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

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

Nintendo World Store Review

My son was super excited when we walked into this store. The whole first floor was all Pokemon and the second floor was all things Mario. There were a lot of kids with the Nintendo 3DS so as you walk around the store, you keep getting pinged on the Street pass which was really cool. The employees were all super helpful and even helped my son get some pokemons for his pokedex. The shirts were really cute and they had games set up everywhere.

10 Rockefeller Plz
(between 48th St & 49th St)
New York, NY 10020
Neighborhood: Midtown West

(646) 459-0800

Game Champ Review

I'm not someone who does things like this regularly, but the exceptional experience I had at Game Champ made me make a mental note to review it. They paid me more for my PSP trade in's than the gamestop next door, and their selection is no less than a bigger, "brand name" shop. The people were super friendly and knowledgeable as I saw them recommending games for others in the store based on, (in my opinion), some exceptionally vague descriptions of what they like and dislike in their games. Also, their store manager set aside one of the final two copies of the game in which I was interested while I ran to the atm to snag cash

3152 Steinway St
Astoria, NY 11103
Neighborhood: Astoria

(718) 626-8088

Video Games New York Review

This is the best video game store in New York City. They have video games for every console, including japanese import games, have every video game console imaginable, and also have a section of the store devoted to illustrating the timeline of video game history by displaying systems and games ranging from the Odyssey to Playstation 2. They have an extensive new releases section and also sell an imported gaming software called the Caano that is definitely worth looking into. The staff is both knowledgeable and helpful. I have been shopping here for roughly a decade.

202 E 6th St
(between Cooper Sq & Taras Shevchenko Pl)
New York, NY 10003
Neighborhood: East Village

(212) 539-1039