave., is actually pretty good. They have a decent selection for a comic store, and the staff, while not terribly knowledgeable RPG people, are at least professional and friendly.

I have yet to encounter a game store in the greater Sacramento area that really blows me away. Maybe someone needs to open one. ;)

[Evil Steve]

For Vancouver BC Canada there's Imperial Hobbies. They're in Richmond. I've been going there for 16 years. Excellent selection and knowledgable staff.

Also there is The Comic Shop, in Vancouver (proper) on Arbutus. 28 years in buisines and freindly staff.

For Northern BC contact Comic Encounters in Terrace, its not a convienient location for anyone (its Northern BC, whadda you expect) but their big on mail order.

[lemming]

Originally posted by Derek Hiemforth
I stopped in there D&J Hobby a couple of weeks ago, and it's the last time I'll ever do so. Their stock is extremely disorganized and chaotic. It takes forever to find anything specific, and they'll have 15 copies of some random sourcebook for a game, and no copies of the core rules. The staff doesn't seem particularly knowledgeable or helpful. I think a particular guy (who's no longer there) used to run the RPG section for them, and it looks like it's fallen apart without him.
I think that was happenning when I stopped by last (in 2000?) They were never the most organized or helpful, but they used to have a good selection.

Gamescape is one place I tried to avoid. I always seemed to go there when the gaming "elitists" were there. My wife made the mistake of going in with me one day. She's still mentally scarred.

[Space Cadet]

Originally posted by TheEmerged
Anybody got a recommendation for SW Ohio/Cincinnati area I don't know about? Because the only FLGS around here I know about is neither F nor L (for me anyway) and just barely G (they *definitely* play favorites with products).

Emerged, there are two places here in Cincinnati that I can
wholeheartedly recommend to you: Boardwalk and Comic
Book World. Both have a fairly decent selection of RPGs and
board games, as well as miniatures, and what they don't have
on hand as far as a specific product goes they can order for
you.

Space Cadet :cool:

[Tasha]

Originally posted by MarkusDark
A new Comic and small game store has just opened up in Fremont area called Distant Realms. These people are friends of mine and are trying to get things started not only for their main store, but also to create a "Gamer's Guild". This is currently a back area of the store that, for a fee, offers you various benefits above and beyond the typical 'back table' gaming. Ideally, they'd like to branch it out into a full fledged Gaming Center where people can gather to do nothing but game.

They are located near the Thorton Ave and Fremont Ave intersection (literally 3 blocks from Senario Games - perhaps not the most marketing saavy idea :p) and the number you can reach them at is 510-739-1101. As they are brand spankin' new, they are taking all sorts of advice and suggestions as to what to carry and so on. Currently, no Hero stuff on the shelves but I plan on changing that real soon. ;)

I'll be running a Champs game there in the very near future.

Okey, now I need to go shower after feelin' all "Car Salesmany".

Hey no worryies. I kind of felt Car Salespersony after my rousing endorsement of Gator Games

How about an address for the shop? I have been looking for a local Comic Shop. I live way down the street in Newark. Also, if you have any openings in your Champions game send me an email. I would love to play :)

Tasha :)

[Tasha]

Originally posted by lemming
I think that was happenning when I stopped by last (in 2000?) They were never the most organized or helpful, but they used to have a good selection.

Gamescape is one place I tried to avoid. I always seemed to go there when the gaming "elitists" were there. My wife made the mistake of going in with me one day. She's still mentally scarred.

IMHO GameScape PaloAlto was much better when it was located on California Ave. The store was somewhat cramped, but it was OK to shop at. When they moved to El Camino Real I didn't really like the store. I would only shop there because it was nestled between a comic store and one of the best Fantasy/SciFi book stores in the bay area (Which I haven't been to in a couple of years).

D&J in Cupertino was always messy and hard to find stuff in. They were marginally good for GW minis or some really old stuff that didn't sell very well. They also kept a fairly good selection of Harn world stuff. I don't really shop there anymore. I don't have a reason.

