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My Favorite On-Line Game Stores
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Boards and Bits Exceptional service. They have frequently gotten my package
shipped the same day that I order, which means that it ends up on my doorstep in
only two days! (your results may vary) Their prices are some of the lowest that
I have been able to find and their selection often includes many imports and
obscure games.
Tom (the owner) has been very responsive and friendly every time I have had
occaision to correspond with him.
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Boulder Games
These guys have been around for quite some time now, and
were the first that I know of that brought German games into the states for
affordable prices. Their selection of games generally represents either very
new games or obscure (read: unpopular or unknown). Seems that they keep their
overhead low by not carrying a huge selection of games that might not sell, and
the large number of 'out of stock' items seems to indicate that they often don't
re-order games once they sell out.
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Funagain Games
Another one of the originals. Funagain has always had a great selection including
tons of imports and has maintained a great web site long before anything like it
could be found in English. Their site has plenty of pictures, descriptions,
reviews and the like. This was industry-leading years ago, but now many other
sites simply link to Boardgamegeek so this
isn't nearly as novel as once it was.
Funagain has good prices on many games, mediocre on some, and high prices on others,
but they tend to have in stock games that you can't find anywhere else. I suspect
that their pricing has something to do with it, but that's supply and demand for you.
I have a lot of respect for this shop and make sure to order from them from time to
time regardless of pricing.
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Game Surplus
I've only ordered from this site a couple of times,
but my experiences have been good. Their prices and service are good enough, but
what has attracted me to them is that every now and then they turn up a gem of a
game, or a great deal. I visit the site fairly regularly in search of discovering
another surprise.
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The Old Game Store
Order a free catalog from this little game store in Vermont.
Problems with their web site had led me to believe that this quaint little store
had gone under. I'm delighted to see that they are still around. They have a
wide variety of games and puzzles with some Euros thrown in for good measure.
Of particular interest are their wooden games and puzzles. They have a really nice
selection of 'pretty' games, many of which are quite playable.
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Spielbar
Holger Hermann's on-line game store (German site).
You can get better prices on 'older' games than ordering from a U.S. importer,
but plan on placing a large order or postage will kill ya.
I'm pretty sure that this store is either gone, or has undergone a massive change
in the years since last I ordered from them. If anyone knows otherwise, please let
me know.
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Playme
I have ordered from this German site once (recently) and was pleased with
the result. They do speak English, but don't expect them to answer your e-mails in
a timely manner. There is a terrible time lag in their correspondence.
I may order from them again, or may just use Adam Spielt or one of the other
German sites.
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Magnus Spiele Versand
Another German game retailer. They have a smaller selection than Spielbar, but
slightly lower prices. I have not checked them out since '99, so you might just
want to swing by and see what they have to offer.
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Heidelberger Spielverlag
A German game company that I have never ordered from...
Other On-Line Stores
On-Line Store Search Engines
Game Rules and Reviews
Game Companies
Small or Unusual Game Companies
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Board not Bored Games
Maker of 6 Billion. The company is gone, but David Coutts still
supports his game from this site.
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Cwali
Can I even call Cwali a small company anymore? I remember ordering items
from him directly back when he still made all of his games by hand. Now
he is well known and his games are professionally produced. They are still
wonderfully original and have none of that mass-market feel to them, so
Cwali certainly belongs on this list.
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Games with a Twist
Maker of the uber-gorgeous Terrain Game. The original solid cherry
edition is long gone, but he has been making noise about a foreign-made
new edition with a cherry stain. There are better games, but few as pretty.
- Krimsus Krimskrams-Kiste
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Sagacity Games
Maker of the puzzle-game Sunda to Sahul and Freya's Folly.
- Splotter Spellen
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Toccata Games
Maker of The Patrons of Venice and Garden Competition. Both hand-made.
Game Magazines
Pages dedicated to Specific Games
- Conquest Donald Benge's combination of chess and a wargame.
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Pentagonia A Nine-Men's-Morris-type game from Canada.
- Set A must-have for gamers and puzzle-enthusiasts alike.
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Tantrix A neat Bakelite tile game from New Zealand.
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Trax A connect-the-lines type of game.
History of Games
Online Games
- Follow this link for a selection of online boardgames.
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