Sweet Home Chicago!

[CAG 79]

Well I was able to get Killer 7, Psychonauts and the last copy of Alien Hominid. They were sold out of Tekken 5 and Metal Slug Advance.

[EdS25]

Hello Chicago CAGer's - did you all survive the holidays? I finally got my 360 from cc.com (no lines for me yay) and made off with Fatal Frame 2 and a few others from the TRU sale. Also got a used copy of Disgaea from Gamecrazy for $18 so it's been quite a CAG week for me.

Unfortunately, even with a shiny 360 and about 10 new games from various sales, I still haven't been able to pull myself away from the heroine-like addiction that is Guitar Hero. Anyone else playing this "DDR for guys" masterpiece? (No offense to the DDR players - hell I WISH I had the coordination/stamina).

So when's the next meetup? Flybrione, ryosnk, rocksoild - you itchin for a Baker's Square fix? Got more games to trade? As I've always said, I'd be more than happy to host, but seems like no way you guys are driving an hour to the west burbs.

Happy gaming! Oh and GO BEARS
Ed

[swissx1]

Questions about Circuit City in your area about XBOX 360

Hey guys I live in the Chicago area. I would like to tknow if your Circuit City had a waiting list after Xbox 360 launch. I was told that stores was able to have a waiting list up to nine days after that launch. Well I thought it was silly to stand in a line all night at a store that had only 13 systems when you knew there was no chance of you getting one. I can be to the Circuit City a number time sand not once did someone mention that their was a waiting list. A buddy told that there was one that they added his name to on the saturday after the launch .When I call and asked about it they say "no there is no waiting list". I also went into the store hoping to snag one and tell told me the same thing. I thought my buddy was mistaken. Well 3 weeks later as I am purchasing some stuff at Circuit City, the cashier tell me after as kme did find everything, I just mention in a joking way "didn't find the 360?" SHe told we did put you name on the waitng list?" After a conversion with the manager the list the at did not exist appeared.


My question for you guys, Did Circuit City have a list in your area?Personally I feel like they picked and choosed who they want to be on that list. On Christmas EVe my friend was called from that list that his system came in. I went in the store an hour later and manager flat out lied that they had no system comen the store. When I confronted about my buddy picking his up that day. He started changing his story. Ask his him why there no sign saying XBOX 360 sold out please got to customer service to sign up for the waiting list. His quote"Well we would have thousand on the list."

Am I wrong feel like they pick and choosed would get one?

Thanks guys

Go Bears......

[ryosnk]

Hello Chicago CAGer's - did you all survive the holidays? I finally got my 360 from cc.com (no lines for me yay) and made off with Fatal Frame 2 and a few others from the TRU sale. Also got a used copy of Disgaea from Gamecrazy for $18 so it's been quite a CAG week for me.

Unfortunately, even with a shiny 360 and about 10 new games from various sales, I still haven't been able to pull myself away from the heroine-like addiction that is Guitar Hero. Anyone else playing this "DDR for guys" masterpiece? (No offense to the DDR players - hell I WISH I had the coordination/stamina).

So when's the next meetup? Flybrione, ryosnk, rocksoild - you itchin for a Baker's Square fix? Got more games to trade? As I've always said, I'd be more than happy to host, but seems like no way you guys are driving an hour to the west burbs.

Happy gaming! Oh and GO BEARS
Ed

Hello Ed, thats alot of games to play on your shiny 360. I play guitar hero at my brothers house and its like crack (I'am a guitar legend). Regarding a bakers square fix, that sounds fine to me. Set up a date and time and I can let the others know. Later.

[EdS25]

swissx1 - As far as I know, the CCs and BBs did NOT take preorders/waiting lists. I got mine by watching www.xbox360tracker.com. One day, when I just missed a shipment at Target, they had them in on cc.com. I ordered it and voila it showed up on my doorstep. Easiest way to do it in my opinion. Plus, the bundle was very reasonable - just an extra controller and PGR3 which was a game I wanted anyway.

ryosnk - just to clarify, I didn't get 10 games for the 360 (that would have been near impossible!) - what I should have said was that the 360, plus 10 games on various systems that I acquired recently CAG-style, wasn't enough to tear me away from Guitar Hero becuase it's just. that. good.

Regarding a meet - Baker's Square is cool but one thing I was actually hoping was if most of us (Flybrione? rocksolid?) were into Guitar Hero we could get together and play it somewhere. What do you guys think?

Ed

[ryosnk]

If anyone is interested, I have virtual quest and phantom brave for trade.

[hopesfall]

Hey guys, I'm not sure where to post this, but since we are all in the Chicago area, I'm going to start out here. I'm selling off a bunch of my games, cds, electronics, etc. One of the items I am selling is a Humax TiVo DTR800 system. It is a little bit bigger than I would like to send through the mail, so I wanted to find somebody local who would like to buy it. It is an 80GB TiVo recorder, and it also burns DVDs. If you are interested, read up on its features and then send me a PM with an offer. I've had it for a year, and it works perfectly, but I just no longer need it. Sorry if this isn't supposed to be here. Oh and let me know if anybody is looking to buy some cds; I can e-mail a list or you can let me know what you are looking for to see if I have it. Thanks a lot guys!

[swissx1]

EdS25

The Circuit City in the Southwest Suburb did take waiting list. I called most of the Circuit City and none of them had a list. My issue was that this list to only certain people. I only found out about it from a buddy. The store lied and claim there no list and a cashier told me there was. Only then my name was added to that list. I called the MAIN office in VA. to voice my complaint. I just wanted to be tolds why they had a list and not other store in the Chicagoland area a had list. As far I concerned I never back Circuit City ever again. That is just because I was lied to in my face about the list by the store superviser and the General manager of that store. There more to this store if you like I will give you guys the full story starting from November 22nd.


swissx1 - As far as I know, the CCs and BBs did NOT take preorders/waiting lists. I got mine by watching www.xbox360tracker.com. One day, when I just missed a shipment at Target, they had them in on cc.com. I ordered it and voila it showed up on my doorstep. Easiest way to do it in my opinion. Plus, the bundle was very reasonable - just an extra controller and PGR3 which was a game I wanted anyway.

ryosnk - just to clarify, I didn't get 10 games for the 360 (that would have been near impossible!) - what I should have said was that the 360, plus 10 games on various systems that I acquired recently CAG-style, wasn't enough to tear me away from Guitar Hero becuase it's just. that. good.

Regarding a meet - Baker's Square is cool but one thing I was actually hoping was if most of us (Flybrione? rocksolid?) were into Guitar Hero we could get together and play it somewhere. What do you guys think?

Ed

[swissx1]

By the way EdS25, Thanks for your reply.

[rjarmstrong100]

I'm planning on attending SAIC later on this year (around Fall season) and just wanted to scope out how the game-buying is around there, as well as what other locals/towns should be within walking distance (loathes busses).
SAIC seems to be located in the few blocks around the Grant Park area, and I just wanted to see if any other towns should be within walking distance, and which ones they are.
Also, are any good *cough*cheap*cough* game stores around those areas?
Thanks!

[swissx1]

SAIC ???? Help me out did i miss something?

[rjarmstrong100]

SAIC ???? Help me out did i miss something?

School Of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). =p
Yeah, mainly looking for places around there.

[bobo2k4]

Art Institute? The campus on wabash and lake?
Well there is a gamestop on Canal and Roosevelt.
Coconuts on Washington, Virgin Megastore on Michigan Ave and a target on Roosevelt.
I think those are the few places that you can find games within that area.

[rjarmstrong100]

Art Institute? The campus on wabash and lake?
Well there is a gamestop on Canal and Roosevelt.
Coconuts on Washington, Virgin Megastore on Michigan Ave and a target on Roosevelt.
I think those are the few places that you can find games within that area.

Yep, the campus on wabash and lake, so the pictures say.
Anychance there's places that sell them for cheap around there? Like mom and pop places and thrift shops and the sort.

[bobo2k4]

I dont think there are any thrift stores in downtown (but i could be wrong).
I do know some thats a close to downtown. I've never been inside but there is on Archer and 35th i think.

[rjarmstrong100]

I dont think there are any thrift stores in downtown (but i could be wrong).
I do know some thats a close to downtown. I've never been inside but there is on Archer and 35th i think.

Would that happen to be a reasonable, walkable distance from around the Art Institute?

[orangemage]

Would that happen to be a reasonable, walkable distance from around the Art Institute?


no, and most everything downtown is overpriced if you want to get around you better get the hang of using the CTA. the L can get you most anywhere and should be with in walking distance so your best bet is to try and find places near L stops

[SeraphiMichael]

There used to be a place in Oak Lawn, IL called High Score Video Games. I do not know if it is still there. I have never actually been there. There is a video game shop that opened recently in Plainfield, but I don't know what it is called. There also used to be a shop in Joliet called Infinite Gaming and one in Schaumburg called Cyberzone. Infinite Gaming was rathery seedy and Cyberzone's owner was kind of a prick. So you may have to venture into the suburbs for mom and pop game stores. Unfortunately, once you leave the city, the public transportation starts suck. There are Metra lines that go out to the suburbs, but it still is very limiting.

Edit: Almost forgot.... You could try looking at Disc Replay or Music Recyclery for older used games. Though, I am not sure if there any in the city. Both have a few locations in the suburbs.

[nny77713]

I don't know if anyone is still looking for an Xbox 360, but the Target in Batavia had 4 premium systems in the case. I picked one up which leaves them with 3. My wife told me to apply for their credit card, so I got 10% off. Not a bad deal.

[swissx1]

There used to be a place in Oak Lawn, IL called High Score Video Games. I do not know if it is still there. I have never actually been there. There is a video game shop that opened recently in Plainfield, but I don't know what it is called. There also used to be a shop in Joliet called Infinite Gaming and one in Schaumburg called Cyberzone. Infinite Gaming was rathery seedy and Cyberzone's owner was kind of a prick. So you may have to venture into the suburbs for mom and pop game stores. Unfortunately, once you leave the city, the public transportation starts suck. There are Metra lines that go out to the suburbs, but it still is very limiting.

