What's a gamer to do?

[Doc_Klueless]

I guess it had to happen sooner or later, but today I went to the local gameshop (Go, Game Zone, Pasadena, CA!) where I looked and looked and looked but could find something I actually wanted to spend my money on. The selection there is great, but I was just overwhelmed by the amount of products on the shelf.

I recently had divorce proceedings started against me, so I'd done without gaming and game stores since 1 June 03. As such there was just too much new stuff on the shelves to sift through. And I even hang out here fairly often and listen to news, reviews and such.

Just think how it must be for the new guy off the street. There are no easily discernable "starter" games, just tons and tons of books with small writing and dense rules. It's gotta be double hard for that guy.

Anyway. Just thought I'd share.

 

[Crothian]

Read revies, talk to people, see what's good. THat's what I do. Even for people who keep up wit the what's out it can still be overwelming. There are just so many books out there it is impossible for one person to be familiar with them. I have bought a lot less in the past six months because there is so much.

I like to figure out what need or want out of a book. I find it is easier to go looking with a generak idea then to just see what's there.

 

[BrooklynKnight]

My personal recommondation would be for you to get the Modern d20 Core book. If you already have it, get the Modern Players Companion Print Edition by Green Ronin/The Game Mechanics.

Underdark for FR came out this weekend and so has The Book of Exalded Deeds if you're collecting D&D books.

(My FLGS has mine already. nice and safe)

 

[Erratic K]

Having been to the Zone in Pasadena, just ask around. Or cruise in some time, hang out and see what people are playing. I'm sure you can get in on some games there in the back room.

That is a FLGS!!!

-E

BTW. Sorry to hear about your divorce. Hope everything turns out okay.

 

[ergeheilalt]

*gamer gears turning in head*

I have recently moved into the dorms at Cal Poly, and have an uncle in Pasendena who insists that I visit. Could I get the address of the game store so I can get some fun out of these "visits"?

Erge

 

[BiggusGeekus@Work]

The selection there is great, but I was just overwhelmed by the amount of products on the shelf.

Awesome. It's like the 80s all over again. I love it.

there was just too much new stuff on the shelves to sift through. And I even hang out here fairly often and listen to news, reviews and such.

Bummer about the hard times. Here's a quick priority list:

1) Dragon or Dungeon subscription
2) d20 Modern
3) A Magic Medival Society: Western Europe

At this point stop and think about if you want to go to 3.5 or not. That'll affect your next few purchases. Don't worry, guy. We'll get you back in stacks of books 12 feet high in no time.

Just think how it must be for the new guy off the street. There are no easily discernable "starter" games, just tons and tons of books with small writing and dense rules. It's gotta be double hard for that guy.

Yeah. D&D needs a starter set with counters and a map that they sell at a minimal profit margin followed by a second "expansion" set that covers things like Attacks of Opportunity, the harder rules, higher levels, and tricker classes.

 

[KnowTheToe]

I could see this concern for any new players. There is a plether of books out there, I would never know what to buy. I could see sombody buy something like Midnight and not realize until later that he needed another game in-order to play it.

 

[NeuroZombie]

Yeah. D&D needs a starter set with counters and a map that they sell at a minimal profit margin followed by a second "expansion" set that covers things like Attacks of Opportunity, the harder rules, higher levels, and tricker classes.

There is a starter box set that came out with the 3.0 PHB. I bought it for my (then) 11 year old step-son and he ran 3e before I ever got to! Its pretty good actually, although I do not know if it is still in print We still use the counters and maps that it came with on occasion.

 

[Doc_Klueless]

I have recently moved into the dorms at Cal Poly, and have an uncle in Pasendena who insists that I visit. Could I get the address of the game store so I can get some fun out of these "visits"? Erge

It's located on Colorado across the street from Vons. Next door to where the bike shop used to be. Sorry, can't be more precise. Don't know addresses. Just locations.

 

[ergeheilalt]

It's located on Colorado across the street from Vons. Next door to where the bike shop used to be. Sorry, can't be more precise. Don't know addresses. Just locations.

Cool, I'll have to stop in next time I'm out and about.

Erge