Tasha :)

[Killer Shrike]

Originally posted by Derek Hiemforth
In my new stomping grounds in Sacramento, Great Escape Games is the dominant store, but I've actually been kind of underwhelmed by it. They have a good selection, but the store is VERY Warhammer-centric,

Hehe. Seriously, when next you are there, look for a Russian wall of muscle and tattoos named Vlad. Great guy; old buddy from the Marine Corps; tell him Killer Shrike says hi. Hes a great would-take-a-bullet-for-you friend and good people to know.

Dont call him Vladislav though. Its never pretty.:p

[Captain Obvious]

Originally posted by beauxdeigh
Well, Tucson is in SE Arizona and it has three FLGS within its city limits. My favorite is Things For Thinkers. It has been in business since the late seventies, and always has a decent stock of HERO product to be perused.

...

Hey thanks, beauxdeigh. I'll have to check that out next time I'm up in Tucson.

[Koshka]

In Omaha NE, and I usually go to either Dragon's Lair on Blondo St or Ground Zero at 50th and L.

I go to Dragon's Lair more often, mainly because it's close to where I live. Largely comics and d20, but a decent assortment of non-d20 stuff as well. The used game bins depend on what people have sold them recently, but are usually worth a rummage. I've had the best luck placing special orders with them. They have a second store in Millard, but that's too far for me to drive. I've never had any problems with them; a friend says the clerk at the Millard location was rude to him, but from his description of the event I think there was rudeness on both sides.

Ground Zero is the place I mentioned in a different thread that puts the open gaming tables in the way of anyone trying to enter the store. Not much room, and you definitely want to go there before the night's open gaming starts up. Reasonable selection of games, but special ordering is iffy -- I had to re-place my order for Ninja Hero because the first guy assured me the book hadn't been published yet (two weeks after ship date) and didn't turn the order in. Second try went through, in fact I think the manager took the second try, so he may have talked to his staff. There's no room at the 50th and L location for a used game bin, you'd have to drive down to the location in Bellevue for that.

[Darkhawk]

I used to work at a Comic Store in Fairfield, CA and since I dont anymore and niether do my friends the gaming supplies there are near nil and I find myself taking a drive.
I frequent Great Escape Games in Sacramento which isnt to terrible; I like the used section they have which is aways fun, but as Derek mentioned they dont always know what your looking for especially Hero games wise.
There always the Wizards of the Coast store in the mall in Concord they have board games that are fun and D&D/D20.
However like 2 blocks away from the mall hidden away is a game store called Games Unlimited which is where I've gotten most my Hero books shortly after release, I of course called before taking the drive and was happy to hear he knew what I wanted and did in fact have multiple copies. =-)

[Nolgroth]

[i]Originally posted by Derek Heimforth[/i}
I have yet to encounter a game store in the greater Sacramento area that really blows me away. Maybe someone needs to open one.
It's really too bad that Riverside Hobbies went almost entirely RC Cars/Planes/Boats. At one time, they were a pretty decent gaming store. It may have been twelve or thirteen years ago, but the memories are good anyway.

Great Escape does have some HERO-knowledgable staff. The owner, I think, seemed pretty well versed in it. They just have a very large Warhammer customer base. Try going in there on a Friday evening. Despite the dull roar that gives even the most migraine resistant, a splitting headache, all you see is wargaming. I couldn't imagine a successful role-playing game being possible in such a place. The point is that they cater to the customers that feed them. In this case munchkin D20 fans and munchkin Warhammer (40K) players.

I have to second the A-1 Comics vote. Out of all the stores, I have given most of my business to them. I used to frequent Comic and Comix, but they hadn't even known HERO was releasing a Fifth edition when A-1 had it in stock.

[TheEmerged]

Hmm, have to track that "Boardwalk" store down then...

[lemming]

Originally posted by Tasha
IMHO GameScape PaloAlto was much better when it was located on California Ave. The store was somewhat cramped, but it was OK to shop at. When they moved to El Camino Real I didn't really like the store.
It didn't help that they had a flood soon after moving there and had some "interesting" smells in the store. And they still creeped me out when on California...