Edit: Almost forgot.... You could try looking at Disc Replay or Music Recyclery for older used games. Though, I am not sure if there any in the city. Both have a few locations in the suburbs.


You are right the owner of Cyberzone was a complete A-hole. I did not shed a tear when his place closed.

[swissx1]

If any of you guys in the chicago you want to make a deal for my auctions. let me know.

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZsega60440QQhtZ-1

[Damanthia]

You are right the owner of Cyberzone was a complete A-hole. I did not shed a tear when his place closed.

I used to shop there a fair amount. He was a bit shady, and you had to double check any recommendations he made. My manager at EB was actually thinking of buying his contacts, stock and lease from him right before the shop closed, but the deal fell through. There aren't really many small places left around me now.

[WeaponX2099]

High Score in Oak Lawn is gone now.

[SeraphiMichael]

Scott was the name of the guy who owned Cyberzone. He always had this "I am better than you" attitude. I knew someone who bought a lot from them, and if she had bought a game elsewhere, he'd be upset with her. I last went in 99 and parted ways with the aforementioned friend about the same time. I have known it was closed as the site was gone, but when exactly did it go under? I take it he didn't get enough business.

[swissx1]

Scott was the name of the guy who owned Cyberzone. He always had this "I am better than you" attitude. I knew someone who bought a lot from them, and if she had bought a game elsewhere, he'd be upset with her. I last went in 99 and parted ways with the aforementioned friend about the same time. I have known it was closed as the site was gone, but when exactly did it go under? I take it he didn't get enough business.


I heard it more like a tax problem according some of the other game store owners that were in the area. At lot of your business owner do not prepare their taxes properly. What I also heard is he had real bad account practices. He could real produce docmention on he losses. Butt he sure did keep his corvette clean. (MOS) Moment of silence. I used to go to GameFan store which turned into Gameclub in the Northwest suburbs. They closed in 2003 , He just went and go a real job. He did not have time to run the store anymore.

[xsleepwalkerx]

The name of the Plainfield store is GAMERAIDER (http://www.gameraider.com/). Was in there a couple of times. Small store. Mediocre selection. Mostly used games. Prices were just okay. I think the GAMESTOP on Route 59 in Plainfield/Shorewood has better prices and turnover. Also, the sales guy at gameraider was not very friendly.

[Zmonkay]

The name of the Plainfield store is GAMERAIDER (http://www.gameraider.com/). Was in there a couple of times. Small store. Mediocre selection. Mostly used games. Prices were just okay. I think the GAMESTOP on Route 59 in Plainfield/Shorewood has better prices and turnover. Also, the sales guy at gameraider was not very friendly.

Yeah, but the fuckers at that gamestop actually get rid of their penny guides. I can never get any there >:O How dare people actually do their job!

[SeraphiMichael]

The name of the Plainfield store is GAMERAIDER (http://www.gameraider.com/). Was in there a couple of times. Small store. Mediocre selection. Mostly used games. Prices were just okay. I think the GAMESTOP on Route 59 in Plainfield/Shorewood has better prices and turnover. Also, the sales guy at gameraider was not very friendly.


That's it! I actually live 2 blocks from the Gamestop you mentioned. The problem with GameStop is lack of older games.

[ryosnk]

Does any Toyrus have any good games in stock?

[ryosnk]

:)

[ryosnk]

Dam computer - Sorry.

[EdS25]

Hey ryosnk - what titles are you looking for? My TRU still had a decent bin last time I was there about a week ago. I pretty much bought everything I wanted, but wasn't necessarily looking for certain ones (not really into sports etc.)

[ryosnk]

Hey ryosnk - what titles are you looking for? My TRU still had a decent bin last time I was there about a week ago. I pretty much bought everything I wanted, but wasn't necessarily looking for certain ones (not really into sports etc.)

I'm interested in these games:
GC games:
Zelda four swords
Fight Night 2 [oos]
Mario Party 4
Mario Party 5
Pikmin 2

ps2:
Digital Devil Saga 1

xbox:
World Soccer Winning Eleven 8 International
Fatal Frame 2

gba:
metal slug advance

accessories:
Action Replay Max Evo (PS2) $5.98 (the one with the flash drive device)


Thanks for helping me out Ed. :)



Also, would anyone know where I can get the Shaolin monk toys that were giving out when one preordered the game? Any info would be great thanks.

[Damanthia]

I think I remember seeing a few of those around recently. I'll take a quick look tonight and see if any of these are still hanging around.

[ryosnk]

I think I remember seeing a few of those around recently. I'll take a quick look tonight and see if any of these are still hanging around.


Thanks :)

[ryosnk]

ok *ARGH*

[shieryda]

I'm interested in these games:
GC games:
Zelda four swords
Fight Night 2 [oos]
Mario Party 4
Mario Party 5
Pikmin 2

ps2:
Digital Devil Saga 1

xbox:
World Soccer Winning Eleven 8 International
Fatal Frame 2

gba:
metal slug advance



accessories:
Action Replay Max Evo (PS2) $5.98 (the one with the flash drive device)


Thanks for helping me out Ed. :)



Also, would anyone know where I can get the Shaolin monk toys that were giving out when one preordered the game? Any info would be great thanks.

Good luck with those!

By the way, Fry's has a couple of pretty good deals from 1/6-1/10...

[EdS25]

I'll take a look on my way home tonight. I did get the last DDS1 and FF2 from my TRU. I could never get into SMT Nocturne so I'm not sure if I'm gonna give DDS1 a try. Best case scenario is I play it and love it but then have to go find DDS2!

I'll let you know what I find . . . maybe there's other fodder you could trade for the ones you want.

[Damanthia]

ryosnk, I lucked out at every TRU I went to tonight while doing my CC rounds. Even the stores that I remember having a stack of Pikmin 2 and Fight Night 2 were out of them. I'll keep looking, but it's not very promising.

[rjarmstrong100]

EDS, i'll take DDS off your hands if you dont want it ^_^

[WeaponX2099]

If anyone is looking for Hear to find TRu games go to the Bradley/Bourbonis Store thats closing. I found RE4 and DDS there last week.

[EdS25]

ryosnk - sorry it took so long to get back to you. My TRU had none of what you were looking for. About the only thing they had that I hadn't seen everywhere else was some King of Fighters game.

rjarmstrong100 - haven't decided what I want to do yet. If I could find a copy of DDS2 also for $10, I'd keep em just to have em in the collection. :)

[ryosnk]

ryosnk - sorry it took so long to get back to you. My TRU had none of what you were looking for. About the only thing they had that I hadn't seen everywhere else was some King of Fighters game.


Thanks for checking :).

[chickenhawk]

Just wanted to post my extreme pleasure with today's divisional playoff result. I know I'll get flamed in this thread for it, but the Bears got exactly what they deserved today. I don't think the Bears gave the Panthers an ounce of respect until they had the Bears down 13-0 and by that time, it was too late. I knew early in the week the Bears were not in the right mindset to win today and god damn, it feels great to be right. Way to go dumbshits...I hope you enjoyed yourselves all week talking big cause I doubt you'll have much fun when you think back on this game over the offseason.

[ryosnk]

Just wanted to post my extreme pleasure with today's divisional playoff result. I know I'll get flamed in this thread for it, but the Bears got exactly what they deserved today. I don't think the Bears gave the Panthers an ounce of respect until they had the Bears down 13-0 and by that time, it was too late. I knew early in the week the Bears were not in the right mindset to win today and god damn, it feels great to be right. Way to go dumbshits...I hope you enjoyed yourselves all week talking big cause I doubt you'll have much fun when you think back on this game over the offseason.


Hey, it was nice seeing the bears in the playoffs but again they prove that their mouths are bigger then their bite. Oh well, it was a fun year and Grossman looked good at least.


Also the hot topic store in the Hip mall has a few of the clearance items listed on their website.
http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=81487

[ryosnk]

I read an article and the writer was talking about the 1985 Bears season telecast on dvd. Would anyone know where to get the 1985 complete telecast season dvd?

[ryosnk]

Is their a link where I can check the best buy stores that sell and buy used games?

[WeaponX2099]

Is their a link where I can check the best buy stores that sell and buy used games?

I think in this thread maybe page 4 or 6:

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1643123#post1643123

[ryosnk]

I think in this thread maybe page 4 or 6:

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1643123#post1643123


Thanks.

[miget33]

anyone know where I can find games or accesories for the sega genesis near Joliet?

[rjarmstrong100]

I'm going to be in Chicago next week to visit School of The Art Institute of Chicago. Can anyone suggest any nice places to eat, and maybe some REALLY nice places to eat.

Also, anyone know of any good art stores or gaming stores in the area?

[rocksolidaudio]

I'm going to be in Chicago next week to visit School of The Art Institute of Chicago. Can anyone suggest any nice places to eat, and maybe some REALLY nice places to eat.

Also, anyone know of any good art stores or gaming stores in the area?

unfortunately there's pretty slim pickings downtown. if you want to take the train a bit further north you can swing by my EB, and i can recommend a ton of restaurants...

[ryosnk]

Well, I was thinking about this but its up to everyone. Would anyone be interested in a Gameworks get-together; we can hang out in Gameworks, play some games, eat, and trade a few games. Anyone interested?

Also, would anyone know of a few batting cages?

[EdS25]

I'd be up for Gameworks (bit of a trek for you guys but WAAAAY easier than meeting by the HIP for me!) One thing I will mention though is the last time I went it didn't seem like they're bringing in any new games lately. I always thought Dave and Buster's had a better selection (more shooting/racing games, etc.) Maybe I'm wrong - haven't been to either in a while.
Dave and Buster's is like 5-10 minutes from Gameworks so whichever you guys prefer. Definitely a lot more places to eat at Woodfield.

[ryosnk]

I'd be up for Gameworks (bit of a trek for you guys but WAAAAY easier than meeting by the HIP for me!) One thing I will mention though is the last time I went it didn't seem like they're bringing in any new games lately. I always thought Dave and Buster's had a better selection (more shooting/racing games, etc.) Maybe I'm wrong - haven't been to either in a while.
Dave and Buster's is like 5-10 minutes from Gameworks so whichever you guys prefer. Definitely a lot more places to eat at Woodfield.


