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PSN: Paul_Soth
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An aging hand at all of this, from the Golden Age of the 2600 to the networked crap of today. Been there, done that, wants more.



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* Once had aspirations of becoming an Apple // software pirate (What? Like you were never 14...).

* Has attended at least two conventions a year since 1995.

* While working at Micro Center's distribution warehouse in the summer of 2000, witnessed over 200 copies of Daikatana set to be shipped to one store and one store alone.

* Was once paid in parts while working at a small computer repair shop.

* Co-Accepted the Origins Game of the Year Award for Hackmaster.

* Perhaps the first man in North America to cosplay a character from Cave Story (the Doctor).

* Once played Street Fighter the Movie: The Game on a PS3 that never worked properly since. The game became known for it's destructive properties.

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Support your local game store! (Or: Look what I found!)
Paul Soth | 11:34 PM on 05.23.2009 16 comments


We all know that most major chains suck when it comes to games. Big electronic stores are unlikely to have titles that the hardcore really demand, and places like GameStop do plenty to shortchange customers, the industry, and even their own employees.

When you're involved with a hobby like hardcore gaming, small business is often the best way to go. With local game stores, the owners will be more passionate about games, there'll be a better selection of used games for older systems, you can develop a better rapport with the staff and owners (and hence, they'll know what you like), and you can even find those rare items and imports. For instance, a trip to my local store, Yo! Games, produced this:



Luckily, Yo! Games is located in a shopping center that is frequented by the local Japanese population (most of who moved here thanks to the Honda plant in Marysville) that also hosts a grocery and an import book/gift shop. In fact, a recent pile of trade-ins contained many of the Japanese 16-Bit Final Fantasy ports and other SquareSoft titles for the PSX and even a sealed copy of the original Final Fantasy III for the Famicom.

Along with import software, Yo! Games also helps out on the hardware side. One local arcade stick maker frequents them for parts. There's also a good selection of collectibles and DVDs of Japanese and Korean films and TV dramas.

You know what, I want to challenge the Destructoid community. If there's a locally owned game store that you frequently shop at, write about it in your D-Toid Blog. It's good to help small businesses. Do your part.



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15 comments | showing # 1 to 15
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ChronosWing's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/24/2009 00:16
ChronosWing
I'd love to, but there are none left in my area, fucking gamestop ran them all out of town by opening at least 2 stores in each zipcode.
Mentok the Mindtaker's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/24/2009 01:00
Mentok the Mindtaker
OMG SEALED COPY OF FF3 *dies*
tazarthayoot's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/24/2009 01:22
tazarthayoot
paul, you are taking me to this place. and you are doing it tomorrow. give me a call sometime tomorrow, we're going.
Kyousuke Nanbu's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/24/2009 01:47
Kyousuke Nanbu
Interactive cinema.

Why did Kojima stop using that tag? Its pretty accurate for his last few times.

And I don't have a local store, never have actually.
Zoel's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/24/2009 02:15
Zoel
The best place we have is Cash Converters. Video Games Trader got prices that will make you go bankrupt or Eb games (Haven't seen a Gamestop in my life). .
ArrestedDeveloper's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/24/2009 02:34
ArrestedDeveloper
It has been awhile since I went to the one independent gaming store in town. Maybe I'll check them out next week.
Paul Soth's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/24/2009 03:02
Paul Soth
Taz: If I had your number...
Trust's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/24/2009 03:32
Trust
Nice find!

I'm usually always around my local gaming stores. I try to go there at least once a week. I have yet to find anything spectacular, though.
Aurain's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/24/2009 08:00
Aurain
Interactive Cinema?

Shouldn't all Kojima games say that?

ZING!

...I love Kojima games.
RonBurgandy2010's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/24/2009 08:19
RonBurgandy2010
Yeah, well GS is all I have down here.
Celdurant's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/24/2009 11:20
Celdurant
Gamestop has a monopoly on the market down here, but there is one new store that just opened up that I want to go check out. Hopefully they aren't trying to imitate GS, and will have some older stuff I'm looking for.

Currently on the hunt for Legend of Dragoon for PS1. I need a replacement for my original, since disc 2 is no longer functional ><
Blasto's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/24/2009 11:33
Blasto
Anyone who has a good locally owned game store should fellate the owner for having the plums to defy Gamestop. Seriously. Sealed FF3? I think I'm gonna be sick...
Artemus's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/25/2009 01:11
Artemus
There is an awesome game store near me, that just opened, called Phoenix Games.
I applaud the dude who opened it, he has balls. It's right near a Game Crazy and a GameStop!
Kyle MacGregor's Avatar - Comment posted on 05/25/2009 01:55
Kyle MacGregor
There's one about ten miles away from me in San Bernardino that doubles as a skateboard shop.

It's not so great for current releases but whenever I want to go pick up something retro they'll be the place that has it. So far I've picked up a copy of Starfox and A Link to the Past there.
BumGamer's Avatar - Comment posted on 06/01/2009 08:58
BumGamer
Hmm, I've gotta see this place. Where in Columbus is it? The only independent store I know is a place called Play It Trade It down the street that I've purchased titles from a couple of times before. They have a good selection of NES, SNES, and PS1 classics along with other retro titles, so I think you guys should check it out if you're in town. I saw a golden cartridge of Ocarina of Time there and a great condition copy of FFVII along with Lunar and even a PS2 copy of Marvel Vs. Capcom 2, so the place should definitely be checked out. They've been a bit low on games lately, though, but they'll pick up their steam with time, I guess.
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