[Tasha]

Originally posted by lemming
It didn't help that they had a flood soon after moving there and had some "interesting" smells in the store. And they still creeped me out when on California...

Yep the rotting smell was what put me off as well. I never shopped at either one very much. I just have a habit of looking for and stopping at any game store in an area that I happen to be in.

Tasha :)

[Tasha]

Originally posted by Darkhawk
There always the Wizards of the Coast store in the mall in Napa they have board games that are fun and D&D/D20.
However like 2 blocks away from the mall hidden away is a game store called Games Unlimited which is where I've gotten most my Hero books shortly after release, I of course called before taking the drive and was happy to hear he knew what I wanted and did in fact have multiple copies. =-)

That's the one right after the Napa Outlet Mall as you head north on the highway. You see it just as you pass an overpass on the West side of the Highway.

I didn't remember being too impressed by them the last time that I stopped there, but It was pre-D20 and during the height of the Magic craze. So what could I expect. I guess the next time that I am going up to Clearlake, I will have to give them another try.

Tasha :)

[Tasha]

I checked out Distant Realms today. It looks pretty nice. It has a smattering of Games Workshop and d20 stuff. They had a great collection of Action Figures.

I talked to Chris(?) who was working behind the counter. He was really nice and Knowledgable. I liked the place so much I started a saver for some comics.

Thanks Markus!!!

Tasha :)

[Derek Hiemforth]

Originally posted by nolgroth
I have to second the A-1 Comics vote. Out of all the stores, I have given most of my business to them. I used to frequent Comic and Comix, but they hadn't even known HERO was releasing a Fifth edition when A-1 had it in stock. I used to have my comics saver at Comics and Comix on Greenback Lane. But after I pre-ordered a copy of HERO System 5th Edition from them, and they still hadn't gotten it in by July of 2002, I cancelled the pre-order and my saver, moved the saver to A1, and haven't set foot in C&C again. :)

[Toadmaster]

Originally posted by beauxdeigh
Well, Tucson is in SE Arizona and it has three FLGS within its city limits. My favorite is Things For Thinkers. It has been in business since the late seventies, and always has a decent stock of HERO product to be perused.

...

There is also Pyramid games in Sierra Vista (between Tombstone and Tucson), its located on Fry Blvd about 4-6 blocks from Ft Huachuca. I left AZ in 2000 but they were always friendly to me and carried a fair amount of used games as well as new. I was down there visiting family in Sept 2002 and they were still in buisness.

[Edsel]

In Okc I'd definitely recommend Game Headquarters (http://www.gameheadquarters.com/) . They have a very extensive collection of all sorts of games (every thing that Hero produces included). Two large game rooms and even 4 networked PCs for multiplayer computer games. They are happy to special order anything you are interested in and will even go thought alternate suppliers to get that hard to find stuff. They also sell used games and the staff are all pretty knowledgeable on the stuff they sell. I've been to many gameshops in this region of the country in the last 25+ years and Game Headquarters is the best I've ever seen. (And joy of joys, I live only about a 1/2 mile away.) :)

[TheEmerged]

Originally posted by Derek Hiemforth
I used to have my comics saver at Comics and Comix on Greenback Lane. But after I pre-ordered a copy of HERO System 5th Edition from them, and they still hadn't gotten it in by July of 2002, I cancelled the pre-order and my saver, moved the saver to A1, and haven't set foot in C&C again. :)

Derek -- I had a similar problem with my comic store, which gets its stuff almost exclusively via "Previews", I believe distributed via Diamond. I normally trust Bob, and he says the problem was on Diamond's end.

[Captain Obvious]

Originally posted by Toadmaster
There is also Pyramid games in Sierra Vista (between Tombstone and Tucson), its located on Fry Blvd about 4-6 blocks from Ft Huachuca.

Yeah, I've been in Pyramid quite a few times. Their Hero stuff amounts to a copy of Viper's Nest and a 4th Edition Bestiary. They're mostly gone over to d20 and collectible games (Magic: the Gathering and MageKnight). The staff is friendly enough, but is either out of the decision making loop, or hard to track down and talk to.