Hello Ed, Gameworks has those $20 unlimited play for three hours on Sunday and Dave and busters for me is a bit more expensive. But if people want to go to dave and busters instead thats cool.

Gameworks promotions:
http://www.gameworks.com/events/local_events_schaumburg.php

This one seems interesting:
January 27-29 Seagate 2006 Video Game Tour. Check out the latest PC and console games from Sega and other manufacturers. Enter daily tournaments for prizes including Seagate Pocket Hard Drives and hot video game titles!

Dave and busters info:
http://www.daveandbusters.com/?f=1

[EdS25]

I think when go to Dave and Buster's I usually just get about $20 worth anyway. It *could* last 3 hours, depending on what games you play - but probably not.

That Tour thing sounds interesting (could be fun, could be lame) but that's like . . this weekend!! I could probably go but historically these meetups take about 2.5 months of planning so not sure about everyone else . . ..

[rocksolidaudio]

haven't been to gameworks before, but i will say this:

1) spending money sucks on stuff besides food
2) Guitar Hero is inevitably more fun than anything there

personally i would rather go to someone's place, especially if we're trading. i can host if necessary, though if someone else wants to that's even better. just my two cents.

[EdS25]

I agree rocksolid (I was trying to get people together to play GH a page or 2 back). Maybe not all of us have tried it yet . . . I'd always be happy to host. But, well, see for yourself - try mapquesting St. Charles. Yeah - didn't think so.

[CAG 79]

If you guys are trading, I got Alien Hominid and Genji: Dawn of Samurai available.

[EdS25]

Anybody here have one of those Fallout 1 and 2 dual packages they want to get rid of? Or know where I can get one? Man, I must have passed that up about 300 times over the last 9 years. Saw it everywhere for $5-10 : Target, Wal-mart, bookstores, drug stores, gas stations, etc. The exact minute I decided I had to have one (which was last week sometime) they all instantaneously vanished from the face of the earth. Wtf?

If anyone has one, great. If you're coming to the (as yet unplanned) meetup, even better. And even better still if you're willing to trade on the cheap for it.

[Johnny Postman]

Just a heads up that if any Chicago CAGs are in need a 360, the Best Buy boutique store called Escape has plenty of systems (over 20 each core and premium) and is just charging retail for them. It's on north Halsted in the 2100 block (on west side of street - say around 2150)

Also, while BB owns this place, it's semi-independent (meaning it doesn't take the BB coupons or credit card.)

[ryosnk]

If everyone prefers to just do a meetup or party on someones house thats alright with me. But who will want to plan this?

Also anyone know of any batting cages in Chicago? Thanks.

[Johnny Postman]

If everyone prefers to just do a meetup or party on someones house thats alright with me. But who will want to plan this?

Also anyone know of any batting cages in Chicago? Thanks.


Some pretty close to me at Lincoln and Devon but they're outdoor only so closed 'til spring.

[ryosnk]

Some pretty close to me at Lincoln and Devon but they're outdoor only so closed 'til spring.

What are the names (if you can recall) of the places?

[shieryda]

What are the names (if you can recall) of the places?

Doesn't Sluggers on Clark and Addison have batting cages? It's near the Cubby Bear.

[Apossum]

I'm going to be in Chicago next week to visit School of The Art Institute of Chicago. Can anyone suggest any nice places to eat, and maybe some REALLY nice places to eat.

Also, anyone know of any good art stores or gaming stores in the area?

gaming stores-- none that I know of, besides some random best buys and such.
Art stores-- not sure about stores, but there are a ton of galleries

here's a really nice place to eat-- http://www.fogodechao.com/dining.htm

I think it's $50 a plate but you get a virtually unlimited amount of high class meats, side dishes, dessert and a bottle of wine.

Ron of Japan is also good and a bit cheaper
http://dinesite.com/info/rstrnt-44090/??&t=0

they both require reservations and if you go to either, just eat a small breakfast before ;)

[RedvsBlue]

gaming stores-- none that I know of, besides some random best buys and such.
Art stores-- not sure about stores, but there are a ton of galleries

here's a really nice place to eat-- http://www.fogodechao.com/dining.htm

I think it's $50 a plate but you get a virtually unlimited amount of high class meats, side dishes, dessert and a bottle of wine.

Ron of Japan is also good and a bit cheaper
http://dinesite.com/info/rstrnt-44090/??&t=0

they both require reservations and if you go to either, just eat a small breakfast before ;)


You forgot to warn him about all the mean people in Chicago.

[Apossum]

You forgot to warn him about all the mean people in Chicago.

:rofl: that's it. now you've got me all emo-ed up. i'm blocking you.

[rocksolidaudio]

What are the names (if you can recall) of the places?

the bunny hutch is the name of the restaurant attached to the cages/mini-golf area. it's right on the corner.

[ryosnk]

I know this was started in other thread (I posted in them) but I would like to know from the Chicago people.

Age and how or what got you into gaming?

I'm 28 and started playing games (age 4) on my local food store. My mom would usually shop and she would give me coins to play galaga and turbo; that way I won't bother her. Then my first system was a Sears video game system, then my beloved SMS system, and then my Genesis. Games have been a huge part of me staying out of trouble, since the area I grew up on was heavily gang related (old bucktown before it got it renovation and then in the Humboldt park area) and my some of my friends and cousins were in them also. Gaming is something that I still enjoy even though my wife dislikes games . :)

[Apossum]

I know this was started in other thread (I posted in them) but I would like to know from the Chicago people.

Age and how or what got you into gaming?



i'm only a chicago person at heart right now, but i'll bite:

i'm 24 and have been gaming basically since I can remember. I played the atari 2600 with my older brother all the time and Pitfall 2 was the first game I got hooked to. Getting a NES was awesome, but arcade games like Double Dragon, Street Fighter 2 and Mortal Kombat truly blew my mind. so I was really into the whole arcade scene in the early 90s, when places like Super Just Games were packed to the walls with people all the time. i'm all about the "gaming trance" for relaxation nowadays, though I don't get as much time to play.

[Walt Jay]

Just a heads up that if any Chicago CAGs are in need a 360, the Best Buy boutique store called Escape has plenty of systems (over 20 each core and premium) and is just charging retail for them. It's on north Halsted in the 2100 block (on west side of street - say around 2150)

Also, while BB owns this place, it's semi-independent (meaning it doesn't take the BB coupons or credit card.)

Thanks for the heads up. I was thinking of picking up a premium system, but have been kind of lazy about it.

I haven't been to Escape before. But, if it's at ~ 2150 N Halsted, I should be able to find it. Hopefully they'll have a premium system left.

From you guys' experience, what has worked out the best? I'm guessing the best bet is to go to large retailer, i.e. Wal-Mart, Target, etc.?

[akilshohen]

I'm 18 and idn't start playing until I was about 10, though I played a few PC games when I was litttle. Duke Nukem scared me. I had a genesis, dreamcast, and a XBOX. My favorite types of games are puzzle, fighting and anything weird. I kinda really stopped playing games as much as I used to though, but that doesn't stop me from buying them when they're on clearance

[nny77713]

I'm 28. My dad was a huge gamer and still is (CPU). I remember going to the arcades in the mall with my dad while my mom shopped. If there was an arcade we would stop.

We had an atari system while I was growing up and played Computer games as well. I remember having a Nintendo before anyone else, but I don't remember exactly when. I remember getting a Genesis for Easter a couple of months after it came out. And then a SNES for my birthday.

I have been buying and gaming ever since.

[WeaponX2099]

I am 25, and i got into gaming thru Super Mario Bros arcade when I was 6 or 7. I've been playing games since.

[rocksolidaudio]

so...meetup? i suppose i'll just host if necessary, seems easiest. whats everyones schedule like?

[EdS25]

Anyone here planning on going to Play! The Video Game Symphony? I went to Dear Friends a year or two ago and had a great time, but could not convince a single one of my friends to go. I'm also thinking about doing the VIP this time because last time I really regretted not meeting Uematsu.

[CAG 79]

I'm 26 and I've been gaming since I was like 5-6 years old. It all started with my friend's Atari 2600 from there on out it was history.

[ryosnk]

so...meetup? i suppose i'll just host if necessary, seems easiest. whats everyones schedule like?


I good on Fridays (7:00 p.m. and up) and Sundays (5:00 p.m and up)

Anyone here planning on going to Play! The Video Game Symphony? I went to Dear Friends a year or two ago and had a great time, but could not convince a single one of my friends to go. I'm also thinking about doing the VIP this time because last time I really regretted not meeting Uematsu.

What is Play! The Video Game Symphony? Can I get a link and can you describe this event?

[Darkside Hazuki]

http://www.play-symphony.com/index.php

[EdS25]

Yeah that link pretty much describes it in detail. Tickets range from $35 (cheap seats) to $125 (VIP). A lot of the composers will be there, including Jeremy Soule (a personal idol of mine.) Music from Final Fantasy, MGS, Morrowind, Silent Hill, etc. Should be a great time. Tickets seem to be readily available right now (since it's not for another 3½ months) but the Final Fantasy one was totally sold out. People came to it from all over the country.

[ryosnk]

Yeah that link pretty much describes it in detail. Tickets range from $35 (cheap seats) to $125 (VIP). A lot of the composers will be there, including Jeremy Soule (a personal idol of mine.) Music from Final Fantasy, MGS, Morrowind, Silent Hill, etc. Should be a great time. Tickets seem to be readily available right now (since it's not for another 3½ months) but the Final Fantasy one was totally sold out. People came to it from all over the country.

Thanks for the info EdS25 and link Darkside Hazuki. I guess I'm going to the Rosemont theatre next week and purchase a few tickets. I'm getting the $35 seats, I have been to that theatre before and its very compact that mostly everywhere is a good seat.

