Just the fact that Metreon's arcade has vanished, Westfield Mall's theater arcade is horrid, and arcades as a whole is close to non-existent in the bay area makes Southtown not only a breath of fresh air but the only real arcade worth going to in SF. The arcade is mainly geared towards the fighting game community as their showcase of games span from Super Street Fighter II: Grand Master Challenge to Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition with some shumps, a cabinet running Neo-Geo's arcade platform, and even Bishi-Bashi.
The price ranges are more than reasonable as the majority of the showcase is a quarter and the community for the most part is very welcoming and fun to play against. Space can be an issue at times when busy as the arcade is quite small but so long as you can sit and play your game, no problems there. This arcade has also had their fair share of streamed tournaments so if you think you're up to snuff, go for it! Aside from arcade games, Southtown also offers a number of stylish T-shirts that can be purchased at the counter.
I commend the staff here for making the effort of placing an arcade in a city which challenges establishments like this at every turn. Pay them a visit, grab some change, and enjoy yourselves.
447 Stockton St
(at Bush St)
San Francisco, CA 94108
Neighborhood: Union Square
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Monday, March 26, 2012
The Go Game Review
I feel like I am an expert Go Gamer as I've done it about 5 times and will continue to come back. I first played when I was in my first job out of college but I've done it for my 30th birthday, my wife's 30th birthday, work events and I've even set it up for clients as well. In San Francisco I've done missions in the Haight, North Beach, SOMA and Mission and each one has been completely different and unique to each area. I've done one in Seattle as well.
It's tough to explain but it's like the "The Game" movie with Michael Douglas where you're in a game, you need to do certain tasks and there are actors along the way and sometimes you're not sure if they're in the game or not. The Go Game makes it very easy as they set everything up for you after some questions. It's definitely a unique experience and gets people hooked after their first time.
My work hired the Go Game for our annual retreat/bonding/team work day. Our event coordinator, Roxy, arrived in an orange jumpsuit with lunchboxes in hand so I knew it was going to be good. The game was well organized and had adventures/tasks that took advantage of everyone's various knowledge and talent. They had us running all around Jack London Square in Oakland. I felt like I was on a mini version of Amazing Race. Overall, great experience and would recommend this company for their creativity and enthusiasm.
400 Treat Ave
Ste F
(between 17th St & 18th St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Serving San Francisco and surrounding area
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 734-9330
It's tough to explain but it's like the "The Game" movie with Michael Douglas where you're in a game, you need to do certain tasks and there are actors along the way and sometimes you're not sure if they're in the game or not. The Go Game makes it very easy as they set everything up for you after some questions. It's definitely a unique experience and gets people hooked after their first time.
My work hired the Go Game for our annual retreat/bonding/team work day. Our event coordinator, Roxy, arrived in an orange jumpsuit with lunchboxes in hand so I knew it was going to be good. The game was well organized and had adventures/tasks that took advantage of everyone's various knowledge and talent. They had us running all around Jack London Square in Oakland. I felt like I was on a mini version of Amazing Race. Overall, great experience and would recommend this company for their creativity and enthusiasm.
400 Treat Ave
Ste F
(between 17th St & 18th St)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Serving San Francisco and surrounding area
Neighborhood: Mission
(415) 734-9330
Japan Video Games Review
This place is legit. The stock of Japanese import video games are great! It's one of those places where you always drive by and have always been curious about. The place is clean and well organized, but very quiet. A suggestion is to have background music playing or showing one of the DVD import movies they have so to create that white noise, else it made it very awkward for me to just browse.
The shop is expensive. A 6 inch plush will run you $25. Games are on average $65-70+, and these are PS2 games. They have a lot of great import games for a variety of game platforms. If you're in the search for an exclusive Japanese release or "vintage" PS2 games, here is the place to go!
I love this place!! I've been following JVG ever since i was in high school!! This is their third move and the largest of all their previous locations. They always have the newest releases and at great prices. If you are a video game fanatic, you will definitely feel like a little kid in a candy store! They have so many games, accessories, and toys everywhere! Its like gaming heaven, plus everything is displayed all nice. This location is really easy to see/find because they have a huge lighted sign with no trees blocking it, unlike their previous location. Definitely check them out next time you need to buy gaming anything.
1509 W Valley Blvd
Alhambra, CA 91803
Neighborhood: Alhambra
(626) 281-6188
The shop is expensive. A 6 inch plush will run you $25. Games are on average $65-70+, and these are PS2 games. They have a lot of great import games for a variety of game platforms. If you're in the search for an exclusive Japanese release or "vintage" PS2 games, here is the place to go!
I love this place!! I've been following JVG ever since i was in high school!! This is their third move and the largest of all their previous locations. They always have the newest releases and at great prices. If you are a video game fanatic, you will definitely feel like a little kid in a candy store! They have so many games, accessories, and toys everywhere! Its like gaming heaven, plus everything is displayed all nice. This location is really easy to see/find because they have a huge lighted sign with no trees blocking it, unlike their previous location. Definitely check them out next time you need to buy gaming anything.