[Derek Hiemforth]

Originally posted by TheEmerged
Derek -- I had a similar problem with my comic store, which gets its stuff almost exclusively via "Previews", I believe distributed via Diamond. I normally trust Bob, and he says the problem was on Diamond's end. Perhaps. But the bottom line, harsh as it may sound, is that other stores in the same area had the book for months, and only this one store failed to come through with it. From my vantage point as the end consumer, I'll award my business to the stores that get the product in sooner. :)

[Toadmaster]

Originally posted by Captain Obvious
Yeah, I've been in Pyramid quite a few times. Their Hero stuff amounts to a copy of Viper's Nest and a 4th Edition Bestiary. They're mostly gone over to d20 and collectible games (Magic: the Gathering and MageKnight). The staff is friendly enough, but is either out of the decision making loop, or hard to track down and talk to.

They used to have a fair amount of GURPS stuff and various games being run in the store, but that was before the d20 craze really was in full swing. There was a second games store in SV a few blocks from Pyramid but I couldn't find it on my last trip so it may have gone out of buisness.

I found the Bookmans chain of used book stores to have a pretty good selection of used RPG's but they really are not a "game" store. I found quite a bit of defunct gaming material in their Tucson stores (there are also some in Phoenix and Flagstaff but thats not really in SE AZ).

[Toadmaster]

California

In the East Bay (SF Bay Area) I generally go to three stores:

Epic Games located in Castro Valley on Castro Valley Blvd X Wilbeam Ave, it is small and is heavily into warhammer, whiz kids clicky games, CCGs and d20 but still manages to have a fair selection of other games including HERO and GURPS. They are very willing to special order items and will even put an item on the shelf after ordering it if you change your mind about it, unlike some that want deposits etc. Very friendly staff, with a fair knowledge of the various games, most are gamers but their knowledge depends on if they play the game or not. They also have a small gaming area in the store.

End game located in Oakland on Lakeshore Ave X Trestle Glen. I've only been in a 1/2 dozen times or so but I've always found them friendly and helpful. There is a nice selection of games uually including several copies of the various HERO products. They also have a seperate gaming room next to the store.

Games of Berkley located in Berkley on Shattuck near University. This was my regular gaming store through the 80's and 90's. they have diversified to include alot more "main stream" entertainment the last 10 years but still have a very good selection of games. The staff is not as knowledgable as they used to be (in the old days they were all gamers) but most are friendly.

On the Central Coast:

Game habitat in Monterey on Abrego Street (a few blocks from the Del Monte Shopping center). Lots of warhammer and whizkids but also have a decent supply of other games including HERO. The have a pretty knowledgable staff including a few familiar with HERO. There is also a good sized gaming area.

[Captain Obvious]

Hmmm...amazingly enough, after talking about how Pyramid only has two books from Hero, and both outdated at that, I went in last night and they had the UNTIL Superpowers Database. I of course picked it up and bought it. And of course, the girl at the counter didn't know when or if they were getting any more Hero stuff in.

Maybe we should just keep saying Pyramid and Hero system together in this thread and Hero products will continue to mystically appear there....

[Polaris]

If you live anywhere near Portland, Oregon, I strongly recommend Bridgetown Hobbies (located on about 32nd and Sandy). Bridgetown (formerly known as Miltary Corner) is exceptionally good with customer service, and their employees make a point to be very knowledgeable about games. They have a huge selection, and get in Hero products very quickly after release (and make a point to do their best to keep it in stock... if it is out of stock, you can usually get them to get a copy the very next day).

Polaris

[Fur Face]

Captain Obvious
Hmmm...amazingly enough, after talking about how Pyramid only has two books from Hero, and both outdated at that, I went in last night and they had the UNTIL Superpowers Database. I of course picked it up and bought it. And of course, the girl at the counter didn't know when or if they were getting any more Hero stuff in.

If you leave in the Phoenix Metro area, you really should try the Game Depot, in the shopping center on Southern & McClintock. They always get all Hero producct releases, usually ten days after Steve says their out from the printer. They carry not only Hero, but almost any RPG you'd care to see. They also have a large non-RPG game section, where they have a little bit of everything.