Also did anyone get to subscribe to whitesox.com to get a early bird link to get white sox tickets before they go on sale on Friday?

[EdS25]

ryosnk - is it cheaper to buy the tickets there? Cuz they're readily available online.

I completely agree with you that there's not a bad seat in that theater from a visual standpoint. In fact, for something like this I actually prefer the balcony so you can see the whole orchestra. However, at the FF concert I was ever so slightly disappointed because the sound system wasn't great - and in the balcony you definitely were hearing the speakers rather than the orchestra itself. (Was particularly tinny on the choir). So, along with the meet and greet, I'm almost leaning towards the VIP for that as well.

[ryosnk]

ryosnk - is it cheaper to buy the tickets there? Cuz they're readily available online.

I completely agree with you that there's not a bad seat in that theater from a visual standpoint. In fact, for something like this I actually prefer the balcony so you can see the whole orchestra. However, at the FF concert I was ever so slightly disappointed because the sound system wasn't great - and in the balcony you definitely were hearing the speakers rather than the orchestra itself. (Was particularly tinny on the choir). So, along with the meet and greet, I'm almost leaning towards the VIP for that as well.


If you buy the tickets at the location, they wont charge you any fees from ticketmaster and you can choose which sections still have available seating and usually the people their are nice and helpful. And regarding towards the speakers I was their for a comedy show and the speakers were a bit low too. Hopefully their wont be any issues with the speakers when the event starts.

[EdS25]

Well as much I would love to avoid giving TM any money, it's probably not worth the trip for me. Hope to see you there tho.

[ryosnk]

I have the password for early ticket purchases for today, for white sox tickets.

Password: worldchamps

[ryosnk]

Well as much I would love to avoid giving TM any money, it's probably not worth the trip for me. Hope to see you there tho.


Well I just bought a few tickets (white sox) and I game TM a nice chunk of my money. Ed, does that best buy (that sell used games) still have any turbo or saturn games?


Also would anyone know of any good import shops within the chicago area? Looking to import a few shooters for the ps2 (Ibara and Mushihimesama).

[Zingela]

Anyone here planning on going to Play! The Video Game Symphony? I went to Dear Friends a year or two ago and had a great time, but could not convince a single one of my friends to go. I'm also thinking about doing the VIP this time because last time I really regretted not meeting Uematsu.

Yeah, I bought tickets about 2, 3 weeks ago. I missed out on Dear Friends, though. :(

As for GameWorks, I'm down for heading out there. I live in Rockford, but I could head into Schaumburg. I haven't been to any half-decent arcades recently anyway (all we have here is a nickel arcade--but at least they have DDR Extreme and The Simpsons).

[jaykrue]

Well I just bought a few tickets (white sox) and I game TM a nice chunk of my money. Ed, does that best buy (that sell used games) still have any turbo or saturn games?


Also would anyone know of any good import shops within the chicago area? Looking to import a few shooters for the ps2 (Ibara and Mushihimesama).

My sense of direction sucks but if you know where Mitsuwa (http://www.mitsuwachicago.net/EnglishSite) is in arlington heights, one block south is this awesome import place and the import prices don't often deviate more than $10 over US retail prices (if they had come out here at the same time as the japanese release).

[ryosnk]

My sense of direction sucks but if you know where Mitsuwa (http://www.mitsuwachicago.net/EnglishSite) is in arlington heights, one block south is this awesome import place and the import prices don't often deviate more than $10 over US retail prices (if they had come out here at the same time as the japanese release).


Thanks for the information. Have you bought any games from them before and I cant find any info on games on their website?

[heffaji]

Thanks for the information. Have you bought any games from them before and I cant find any info on games on their website?

If I'm reading this all correctly, he isn't talking about stores in the Mitsuwa marketplace, but rather this location that's nearby. Their focus is mainly on assorted action figures and kits, but they do have a moderate selection of games.

[jaykrue]

If I'm reading this all correctly, he isn't talking about stores in the Mitsuwa marketplace, but rather this location that's nearby. Their focus is mainly on assorted action figures and kits, but they do have a moderate selection of games.


Thanks for the information. Have you bought any games from them before and I cant find any info on games on their website?

Yeah, heffaji is right. I was using that as a location I'm familiar with. As I said, my sense of direction sucks, especially streets. I find landmarks are easier to associate with. Anyway, Mitsuwa is pretty good for imports but I can't remember the name of the place nearby. It opened up recently and I'd only been there once but I remember my friend only paying $70 for Naruto 3 for Gamecube so it seemed like a good place to import.

[EdS25]

ryosnk - nah, the BB are all out of the TG games. I suspect one of the 3 or 4 people I told that to went and snatched them all up.

Have you ever ordered from YesAsia? I just got Ouendan from them and was happy with the overall experience. Here is a link to Ibara ($58 w/free shipping)

http://us.yesasia.com/en/PrdDept.aspx/code-j/section-games/pid-1004101725/

Incidentally, this game doesn't come out until next week. I couldn't find a link to Mushihimesama on there. I would really love to get both of those games as well but I don't have an import ready PS2. Where did you get yours?

[ryosnk]

ryosnk - nah, the BB are all out of the TG games. I suspect one of the 3 or 4 people I told that to went and snatched them all up.

Have you ever ordered from YesAsia? I just got Ouendan from them and was happy with the overall experience. Here is a link to Ibara ($58 w/free shipping)

http://us.yesasia.com/en/PrdDept.aspx/code-j/section-games/pid-1004101725/

Incidentally, this game doesn't come out until next week. I couldn't find a link to Mushihimesama on there. I would really love to get both of those games as well but I don't have an import ready PS2. Where did you get yours?


I never ordered from yesAsia but I heard good things from the site and here is a code for $5 off: Coupon Code: SINGAPORE06 (posted by 62t :http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=85442). Ibara $53 shipped with coupon looks good to me.

I dont have an import system but my friend has a modded ps2 that plays imports and he usually lets me use it. I might buy a ps2 when it goes cheaper and just mod it.

[SeraphiMichael]

Yeah, heffaji is right. I was using that as a location I'm familiar with. As I said, my sense of direction sucks, especially streets. I find landmarks are easier to associate with. Anyway, Mitsuwa is pretty good for imports but I can't remember the name of the place nearby. It opened up recently and I'd only been there once but I remember my friend only paying $70 for Naruto 3 for Gamecube so it seemed like a good place to import.

You may be refering to JP Gift, which is down the street in a shopping center at Golf and Arlington Heights Rd. I go there for Gundam MSi figures, Godzilla vinyls, and various gashapon/capsule toys. It actually used to be in Mitsuwa. There is also a location in the city, but I have never been to it. As for import games, I think their prices are steep. When I used to buy imports, I would usually order online from NCS. It has been a long time since I bought any imports. There are no local places that offer mods at a decent price and I don't trust the random asian guys who sell bootleg games at Swaparama. Sony systems are made so half-a**ed that I wouldn't be surprised if it died in a year after modding. I hope after PS3 is out for a bit a new JP PS2 will be more reasonable.

[ryosnk]

You may be refering to JP Gift, which is down the street in a shopping center at Golf and Arlington Heights Rd. I go there for Gundam MSi figures, Godzilla vinyls, and various gashapon/capsule toys. It actually used to be in Mitsuwa. There is also a location in the city, but I have never been to it. As for import games, I think their prices are steep. When I used to buy imports, I would usually order online from NCS. It has been a long time since I bought any imports. There are no local places that offer mods at a decent price and I don't trust the random asian guys who sell bootleg games at Swaparama. Sony systems are made so half-a**ed that I wouldn't be surprised if it died in a year after modding. I hope after PS3 is out for a bit a new JP PS2 will be more reasonable.

Well I read that ps3 will be region free and that will be great for importing ps2 games (especially Cave shooters :) ).

[EdS25]

Region-free holy crap is that true? That would be excellent! In fact, I think I may just go order Ibara now before it becomes impossible to find later.

[ryosnk]

Region-free holy crap is that true? That would be excellent! In fact, I think I may just go order Ibara now before it becomes impossible to find later.


Thats what I did :).

[EdS25]

Ordered. $53 for an import game shipped is too good to pass up. Soooo .. . .anyone wanna lend/sell me their J PS2?

[SeraphiMichael]

Well I read that ps3 will be region free and that will be great for importing ps2 games (especially Cave shooters :) ).

Will that include it's ability to play PS2 games? And, as I have no to been paying attention to it's specs, will it play PS1 games? My modded Playstation died awhile back and thus I have 20+ imports I cannot play. Thus, a JP PS2 playing JP 1 and 2 games would be killing two birds with one stone. If PS3 will play 1, 3, and 3 games regradless of region it will be great. Alas, no launch titles for PS3 interest me. Though, considering Sony systems are usually glitchy upon release, maybe that is good. There are still no games for 360 I have any interest in, the price, and the posibility of Microsft not fixing the backwards compatability problem lessens the likelihood of getting one.

[ryosnk]

Hey rocksolidaudio, nice article you wrote on rare games. Also SeraphiMichael I dont know the information on playstation 3 playing ps1 games.

[Apossum]

My sense of direction sucks but if you know where Mitsuwa (http://www.mitsuwachicago.net/EnglishSite) is in arlington heights, one block south is this awesome import place and the import prices don't often deviate more than $10 over US retail prices (if they had come out here at the same time as the japanese release).


whoa! I am so there..I can't believe I've never heard of this place. I'm in town for the weekend and can use a couple hundred more packs of good ramen :)

[SeraphiMichael]

whoa! I am so there..I can't believe I've never heard of this place. I'm in town for the weekend and can use a couple hundred more packs of good ramen :)

If you go to Mitsuwa, stop in the Pastry House Hippo and get a panda pastry. Those are really good.

[dfg]

Man, I haven't been on this board since last summer.

Ryo, if you're still looking for batting cages, I can second recommendations on the one of Devon at Lincoln (Novelty Golf and Games) next to the Bunny Hutch, and Sluggers in Wrigleyville. NG is outdoor and thus closed in the winter, and the latter is upstairs and indoors.

