Hey everybody! Lately I've had one or two people ask me some board game questions, so I just wanted to make a little post to give out some basic information.
Board games are awesome. And yeah, I have a crap-ton and I guess a few other people have some too, but that doesn't mean that you guys don't want to buy your own games. After all, it's pretty hard to spread the addiction when I'm not around if you don't have your own copies!
So first things first, where do you buy games?
The best place to buy games is online. Games are expensive and the wonders of the internet have brought us websites that undercut retail stores by up to 50%. I recommend buying online if at all possible; even with shipping, online stores will net you a large bundle in savings. The first place I usually check is Google Product Search. You can search for the game and just sort by best price. Besides that, though, here's a list of some fantastic websites.
Troll and Toad
Board Game Revolution
Thought Hammer
CCG Armory
Fair Play Games
Boards and Bits
Game Outfitter
Just scope out the websites and find the one with the cheapest price.
Here's a quick example:
Munchkin Bites - retail $24.95 | Munchkin Bites expansion - retail $17.95 | total - $42.90
Troll and Toad - (seperate) $16.20 + $11.95 = 28.15
Board Game Revolution - (bundle) $29.99
Thought Hammer - (seperate) $17.47 + $12.57 = $30.04
CCG Armory - (seperate) $17.47 + $11.86 = $29.33
Fair Play Games - (seperate) $17.47 + $11.95 = $29.42
Boards and Bits - (seperate) $15.96 + $11.48 = $27.44
Game Outfitter - (seperate) $16.49 + $13.49 = $29.98
As you can see, online stores are about 30% cheaper than retail.
If you really want to go to a retail store, I recommend Dreamland Comics in Schaumburg. Dreamland's games are *always* 20% off. The selection there isn't stellar, but it's decent. The lady there will also special order games (I think) if you ask her to. Dreamland is especially good if you're looking for more popular games or collectible games (like the WoW minitatures game). (NOTE: 20% off does not apply to Magic cards! Although she typically does have good deals if you buy several boosters, and she usually has the cheapest prices on boxes. I try to buy MtG from Dreamland if at all possible.)
So now that you know *where* to buy games, how do you know which games to buy?
There's a website called Board Game Geek and it is, without a doubt, the best resource for board gaming. Every game in existence will have a listing there, and each listing includes ratings, reviews, photos, files, and forums. Go there to look at a particular game to find out if it's crap or if you think you'll like it. Go and browse the list of most popular and highest rated games to find out what other people are playing. Go and search by game mechanic (such as co-op or tile). Board Game Geek is an amazing resource and it's pretty much a one-stop spot for all of your board gaming needs.
That wraps up the basics! If anybody ever has any questions feel free to talk to me anytime.
Now, go out and (board) game!
-Nathan
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