The staff is also quite knowledgable about all the product lines they sell.

They also have a gaming section, with games going on every weekend.

And no, I didn't get paid for this add! :)

[Captain Obvious]

Thanks for the heads up. Phoenix is a little outside my stomping grounds, though. As it is, Tucson is almost an all day trip....

[Fur Face]

Hey Captain,

I know what you mean about it being outside your shopping area. I spent eight years in Minot, ND, and they finally got a stable game store the year I left. Nearest larger town was a day trip away. Sigh!

[Vondy]

Bellevue, WA, USA

Ludicrous Games

They don't carry a lot of Hero Stuff, but they're very friendly and will order anything I ask them to

[MarkusDark]

Originally posted by Tasha
I checked out Distant Realms today. It looks pretty nice. It has a smattering of Games Workshop and d20 stuff. They had a great collection of Action Figures.

I talked to Chris(?) who was working behind the counter. He was really nice and Knowledgable. I liked the place so much I started a saver for some comics.

Thanks Markus!!!

Tasha :)

Glad you liked it. It is Chris and he is probably the best clerk/comic guy I know. Extremely friendly and patience of a saint. Distant Realms is currently in that 'We just started so we will do what we can to make you all happy' mode. Most of their stuff is currently anywhere from 10-30% off. I'm off to there tonight to see if there have been any takers for my Tuesday night Hero game.

[Captain Obvious]

Bump.

By the way, someone here recommended Things for Thinkers in Tucson. They had a better selection of Hero stuff than the local stores, but still not as much as I would have liked. They didn't have any Star Hero stuff, and for FH, all they had was the main FH book (I was really hoping for MMM, too).

I did pick up the VIPER book, and I can't wait to see UNTIL.

[projecktzero]

In Colorado Springs, the best one I found is Compleat Games and Hobbies (http://www.gamesandhobbies.com/). They have a fair amount of Hero Stuff. Although, I haven't seen Alien Wars or Monsters, Minions, And Marauders there. They have ordered stuff for me.

[Chaosliege]

Does anyone know if there are any RPG stores in or around Bakersfield? I recently moved from Fresno and don't know where anything is.

For those of you new to the Fresno area, there are two good Stores.

The Game Preserve has virtually every RPG in existance under one roof. It is located on Olive about a mile west of fwy 41.

Epic Worlds also has many RPG games as well as a good selection of Warhammer (FRP and 40k), Clix, and card games. They also have several tables to play at. Epic Worlds is located on the corner of Cedar and Nees.

[Derek Hiemforth]

Originally posted by Chaosliege
Does anyone know if there are any RPG stores in or around Bakersfield?I last lived in Bakersfield about eight years ago, so this info is pretty out-of-date. Take it for whatever it's worth.

When I was there, Bakersfield was pretty barren when it came to game stores. At the time, there was not a single store in the city dedicated to just games. The two closest things to it were a comics-and-games store on Ming Ave., across highway 99 from Valley Plaza mall (the name of the comics store escapes me now, unfortunately), and a hobby store called Riverview Hobby on Roberts Lane in Oildale. Some of the major bookstore chain stores carried D&D books, but some did not (it's an extremely Conservative-Christian area, and the sentiment that gaming is evil still holds with much of the population).

Your best bet would be to pick up the yellow pages, look under Games and Comic Books, and make some phone calls to see who carries what these days. You may well find that there's nothing that fits the bill, and you have to order game stuff from online retailers and such.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings. :(

[lemming]

Originally posted by Derek Hiemforth
When I was there, Bakersfield was pretty barren when it came to game stores.
Last time I was in Bakersfield ('94?) I thought it was barren when it came to most things. ;)

[Boll Weevil]

Originally posted by Space Cadet
Emerged, there are two places here in Cincinnati that I can
wholeheartedly recommend to you: Boardwalk and Comic
Book World. Both have a fairly decent selection of RPGs and
board games, as well as miniatures, and what they don't have
on hand as far as a specific product goes they can order for
you.