There's also an outdoor one in Mt. Prospect on Rand just N/W of 83 (Elmhurst), but I don't know the name of it. Finally, there's a new multi-story place on Touhy just west of Village Crossing (E of Milwaukee) called Frozen Ropes. Never been there but I've been meaning to check it out.

Rather than make a separate post, I'll take the time to mention here that in the past week or so, I picked up a copy of Bad Mojo and The Longest Journey, both for PC, from Target for $2.50 each. Yahoo!

[Prepster]

Was at Kmart earlier and managed to grab the last 2 PSone combos for only $9.99 a piece. It was the one of Roosevelt road. So if you have any kmarts by you, check them to see if they have any. Because they are the same price at everyone.

Btw, the price tag on the PSone combos said $149.99.

[EdS25]

ryosnk - did you get your Ibara? I got mine yesterday and it's . . . taunting me. The mini strategy guide with it is pretty sweet.

Any Chi-town CAGs want to loan/sell me an import ready PS2?

[ryosnk]

ryosnk - did you get your Ibara? I got mine yesterday and it's . . . taunting me. The mini strategy guide with it is pretty sweet.

Any Chi-town CAGs want to loan/sell me an import ready PS2?


Not yet, but hopefully I get it soon. I also need a ps2 import :).

[shieryda]

Is anyone having any luck finding the blue ($5 off $19.99) GGCs at area Best Buys? The one in North Riverside doesn't carry them anymore (come to think of it, their selection of GGC is weak across the board).

Thanks!

PS - Can we please keep this thread dedicated to gaming-related deals, and not post Sox, Bears, Bulls and other non-related news items? It would make this thread much easier to sort through for game deals.

[dpac]

Is anyone having any luck finding the blue ($5 off $19.99) GGCs at area Best Buys? The one in North Riverside doesn't carry them anymore (come to think of it, their selection of GGC is weak across the board).Yeah, I haven't seen any recently, either. I stopped by the Best Buy on Howard last night (to pick up that MS points card for my 360 that was on sale), and there were no GGC's to be seen. Anyone else have better luck lately?

[ryosnk]

Hey EdS25, the ps3 is going to be region free, yay.

got the info from ign: http://ps3.ign.com/articles/697/697656p1.html

[EdS25]

Awesome - although it seems kind of specific to PS3 games - does it automatically imply backwards compatibility for imports as well? A couple months ago I bought a slim PS2 because my original stopped reading blue discs. I am hoping to avoid having to buy an import PS2 because having 3 in the house just seems . .. well . .. wrong.

Of course, actually obtaining a PS3 should be fun as well (although I lucked out on the 360 - just ordered mine from CC one day when they showed up in stock.)

Also - I see GGC at my BB pretty regularly (the one in Bloomingdale).

[ryosnk]

Awesome - although it seems kind of specific to PS3 games - does it automatically imply backwards compatibility for imports as well? A couple months ago I bought a slim PS2 because my original stopped reading blue discs. I am hoping to avoid having to buy an import PS2 because having 3 in the house just seems . .. well . .. wrong.

Of course, actually obtaining a PS3 should be fun as well (although I lucked out on the 360 - just ordered mine from CC one day when they showed up in stock.)

Also - I see GGC at my BB pretty regularly (the one in Bloomingdale).


Hey, I got three saturns (one of them import), three dreamcast (two sport editions), two SMS, overall mostly two or more of everything on old classic systems. Hopefully the PS3 plays import games on psone and ps2 games also.

Also the Niles and Harlem Irving bestbuys have a few of the GGC.

[dpac]

Also the Niles and Harlem Irving bestbuys have a few of the GGC.Thanks for the heads-up, guys. I was hoping to find some at a BB closer to Evanston (which doesn't appear to have any), but it's good to know that the gift cards are still around offline.

Oh, and if you guys were wondering, it looks like the free-shipped ones offered online might have the coupons as well, though I haven't sucked up the courage to order yet. Can anyone confirm this? Here's a link for the cards in question:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site//olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat70200050003&type=category

I was hoping to pick up a new $20 (er, $15) copy of God of War soon... real soon. Thanks again for all the help!

[Johnny Postman]

Yeah, I haven't seen any recently, either. I stopped by the Best Buy on Howard last night (to pick up that MS points card for my 360 that was on sale), and there were no GGC's to be seen. Anyone else have better luck lately?

The Best Buy on Elston had plenty (40+) today when I went to pick up Oblivion - they're located up front by the registers in a large rack full of assorted gift cards. Snagged 5 myself as this has been the only place I've seen them lately as well.

Also, not sure if anyone mentioned this but the Diversions Arcade on the far north side (Lincoln/McCormick) is out of business. R.I.P to another old school arcade.

[dpac]

The Best Buy on Elston had plenty (40+) today when I went to pick up Oblivion - they're located up front by the registers in a large rack full of assorted gift cards. Snagged 5 myself as this has been the only place I've seen them lately as well.Hey, thanks for the word on the Near North Side, Johnny Postman! It's much appreciated.

Also, not sure if anyone mentioned this but the Diversions Arcade on the far north side (Lincoln/McCormick) is out of business. R.I.P to another old school arcade.Whoa... and I was just talking with a few gaming buddies the other day about how there were so few genuine arcades left in these parts, Nickel City and Diversions included. Diversions... rest in peace.

[Darkside Hazuki]

Kudos to WXRT for the most elaborate April Fools joke EVER.

For those of you who don't listen, they've been plugging the final airing of Saturday Morning Flashback all week. TONS of people called and e-mailed about how much they'd miss the show and how lame it was for corporate to cancel it. They read some of these e-mails/played some calls on the air and these people were seriously distraught. During the show, there were commercials aired for the replacement programming which included an hour long recap of CBS sitcoms and a 24 radio drama that were so well produced, you'd swear it was legit. Wendy Rice, the host for twenty years, sounded depressed and sighed A LOT through the whole program. Finally, the program director jumps on at the end and gives a huge speech about how much the show has meant to the station and that it'd be sad to see it go. Then they finally let the cat out of the bag.

It was amazing.:applause:

[dabears1]

hey just wanted to drop in and say Hello to all my fellow chi-towners. by the way anyone know where i can get a brighter light installed on my ds? (if such a product has come out)

[bobo2k4]

Welcome dabears.
Hope this place can help you find some cheapass deals.

[shieryda]

Kudos to WXRT for the most elaborate April Fools joke EVER.

For those of you who don't listen, they've been plugging the final airing of Saturday Morning Flashback all week. TONS of people called and e-mailed about how much they'd miss the show and how lame it was for corporate to cancel it. They read some of these e-mails/played some calls on the air and these people were seriously distraught. During the show, there were commercials aired for the replacement programming which included an hour long recap of CBS sitcoms and a 24 radio drama that were so well produced, you'd swear it was legit. Wendy Rice, the host for twenty years, sounded depressed and sighed A LOT through the whole program. Finally, the program director jumps on at the end and gives a huge speech about how much the show has meant to the station and that it'd be sad to see it go. Then they finally let the cat out of the bag.

It was amazing.:applause:

How is this gaming or deal related???:roll:

[Darkside Hazuki]

It's not. Neither is the baseball talk that occasionally shows up.

It is Chicago related and topical (well, it was four days ago.) If I posted it in the Off-Topic forum, no one would have known what the hell I was talking about.

My apologies if I've ruined your day.

[shieryda]

It's not. Neither is the baseball talk that occasionally shows up.

It is Chicago related and topical (well, it was four days ago.) If I posted it in the Off-Topic forum, no one would have known what the hell I was talking about.

My apologies if I've ruined your day.

No offense, but this thread already has enough OT posts. Everytime I see it bumped, I get all excited about a Chicago game deal. Then I read the thread, and it's only about baseball or other Chicago sports. Oh well. I guess it's asking too much for the one Chicago regional thread to remain solely about games and deals...

[ryosnk]

Their is a bunch of premium xbox 360 packages at the brickyard Target.

[CAG 79]

Their is a bunch of premium xbox 360 packages at the brickyard Target.
Good to know since I live about 3 minutes from there. I'm going to be buying a 360 pretty soon.

[ryosnk]

Good to know since I live about 3 minutes from there. I'm going to be buying a 360 pretty soon.


Also the Niles best buy has a sign stating xbox 360 systems in stock.

[shieryda]

BB at North Riverside (on Cicero near Berwyn) has 360's in stock, too.

Has anyone found the $19.99 Stubbs the Zombie anywhere???

[ryosnk]

BB at North Riverside (on Cicero near Berwyn) has 360's in stock, too.

Has anyone found the $19.99 Stubbs the Zombie anywhere???

No Stubbs the Zombie in the Niles and Harlem/Irving best buy.

[dabears1]

any game rushes in the city? i look on the site but i cant find anything

[shieryda]

There was 1 copy of Stubbs the Zombie left at the 2650 N. Clark store...

[D_Icon]

Wal-Mart on Touy had the Multi-player adaptors and the Network adaptors for $8.00 each. Hostel was still $14.99 unlike the other stores.

[mackaikai]

grrrrrrrrr we really need a gamerush ;(

[shieryda]

grrrrrrrrr we really need a gamerush ;(

No doubt. I feel priviledged that I work near Fry's, though. It comes in pretty handy sometimes.

[shieryda]

Lots of pennied guides at Game Crazy on Milwaukee and Pulaski.

[Apossum]

going back to chicago for the summer next week-- save me some deals dammit!

Anybody hitting up the fighting game tournament at Nickel city in Deerfield? I'm considering entering GGSlash or the DoA4 tournaments just for fun. Haven't played 4 in months though.

[ryosnk]

Hello to everyone.

Anyone here go to E3? If so, how was it and got any pics?

[dabears1]

any one looking for .01 guides? i saw a few in eb thats on 7064 MANNHEIM RD ROSEMONT IL, 60018, right after the airport. i also scored 3x jade empire guides. any one looking for a copy pm me.

[ryosnk]

Finally got a 360 system for my birthday (thanks to my wife). Well I got GRAW for it and was wondering if anyone in here would like to play some online matches and if not what about some uno :).