1509 W Valley Blvd
Alhambra, CA 91803
Neighborhood: Alhambra
(626) 281-6188
Hyper Games Review
People usually drag me here since I speak Japanese because my buddies say that the staff has trouble understanding what they want. I'm not a hard-core gamer, but from what I can tell, they seem to have what importers want. Lots of used games too. The only problem with coming here is parking is a bitch. And if you come during traffic hours, Sawtelle can be pretty packed. But that's not the store's fault. Good place if you have to have the Japanese version of whatever game you want or a game that is not available in the US.
Best Import Shop in SoCal, but still a bit pricey. They have a ton of used import games on a range of consoles. They also tend to carry the latest titles from Japan including the PlayStation Vita. Good place to look for that rare import you might be looking for, just expect to pay for the convenience of it having already been imported. Can't fault them for the prices though, games in Japan cost more generally than in the states, not including the shipping prices.
2130 Sawtelle Blvd
Ste 211
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Neighborhood: West Los Angeles
(310) 444-1907
Best Import Shop in SoCal, but still a bit pricey. They have a ton of used import games on a range of consoles. They also tend to carry the latest titles from Japan including the PlayStation Vita. Good place to look for that rare import you might be looking for, just expect to pay for the convenience of it having already been imported. Can't fault them for the prices though, games in Japan cost more generally than in the states, not including the shipping prices.
2130 Sawtelle Blvd
Ste 211
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Neighborhood: West Los Angeles
(310) 444-1907
Game Stop Review
I don't understand why people hate on this place at all. I notice quite a few reviews that dock the business for games that were sold out and unavailable or other things out of the staffer's control. I realize we're all playing video games here but hell... grow up folks! Sure, at first I was a little peeved at their old trade-in policy but that had nothing to do with the staff who were just doing their job.
After a while, and numerous trips there, it's gotten to the point where if I come to the counter with a game that'll likely end up back on their shelves within a week, they let me know so I don't waste my time. In a nutshell, if you frequent there enough, the staffers will get a feel for your gaming habits and preferences, which is nice.
Midnight launch events at this location are normally great fun with most of the customers using it as a chance to meet other gamers. Staffers ensure that when zero hour does hit, you can get in and out with your copy as soon as possible so you can play it just as quickly. They even do swag giveaways and NOS energy drink reps are commonplace at these events, giving out lots of energy drinks.
151 Powell St
(between Ellis St & Ofarrell St)
San Francisco, CA 94102
Neighborhoods: Union Square, Civic Center/Tenderloin
(415) 362-7601
After a while, and numerous trips there, it's gotten to the point where if I come to the counter with a game that'll likely end up back on their shelves within a week, they let me know so I don't waste my time. In a nutshell, if you frequent there enough, the staffers will get a feel for your gaming habits and preferences, which is nice.
Midnight launch events at this location are normally great fun with most of the customers using it as a chance to meet other gamers. Staffers ensure that when zero hour does hit, you can get in and out with your copy as soon as possible so you can play it just as quickly. They even do swag giveaways and NOS energy drink reps are commonplace at these events, giving out lots of energy drinks.
151 Powell St
(between Ellis St & Ofarrell St)
San Francisco, CA 94102
Neighborhoods: Union Square, Civic Center/Tenderloin
(415) 362-7601
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Game Developers Conference Review
The Game Developers Conference started in game designer Chris Crawford's backyard, as an annual gathering of game developers to exchange ideas. Has it gotten huge Yes. Did moving it to San Francisco from San Jose make it feel just a tad like "selling out"? Yes. Is it super expensive and they have to do something about that? Hellz yes.
But at it's core, it's the same conference. As a developer, it's thrilling. Random conversations in hallways or at parties become inspirational brainstorms, playing Rock Band with the people who made it, walking into a hotel suite to find Phil Harrison and Reggie Fils-Aime playing Wii Bowling.... I always leave feeling depressed at all the awesome things other people are doing, and inspired to make even better games in the upcoming year.
Moscone Center
San Francisco, CA 94101
Neighborhood: Mission
But at it's core, it's the same conference. As a developer, it's thrilling. Random conversations in hallways or at parties become inspirational brainstorms, playing Rock Band with the people who made it, walking into a hotel suite to find Phil Harrison and Reggie Fils-Aime playing Wii Bowling.... I always leave feeling depressed at all the awesome things other people are doing, and inspired to make even better games in the upcoming year.
Moscone Center
San Francisco, CA 94101
Neighborhood: Mission
Red Bull Arena Review
I can not get enough of these Red Bull games! I've been to three of their games this past season so far and will without a doubt, be back for more games next year. The supporter section make the games so worthwhile. I found myself cheering along with the crowd, stomping my feet against the metal flooring and waving my Red Bulls scarf way high in the air. The energy and atmosphere at these games are well worth the trek from any part of the tri-state area. And even if you're not into soccer.. the stadium, fans and crowd definitely make it a good time. And if it's a nice day, be sure to arrive early to pre-game and tailgate in the parking lot!
Red Bull Arena
600 Cape May St
Harrison, NJ 07029
(877) 727-6223
Red Bull Arena
600 Cape May St
Harrison, NJ 07029
(877) 727-6223
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