Space Cadet :cool:

Holy cow! Is Boardwalk still in business? I bought my first Champions product from there in '83. Are they still off Columbia Parkway?

They just opened a FLGS in Northgate Mall. I can't think of the name but I just picked up USPD there. They had all the Hero stuff since Fred with a suprising selection of other stuff (for a mall store especially). Give 'em a look-see. I sure would like to see a place like that succeed here.

[Chaosliege]

Originally posted by lemming
Last time I was in Bakersfield ('94?) I thought it was barren when it came to most things. ;)

I completely agree. Dirt and oil rigs. I did find riverview hobbies. they only had one Hero system book though. I'll keep looking.

Thanks

[Captain Obvious]

Bump.

So, can anyone from the Tucson area tell me whether Things for Thinkers has moved, or gone out of business? I went up a week or so ago, and they weren't where they used to be (next to East Coast Heros).

[DRThrush]

This game store is not my local store, but it's still my favorite. I hit it everytime I visit my sister in Long Beach.

It's called The War House

(562) 424 - 3180
630 West Willow St., Long Beach, CA 90806, USA

In Las Vegas I go to Hobby Town a lot, because the better game store is on the other side of town from me... it's called Dreamland Hobbies and is across from UNLV.

Dreamland Hobbies
(702) 313-8111
4700 S Maryland Pkwy # 5
Las Vegas, NV


Dave

[tancred]

I haven't been to New York since 1998, so I don't know how current this is.
But when I was there, the three Compleat Strategist stores were absolute gamer heaven. (Yes, I walked to all three of them.)
One was in Rockefeller Center (the smallest), one was up near Central Park, and the third (and biggest), was down about 32nd Street, near the Empire State Building. If they're still open, they'll be in the phone book.

All three had lots of good stuff, including old and obscure games. Tons of miniatures, every game system I'd ever heard of (and a bunch I hadn't).

In the Charlotte N.C. area, the store I now frequent is Underground Games, located in the McMullen Creek shopping center (in the Pineville area).
The store manager, Jason, is polite and helpful, although he doesn't seem to be primarily an RPGer. Everything is full price (no discounts), but Jason is great about ordering anything you ask for, and it usually gets there the next week.

The store has a HUGE gaming area, and sponsors lots of CCG tournaments. There also seem to be some ongoing Warhammer, HeroClix, and other miniature games there.
Now if I could only convince my Hero group to meet there.

[Nyrath]

Also in Baltimore is a small but friendly store called Walt's Sport Cards. 7620 Germain Hill Road, Dundalk MD 21222. (410) 288-7044

[Boll Weevil]

Holy cow! Is Boardwalk still in business? I bought my first Champions product from there in '83. Are they still off Columbia Parkway?

They just opened a FLGS in Northgate Mall. I can't think of the name but I just picked up USPD there. They had all the Hero stuff since Fred with a suprising selection of other stuff (for a mall store especially). Give 'em a look-see. I sure would like to see a place like that succeed here.

The store at Northgate Mall is called Nord's Games. I've since bought VIPER, Millenium City, Champions and CU there. Check 'em out.

[Agent 13]

In Northampton, MA and vicinity, I can't help but recommend The Space Crime Continuum (http://spacecrime.com/). However, with my recent move, if anyone can recommend a good shop in the Orlando area, I'd appreciate it.

[RDU Neil]

In the Ann Arbor area, I recommend The Underworld. Great selection, and will order just about anything. Really struggled to maintain a full selection through the d20 craze... do well in Magic, but have gotten out of 'Clix and Warhammer. They do Comics and RPGs... and do both really well. Have a good selection of used Hero stuff.

You can order online from them at

http://www.chronopolis.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc

... they run a store by that name as well in East Lansing. (So they have a store for Michigan University and one for Michigan State.)

[Rapier]

In Chicago, you can hardly go wrong with Gamers Paradise. There are a couple in the city, one at Harlem Irving, and a couple others in the various burbs. All are a good bet.