[dpac]

Finally got a 360 system for my birthday (thanks to my wife). Well I got GRAW for it and was wondering if anyone in here would like to play some online matches and if not what about some uno :).Congrats, man! It took me quite a while to pick up (that is, find) a 360 myself, so I'm happy to hear someone else has joined our happy ranks. :D I'll look into Uno, but I was hoping to not have to buy any more points until Street Fighter II's released onto Live Arcade (or its price in Microsoft Points is officially announced). If the Uno demo's an awesome one, though... who knows?

[miget33]

Until Saturday May 27,$99.99 slim ps2 at the new Meijer at Rt.59 and 135th Street in Plainfield, Illinois, no rebates.
They also had 7" portable dvd players for $49 after 20 dollar rebate. This sale is only at the brand new Meijer that recently opened in Plainfield, Illinois on RT.59.

[Giygas]

Any CAGs here go to Northwestern?

[EdS25]

ryosnk : (and anyone else going to "Play" tonight) - PM me if you wanna try and meet up before/after the show.

Ed

[Zingela]

ryosnk : (and anyone else going to "Play" tonight) - PM me if you wanna try and meet up before/after the show.

Ed

I went, met up with a couple for friends from vgmusic. :)

Had a blast. My highlight of the night was definately the Koji Kondo solo and Akira Yamaoka's complete badassery. He was just oozing energy on that stage, and just totally rocking out. Threw up the horns and everything! So fucking metal. Everything else was also just spectacular. Other favorites of mine were the Chrono Trigger/Cross medley (from Time's Scar straight to Frog's theme? Oh man), and the World of Warcraft selections, because I'm a goddamn nerd like that.

I managed to pick up the More Friends CD, and I've been listening to it since I got home.

All in all, it was an excellent performance. I got to meet a few people from a couple of other forums I visit (lol, internet), just wished I would have sprung for the VIP tickets, but money was tight as it was.

A little disappointed with the casual dress and the random nonsense being yelled out here and there (CHRONO TRIGGER IS THE BEST GAME EVER WOO), but that might just be me, having been to several symphony orchestra performances in the area, I figured it might be a somewhat formal occaision. I will say that once I arrived, I felt a tad overdressed (was wearing a black dress/ Princess Peach pin).

Now I'll be a complete hypocrite and mention that I did bring my DS--was nicely surprised to see that PictoChat was pretty active. I think that's the only oppurtunity I've had to use that. Fun times.

[EdS25]

Zingela - glad you had a good time, I agree 100% with everything you said. It was also a little surreal to get up and walk around, and almost be bumping into Jeremy Soule, Marty O'Donnell, etc. (they were both sitting right near me).

After tickets and a program I just couldn't drop the 30 bones on the More Friends CD. I was also surprised to see it hadn't sold out. I blame the websites - I think if they had put the actual program on there, it would have sold out instantly.

Now the big question is . .. is the Video Games Live concert in August worth going to after seeing this? (seems to be a lot more games but I doubt it will be like Play where Uematsu, Kondo, etc. actually show up)

Oh one more thing - the encore of One Winged Angel seemed like a missed opportunity? It's awesome but the exact same? I was expecting/hoping Uematsu would come out and jam electric lead on it a la Advent Children. Oh welll . . .

[Zingela]

After tickets and a program I just couldn't drop the 30 bones on the More Friends CD. I was also surprised to see it hadn't sold out.
By the intermission, I couldn't find a stand that actually had *any* CDs for sale still. There were More Friends posters availavble though, hah.

Now the big question is . .. is the Video Games Live concert in August worth going to after seeing this? (seems to be a lot more games but I doubt it will be like Play where Uematsu, Kondo, etc. actually show up)
VGL is going to be more relaxed, and seems more like a rock concert/laser show atmosphere. There may be some names in attendance, but nowhere near the extent it was at PLAY!. Keep in mind the show we attended was the premiere, and a lot of those little surprises last night (Koji Kondo piano solo of the NSMB song!) simply will not ber heard on the other stops, as it seems some of the composers might not be attending the other shows.

Program set list for those that are interested:
Play! A Video Game Symphony - Fanfare (Nobuo Uematsu)
Final Fantasy VIII - Liberi Fatali (Nobuo Uematsu)
-Surprise New Super Mario Bros live piano solo by Koji Kondo!-
Super Mario Bros. - Suite (Koji Kondo)
Shenmue and Shenmue II - Sedge Tree (Takenobu Mitsuyoshi)
Battlefield 1942 and Battlefield 2 - Suite (Joel Eriksson, David Tallroth, Fredrik Englund, Jonas Ostholm, Bence Pajor)
The solo percussionist was simply amazing here. Holy crap can that guy play.
Final Fantasy VII - Aerith's Theme (Nobuo Uematsu)
Sonic the Hedgehog - Suite (Masato Nakamura, suite arranged by Yuzo Koshiro)
Metal Gear Solid - Main Theme (Tappy Iwase, Kazuki Muraoka)
Kingdom Hearts - Suite (Yoko Shinomura, Hikaru Utada)

Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind - Suite (Jeremy Soule)
Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - Suite (not listed on the program. Also, cards were passed out in the lobby for a free download of the entire Oblivion soundtrack)
Chrono Trigger and Chrono Chross - Suite (Yasunori
Mitsuda)
World of Warcraft - Suite (Jason Hayes)
Silent Hill 2 - Theme of Laura (Akira Yamaoka) Akira Yamaoka went on stage himself and played the lead electric guitar, and he positively was full of energy. I mean, he really rocked out on that song--threw up the horns and milking the crowd and everything! It was quite the sight (and sound)!
Halo - Suite (Martin O'Donnell, Micheal Salvatori)
Unannounced song from Blue Dragon, the upcoming Xbox 360 RPG
The Legend of Zelda - Suite (Koji Kondo)
Final Fantasy VIII - One Winged Angel (Nobuo Uematsu)

Also Angela Aki came on stage and performed "Eyes on Me" from Final Fantasy VIII and "Kiss Me Goodbye" from Final Fantasy XII. This was sometime in the second half of the show, but I can't seem to remember the exact placement. She had an asounding voice.

[DarthBiggie]

I am new to this site, so hello to everyone! Is there anyone in or around the Woodstock/Crystal Lake/McHenry area with some CAG deals?????

[Darkside Hazuki]

Scored a DS Lite at the Palatine Target. They had eight left at about 5:30 p.m.

Pictures in the other thread.

[Law_Professor]

You did? I'm going there now! I live behind that Target.... Why didn't I check earlier? So stupid... I went to check the Wal-Mart across the street with no luck. Oh man... thanks Darkside Hazuki. I will report back in 30 minutes.

[Law_Professor]

No, no luck. I know I'm really late but I thought I should give it a try.

[dpac]

Any CAGs here go to Northwestern?Ah, sorry I missed your message, Giygas. Yup, NU undergrad... er, grad, here. So not really on campus anymore. At least there's the Evanston EB within easy walking distance now... :)

[Law_Professor]

Current DePaul student here.

[xtimx]

I'm gonna be in Chicago at the end of the month, are there any import or independent game stores worth checking out?

[ryosnk]

I'm gonna be in Chicago at the end of the month, are there any import or independent game stores worth checking out?

Hello, I know of one independent store named Videogame Etc. and it located on Harlem ave. in Norridge, IL. Its a decent store with alot of classic games and systems.

[grendel19]

For anyone who got a rain check for Burnout Revenge 360 last week during the sale, Fry's has about 4-5 copies back in stock as of yesterday.

[bobo2k4]

Woot!

Chicago Rush wins the AFL Championship!
I know noone cares but since its Chicago so gota feel pretty good about it.

http://www.arenafootball.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=3500&SPID=1548

[ryosnk]

Woot!

Chicago Rush wins the AFL Championship!
I know noone cares but since its Chicago so gota feel pretty good about it.

http://www.arenafootball.com/SportSelect.dbml?DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=3500&SPID=1548


Its cool that another Chicago team won a championship. Also, its good to know that Mike Ditka won super bowl 20 as a coach and Arena bowl 20 as a owner.


Does anyone have this game recorded?


Also the niles gamecrazy has a few ds lites in stock (when I called last night).

[ryosnk]

I was looking over at this thread http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98174 and I remember a few of the stores mention.

Does anyone remember Child World (it was located in Riverpoint plaza where is it now a TJ Max or Marshalls). It was a great store because I used to live a few blocks (Ashland and North) and I would go bike riding with friends to go check out the new SMS games that game out. AHHHH, to be young again.

[ryosnk]

Ok, I went yesterday to the Elmwood park CC and today the Niles/Skokie CC and this is was I saw and bought.

Saw:
Elmwood CC: Xbox: Hulk, Matrix path of neo, burnout revenge, and star wars II. Didn't have a chance to look at other systems because they were closing.

Niles/Skokie CC: Xbox: Hulk, Matrix path of neo, burnout revenge, mark ecko, Half life 2, timesplitters, nba street 3 and star wars II.

GBA: Donkey kong kof, both final fantasy games, and pac-man collection.
Couldn't look at others because I was on a break.

I got: Matrix, Gauntlet, and Sigma star.
Looking for: Drill Dozer.

[grendel19]

I went to the one in Glendale Heights/Bloomingdale during lunch yesterday. That's where I got the only copy I saw of Tales. Had to dig through the games since they were completely unorganized.

Only checked out the DS/GBA stuff since the other clearance weren't posted yet. They had some good stock as of yesterday lunchtime for DS. Saw one Advanced War DS, few MP Pinball, Burnout: Legends, bunch of Guilty Gear, one of the Pac Man games, some others I can't remember right now. And a bunch of FF: Dawn of Souls.

Will probably swing by after work today to check the Xbox games.

Also went to the one in Downers Grove after work, I literally live a walking distance away from there. They pretty much had nothing in terms of DS/GBA. They did have 1 of DK: King of Swing as of last night.

I posted this over in the gigantic thread, but I figure I'll copy here for the Chicago CAG's. If any Chicago CAG's luck out with an extra copy of Halo Triple Pack, please let me know if we can work something out.

