Game Empire

10/31/11

Best Game Shop in SoCal

by lemurking23

Game Empire is by far and away the very best game store that you can find anywhere in Southern California. Whether you enjoy puzzles, board games (standard Monopoly or the more esoteric ones), role-playing games, card games, or miniature games, GE has everything. Plus, if they don't have it, they can certainly order it for you.

The staff is incredibly knowledgeable about all of their products, and they are always willing to sit down and explain a game or offer a demo. The customer base runs the range of characters, but all of my experiences has proven people to be friendly, warm, and overall very happy to introduce you to their favorite games.

The store is standard retail in terms of prices, and yes you can find many of their products at a discount on-line, but the sense of community and the actual customer service of a brick and mortar store is more than worth any minor discount. The store always has something happening, and it is very easy to get involved in leagues, tournaments, and just general free play.

There is no place in all of Southern California like Game Empire, and I would recommend that any gamer of any variety visit at least once. Chances are, you’ll get hooked.

06/16/11

Surly staff and high prices

by DJVance

I've been playing board games for 15 years, so I'm used to the staff at game stores. Those people rarely have any social skills, so I don't expect much. But Game Empire was just too bad to ignore. A guy I found out later is the owner was very rude to me and another couple. I thought I caught him on a bad day (we're all entitled to a bad day once in a while), but after I came back a few more times, it was the same. They're very surly, plus the prices are high. There's just no reason to buy games here -- buy them online instead or another LGS. Game Empire lacks the basic decency to give even the most cursory customer service. I gave them leeway cuz they're a game store, but it's just too weird of a place :(

Also, the owner plays music SUPER LOUD there. You can't even hear people talking in your game.

01/20/09

Probably the most active game store in LA

by DivineNTD

I dropped by last weekend just to meet up with a friend and play some games. The place was so full we actually went to a coffee shop to play, but in the short time we were there we met several friendly people who also play designer games.

Their selection of games is great. Retail prices which will give you sticker shock if you're used to shopping online. But the space is great.

• Pros: friendly people
• Cons: needs more chairs :-)

04/13/05

dave, tony & that-girl-with-the-blue-hair

by aarron_carter

they make this place fun ;) the variety of game here, is astounding. board games, card games, role playing games even games that "only" use dice. of which they've an impressive variety, as well :) stop by sometime! they even sell computer time for THAT game, you've Got to play, NOW ! [stocks wizard, to, nerdo]

• Pros: tanningSalonNextDoor!, grnCarpet/CokeMachine, parking lot behind
• Cons: when dave is gone, when tony is gone, when that-grl is gone

05/21/02

For People That Love Games

by ranma

This is a store as well as a hangout for those that love to game... this includes the individuals that work there. There is not only a nice selection of eclectic worldly games but always someone there willing to play either right there in the showroom or in the area in the back of the store with about 6 large tables set up. This is also the place where the computers are for multi-player gaming which can get a bit noisy sometimes. The store focuses on selling card games, board games, role-playing games and miniatures.

• Pros: Eclectic selection, Game Lover's Delight
• Cons: Can get noisy, Crowded in the back