I actually lived less than a mile from a pretty good FLGS for a year. It wasn't until I moved that I found the place (damnit!). It's Gamers Plus (its a big blue building at Elmhurst (rte 83) and NW Highway (Rte 14) in Mount Prospect. It's on the south side of the tracks east about a block. You really can't miss it. It's a freakin blue building!! :)

Their website is www.gamers-plus.com (http://www.gamers-plus.com) (i think).

[Koshka]

Boy, is my original post (back on page 2, I believe) out of date ....

First off, the L Street Ground Zero moved a couple blocks. At least four times the floor space, and a larger gaming area that isn't blocking the entrance any longer. However, the game rack isn't very well arranged (you'll have to rummage) and there isn't very much parking. They usually have at least some Hero available.

However, my new favorite store opened in Bellevue last spring/summer. The Game Shoppe is clean and well-lit, and the owner knows games and will order any Hero stuff for me that he doesn't have on the shelf. No used games as of the last time I was down there (getting Vibora Bay), but certainly worth the 20-25 minute drive from my neighborhood.

[War Cry]

Theres a shop in the burbs of Chicago (I believe Bolingbrook, could be wrong) called Cypher Games. I used to love that shop when I lived there. Staff was great and funny as hell, but last time I was there was about 6 yrs ago. In west Michigan, there's Riders on 28th street in Grand Rapids, but I don't really like them. I've never recieved anything I've had them order and their stock is less than desirable. Downtown on Lake Ave is Argos. Small and cramped, but the last time I ws there they had almost anything and everything imaginable. The staff was a hit and miss. Some were smart and helpful and others have a 3 word vovabulary "yeah, um, no". In Kalamazoo, there is a Riders that is friendlier and better, but they carry a lot less. Fanfare is another one. Great selection, terrible prices, and the staff has a condescending elitist attitude. Both are in the same mini-mall on S. Westnedge.

If anyone knows of some other shops in the Grand Rapids or Holland area of Michigan, please let me know.

[GrooveD70]

If anyone knows of some other shops in the Grand Rapids or Holland area of Michigan, please let me know.

If you are also a comic fan I would recommend The Outer Limits on Burton west of the 131 exit. The staff is very nice, they carry Hero and orders get processed quickly. They also have a kewl credit deal where after spending X amount of dollars you get a $15 dollars credit. I've ordered a lot of Hero stuff with those credits! Comics and game purchases both count toward the credit.

[CBikle]

For New Jersey:

Realms Of Adventure
http://www.realmsofadventure.com/

Bob(the owner) is a great guy and old-school gamer (and I mean that in a good way). Lots of RPG stuff and PC games as well.

For comics, action-figures, anime

Amazing Stories

http://www.amazingstoriesnj.com/

New shop and John (the owner), also a great guy and been in the comics biz for 15 + years.

[Darren Watts]

... the three Compleat Strategist stores were absolute gamer heaven. (Yes, I walked to all three of them.)
One was in Rockefeller Center (the smallest), one was up near Central Park, and the third (and biggest), was down about 32nd Street, near the Empire State Building. If they're still open, they'll be in the phone book.

All three had lots of good stuff, including old and obscure games. Tons of miniatures, every game system I'd ever heard of (and a bunch I hadn't).



The big one is on East 33rd, and yeah, they're still there and rock. I was there last March and signed some books for 'em- if you stop by, see if they have any left. They're good folks. dw

[trechriron]

The Game Matrix in sunny Tacoma, WA!!

I am the RPG guy there and I make sure they have oodles of HERO stuff (Two whole rows in fact).

I try and keep some other rare and indy stuff on hand as well as the big dogs. I am not the owner, just a volunteer.

I started volunteering after I became friends with the owner. I help with computers, running games and demos, cleaning, stocking, making ordering and placement suggestions, and a slew of other tasks.

Your local FLGS needs people to volunteer! These people are not rich (usually) and need experts to help them out. If you can even spare one day a month, I would suggest putting in some time and building a relationship with the owner of your FLGS. Of course, this gives your opinion some more weight...

I didn't like how the RPG section was being organized and the lack of new product and the absense of systems I like and know are played (like HERO) so I did something about it. I put my muscles/brain/time where my mouth is.

It has been a very rewarding experience. :D