I'll be hitting some more CC's after work today to see what's still available.

[CAG 79]

I'll be going to the Elmwood park CC and the Niles/Skokie CC to see what I can find. I'm hoping to get:

DS

Advance Wars
Guilty Gear DS
Meteos


PS2


Tony Hawk's American Wasteland Collector's Edition
Wild Arms 4
NBA Street V3

[rocksolidaudio]

I posted this over in the gigantic thread, but I figure I'll copy here for the Chicago CAG's. If any Chicago CAG's luck out with an extra copy of Halo Triple Pack, please let me know if we can work something out.

I'll be hitting some more CC's after work today to see what's still available.

the store on elston still had 2 halo triple packs when i left this afternoon.

anyone grab an extra drill dozer, warriors, mario world, kirby or aw:ds?

[Apossum]

got a bunch of games, but traded/listed almost all of the ones I'm not playing.

got FFIV Advance for trade still if anyone is interested.

looking for Ninja Five-O for the GBA

[chickenhawk]

Hey, anyone check the Ford City, Joliet, or Orland Park CCs yet? I want to hit up one or more of those tomorrow, but I don't want it to be a wasted trip.

[nny77713]

I was at Naperville yesterday and they had quite a bit left. Picked up seven games.

picked up
DS
meteos (last copy)
polarium
tiger woods 05

Xbox
Matrix
Hulk
half-life 2
indigo prophecy

Today I went to the Batavia store and other than DS, they had almost nothing. The clerk told me that someone yesterday walked out with over $200 worth of clearance games. I was at the store on wednesday and they were will supplied. I didn't know of the clearance yet. Today the xbox section was almost completely bare.

DS
Polarium (I know another copy, but now I can play my wife)
golden eye
metroid pinball (they had 2 more copies)

no meteos

Does the Downers store have any xbox games? Looking for Gun and the warriors. I was thinking of stopping by there tomorrow.

[grendel19]

If you're talking about Downers Grove, I was just there earlier. They had lots of Half Life 2, Hulk: UD, Indigo Prophecy, 1 copy of MK: Shaolin Monks, plenty of Matrix: Path of Neo and Far Cry Instincts and Burnout Revenge.

Didn't notice Gun or Warriors though, but then again I didn't know those were on the list so I didn't specifically look for them.

DS selection was bare, I grabbed the last Trace Memory. Not much GBA either. Didn't check PS2 as I don't have one.

[grendel19]

Oh and I went back to the Bloomingdale CC, the DS section was cleaned out compared to yesterday during lunch, when they still had some good stuff left.

Xbox had the typical overstocks: Matrix, Half Life 2, etc. I didn't bring a list so I only went by memory.

[nny77713]

I hope they still have the MK shaolin kights by the time I get over there tomorrow.

thanks grendel19

[SEGA128DC]

I didn't find out about the Circuit City Clearance Sale, until yesterday afternoon. I'm going to the CC on Elston, today. I hope there's a few Xbox games still left...:pray:

[SEGA128DC]

Well, I was very shocked to see plenty of Xbox games at the CC on Elston. This is what I got...

Xbox

Castlevania: Curse of Darkness (2 copies left)
FlatOut (2 copies left)
Indigo Prophecy (1 copy left)
Karaoke Revolution (2 copies left)
Mercenaries (1 copy left)
Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks (last copy)
MotoGP 3: Ultimate Racing Technology (last copy)
Test Drive: Eve of Destruction (3 copies left)

I'm very pleased with today's haul...:mrgreen:

[WeaponX2099]

Orland Park is pretty stocked. Almost every game on the list is there.

[chickenhawk]

Orland Park is pretty stocked. Almost every game on the list is there.

Thanks WeaponX...I'm going to try and head there tomorrow.

[heffaji]

Bah, this has been a frustrating past few days. After a few months of not getting as many hours as I'd like at work, this is the time where I finally get those hours. Now, I have 10 consecutive work days that take up all the daytime hours. I've only been able to hit the one CC that's within distance of where I can get to during a lunch break. No doubt Meteos, Advance Wars, and Drill Dozer are just sitting at another CC, taunting and farting in my general direction.

Oh, and I'd also like some cheese to go with my wine.

[nny77713]

either the downers grove store pulled the games or a hoarder came in because they were bare when I got there yesterday. I also stopped back at the naperville store(I was there on Thursday) and they had nothing either.

I think I might try a couple this morning and then wait until the 2nd. It looks like most are wiped clean or the games have been pulled.

[CAG 79]

I got an extra :ps2: Gauntlet Seven Sorrows if anyone is interested. I'm still looking for Advance Wars DS or maybe Driver PL.

[nny77713]

I just got back from 2 more CCs (Darien and Bolingbrook, IL). Got a nice little assortment.

Darien was picked over for GBA and DS. Did pick up The Warriors and Gun for xbox. The two games I was looking for.

Bolingbrook was about the same for GBA and DS. Did find Drill Dozer and Burnout Legends. They had a couple copies of Hulk and Indigo Prophecy for xbox still on the shelves.

Overall purchases
DS
Madden 06
Ult Spiderman
Porlarium x2
tiger woods
goldeneye
metroid pinball
meteos
burnout legends

GBA
drill dozer
mario party advance x2

Xbox
hulk
matrix
indigo prophecy
half-life 2
warriors
gun castlevania
burnout revenge

All done at 4 stores (Darien, bolingbrook, naperville, batavia)

[hobocorpses]

nny77713...Did u happen to see any doa ultimate or pirates for xbox at darien??

[nny77713]

Sorry I wasn't looking for those games, but I don't remember seeing them.


But you know how CC just puts all the games in alphabetical order with games on top of other games, so they might have had them.

Their xbox racks were pretty full unlike most of the other ccs I have been to this week.

[hobocorpses]

cool thx im gonna check it out now

[hellokitty318]

Need Advice!!! Didnt see any DS clearance games in Naperville CC 6/24/06.
will they put back more games this week and next week?
Thanks.

[ryosnk]

Need Advice!!! Didnt see any DS clearance games in Naperville CC 6/24/06.
will they put back more games this week and next week?
Thanks.


I told a cashier at CC the same question and he said no. Usually they dont restock games that they are trying to clearance out. Is their a specific game that your looking for? Maybe a I or local CAG can help you out.

:)

[grendel19]

Need Advice!!! Didnt see any DS clearance games in Naperville CC 6/24/06.
will they put back more games this week and next week?
Thanks.
Like Ryosnk said, CC won't restock clearanced games. Most likely the DS games have been cleaned out. DS seemed to be the most wanted games of this clearance.

The employees might also have pulled some off the shelves to place them in a clearance bin. You can check back on Sunday, that's when the official sale starts.

[crewj]

just got back and got exit @ elston. none of the games were price marked.

surprisingly, xbox, ps2 and cube games @ north ave. were marked 8.96 and still on the shelf.

[darkrage]

Hey, Im new and a 'real' Chicago guy. Meaning I live in the city and don't have a car. Its seems most of you arent in my boat.

[defiance_17]

Psst...all you Chicago folks should help me out here:

http://cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=98633

As you were.

[nny77713]

Need Advice!!! Didnt see any DS clearance games in Naperville CC 6/24/06.
will they put back more games this week and next week?
Thanks.


I was at the naperville store last thursday night.

I picked up the last meteos, tiger woods, and polarium. They had a couple polariums left and a tiger woods. I think they might of had a couple of other games at the time. no metroid pinball, but I think I saw trace memory, madden, ult spiderman, and goldeneye. This was thursday night and they could have sold before the pull.

Someone on the main thread, I think Chacrana, said he was there when they were pulling games on saturday.

[heffaji]

I finally got the chance to head out and hit a few stores, so I went for two that I hadn't seen mentioned so far. If anyone is still interested in finding some of the good stuff, check out Berwyn. They had pretty much everything besides the highly coveted games. I didn't find anything much at Countryside from the sale, but I did find the original Fire Emblem sealed. I've had trouble finding that one used, so that more then makes up for not finding some of the sought-after games from the sale.

[ryosnk]

Would anyone have an extra copy of Drill dozer for the gba?

I have sigma star saga (opened) for trade.

[newtype06]

still no sign of advance wars ds? hope it gets restock on the sale day itself...

[miget33]

Anyone check the Joliet CC yet? If not I might go tommorrow to see what they have.

[nny77713]

never went to joliet

[ryosnk]

Are their any gamerush stores in Chicago or surrounding suburbs?

[miget33]

Just came back from Joliet CC, they have nothing left except for a few of the sports titles.

[darkrage]

Are their any gamerush stores in Chicago or surrounding suburbs?


No GameRush stores in IL as far as I know. At least none in the city.

[hellokitty318]

Thanks for everyone's feedback, I guess will have to stop by CC on Sunday to see what they have....will keep everyone posted.

[CAG 79]

Just got back from the Elmwood Park CC and the Niles CC and both of them had squat. The Niles CC had the games out in a bin but nothing good worth picking up.

[darkrage]

last night I stopped by the CC on North, by the BB. They didnt have anything out. So maybe they put the games away for later? Maybe Ill go back and check it out today since the sale officially started today.

[newtype06]

any luck on advance wars or meteos?

[SEGA128DC]

So, does anyone know if there are any good Xbox games left at the Circuit City on North Avenue?...

Gauntlet: Seven Sorrows
Kingdom Under Fire: Heroes
Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords
Terminator 3: The Redemption
The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction
The Warriors
TimeSplitters: Future Perfect

If I can get only two more Xbox games, I would be very happy...

[ryosnk]

I just got back from best buy at Norridge and they had a few drill dozers for $10. A very fun game. :)

[darkrage]

Nothing good left at the Elston CC.

[chickenhawk]

Anyone hit up any TRUs yet? I'm wondering if they've started their markdowns yet. I really want to pick up a copy of Trapt.

[heffaji]

I haven't checked. I'm waiting on some reports of any price drops before I make the drive out to one.

[chickenhawk]

I haven't checked. I'm waiting on some reports of any price drops before I make the drive out to one.

Yeah, I don't want to waste a trip either. I have limited time for that kind of stuff these days.

[chickenhawk]

No dice at the Joliet store yet.

[ryosnk]

Anyone going to attend Wizard world Chicago?

[bobo2k4]

Anyone going to attend Wizard world Chicago?


I think I'll be there for a day just for some free posters and whatnot.

[peteloaf]

Anyone going to attend Wizard world Chicago?

I will be there for all four days. It's always a huge deal for my friends and I.

[ryosnk]

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2058920&posted=1#post2058920

[CAG 79]

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2058920&posted=1#post2058920


PMed.

Edit: Your Inbox is full so here is what I wrote:

Looking to buy all the MGS toys you have. I live in Chicago so I could just go pick them up if the price is right. Let me know.

[grendel19]

Anyone luck out PM'ing the 360 HDD from Sears ad?

[darkrage]

Yep.

[CAG 79]

Anyone wants to add me to thier friends list on XBL? I could use some more people to play with even though I'm not that good.

[SEGA128DC]

Hmm, I'm surprised that no one has posted about the Toys "R" Us blowout sale? Has anyone gone to the TRU on Western Ave? I haven't been there in quite a while, I hope there's a few Xbox deals left...

[bobo2k4]

Hey chicago I need a little help here.

This may not be a video game deal but I was looking for a good gym to join.

Anyone got any news on promos or a lil local joint they know of?
I've been to a few YMCA's and it aint bad but a little crappy. Looking at a place called Xsports that my sister goes to.

So anyone got any deals on gym memberships?

[akilshohen]

The ballys in the loops always has some kind of deal going on. I don't have a membership, but one day it was $30 down and $30 a month which sounds good to me. This ballys is close to the Old Navy at washington and state.

[newtype06]

anybody here know where to get Hori DS lite screen protectors in the chicago/IL area? am not really used to buying stuff online..

[DoubleIris]

sweet home chicago!!!

[rjarmstrong100]

Hello all, I'm new to Chicago, this is my second week here.
I live in 162 N. State Street and was wondering if anyone knew of any cheap places to get games, thrift stores, pawn shops and the such that is around me and such.

Thank you,
- from Ryan (the total nub)

[D_Icon]

Hey where do you guys go to school here in Chi-Town?

[rjarmstrong100]

Hey where do you guys go to school here in Chi-Town?

I go to school at School of the Art institute of Chicago "SAIC". And am still looking for places around Chicago that's accesible well.....via bus, subway, cab or whatever that are good for getting decent food, cheap games, and just thrift shops ingeneral.

Any help would be really nice.
Thank you =D

[bobo2k4]

Hey where do you guys go to school here in Chi-Town?


I dont go to school there but I work at UIC.

[ryosnk]

I dont go to school there but I work at UIC.


In what department do you work in UIC?

[flybrione]

Does anyone know what happened to the Fry's Electronics Ads that were in the Sun Times? I have not seen one since early two weeks ago. There was nothing today either. They usually have ads in Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday paper.

I have been using them for price matching purposes for years nows, basically ever since I first found out about them. I have only been to the store once or twice because it is about an hour away from me and not really worth the travel.

I know in Friday ad LocoRoco was only $29.99 and I wanted to pick it up. Does anyone know where I can maybe get scans of the Ad on the web. I searched online but could not seem to find the current ads.

[Zmonkay]

I go to UIC.

[Esoul]

I was looking for last weeks frys ad too. I didnt see it in yesterdays paper either. I hope they dont pull their ads from the papers. I was also using them for price matching.

I go to RMC in the loop.

Who's camping out for PS3?

[NC-17]

The Fry's ads have been moved to the Tribune.

[Damanthia]

I can vouch for the fact that the Fry's ad showed up in the Tribune on the same day it disappeared from the Sun Times. I was one very happy camper, since I have a discounted Tribune subscription, and never got the Sun Times.

When it was in the Sun Times, I've always used the scans from http://tapchivitinh.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=5 and have been able to price match at various stores. I found it originally by doing a google search for the terms: fry ad chicago. (This comes in very handy when trying to price match while in another store and all you have handy is an internet connection.)

[bobo2k4]

In what department do you work in UIC?


Police Department

[phreak5k]

For anyone interested in movie posters, Landmark Century Cinema is having a poster sale this weekend noon-6, Sept. 23 &24. A lot of good, cheap poster. Cheap independent posters, kind of pricey major realease posters.

[ryosnk]

Did anyone preorder a ps3?

Also anything good deals on the tower records sale?

[mzbagel]

I go to school at School of the Art institute of Chicago "SAIC". And am still looking for places around Chicago that's accesible well.....via bus, subway, cab or whatever that are good for getting decent food, cheap games, and just thrift shops ingeneral.

Any help would be really nice.
Thank you =D

Crazy! My sister is in her final year at the School of the Art Institute. Small world. Welcome to Chi-Town. Easily accessible places with thrift shops would be the Belmont/Halsted area near The Alley. It's been a while since I've been there, but last I heard the Army Surplus and thrift shops were still out there. You can take the Red Line north to the Belmont stop which puts you right there. One of my favorite places to grab quick food for lunch was Under 55 at 55 W. Monroe (Monroe and Wabash, take the escalators down) Six bucks and change gets you a meal (large variety), drink, and frozen yogurt. Decent food is everywhere in the city...it's one of the things I love about Chicago. Anything specific you're looking for?

[mzbagel]

So far I hear the Tower deals are only 30% off, which means it's about equal to BestBuy pricing. No PS3 preorder for me. I was in a training session and by the time I called the EB/GS in the area they were all booked up.

[sarausagi]

Sorry, saw this on the front page and thought it was a Blues Brothers thread.

[Ranma444]

Sup everyone, I'm from chicago and usually just lurk around the forum, but i'd liek to start contributing a lil more. I wouldve added a few import shops, but it seems that the only 2 i knew of, cyberzone games (near arlington heights) and highscore (around beverly in southside), have both closed down. There was a pretty awesome store on Harlem by the HIP that sells lots of older games, but i forgot the name.

anyone know of any import shops around? I hate having to order online all the time. Anyways, keep the peace.

[ROD28]

Anyone interested, Toysrus has their Friends&Family 20%0ff coupon: http://www.theimageplace.net/uploads/2341c456a3.pdf

Good till Saturday the 21st....

[Darkside Hazuki]

There was a pretty awesome store on Harlem by the HIP that sells lots of older games, but i forgot the name.

Videogames Etc.

It's a fantastic store. Tons of old games and consoles. Where else could you find Ninja Gaiden III for the Lynx, a sealed (!) copy of Custer's Revenge for the 2600, and Spike for Vectrex. And don't even get me started on that prototype Space Invaders cartridge from the Atari labs. (It's in the front case, check it out.)

[ryosnk]

That was an awesome bears game against the cardinals.

[dpac]

That was an awesome bears game against the cardinals.
Yes, it was quite the game... at least, after the first half ended. :) Glad they were able to pull it out.

[ryosnk]

Hey if anyone is interested. My brother just came back from gameworks (located in the woodfield mall-schaumburg) and they have Virtua Fighter 5. He said their was a decent line and that the animation was smooth and the graphics were sweet.

[ryosnk]

Did anyone try to preorder gow and get the xbox live points at best buy for a total of $11?

[rocksolidaudio]

depending on their allocation i'm going to be camping saturday night for a PS3 preorder sunday morning at the TRU on Western/Roscoe. anyone else camping?

[crewj]

depending on their allocation i'm going to be camping saturday night for a PS3 preorder sunday morning at the TRU on Western/Roscoe. anyone else camping?

nice. i might camp for a wii out at the bestbuy in evanston.

[CAG 79]

Did anyone try to preorder gow and get the xbox live points at best buy for a total of $11?

Not yet but I'm going to try tomorrow. I'll be happy if I can get two point cards.

[Johnny Postman]

depending on their allocation i'm going to be camping saturday night for a PS3 preorder sunday morning at the TRU on Western/Roscoe. anyone else camping?

Hey this thread is for Chicagoans only - get back to the Republic of California where you belong.

I was planning on just getting up at 5am for this but thinking about it, it might be worth it to camp out since this is the only TRU left that's actually in Chicago and the weather has got the be better this weekend than mid-late November. The only hitch I see is TRU's allotment and how they'll handle things (if you're first to pre-order, does that mean they'll hold the first PS3 for you on launch day or do you have to line up again so you're not stuck with a 20gb model?)

Anyway, shoot me a PM or reply here to let us know how many people would be up for this.

[Johnny Postman]

Not yet but I'm going to try tomorrow. I'll be happy if I can get two point cards.

Here's an update for Chicagoans trying to get the GOW preorder/$5 points -

North/Sheffield and Elston/Webster are both out of the GOW preorder packs
while Clark St has plenty of them but is out of the points cards. Better off in the 'burbs I guess but if need be, you can also buy some points at N/S or E/W, do a return at Clark St and buy them back along with GOW.

Anyone know the score at either the Evanston store or the one on Touhy just west of the Edens (is that Niles or Skokie?)

[ryosnk]

The golf mill best buy has a bunch of gow preorder available and the harlem and irving bb did not have any live points available. but a few gow preorders.


Also, anyone interested in some toys (spawn, marvel, transformers)

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101639

[rocksolidaudio]

Hey this thread is for Chicagoans only - get back to the Republic of California where you belong.

I was planning on just getting up at 5am for this but thinking about it, it might be worth it to camp out since this is the only TRU left that's actually in Chicago and the weather has got the be better this weekend than mid-late November. The only hitch I see is TRU's allotment and how they'll handle things (if you're first to pre-order, does that mean they'll hold the first PS3 for you on launch day or do you have to line up again so you're not stuck with a 20gb model?)

Anyway, shoot me a PM or reply here to let us know how many people would be up for this.

i'll probably show up at like 2. there's a slight chance i may not make it, but if i can i'll be there as early as possible. hopefully see you there john.

[CAG 79]

The BB in Franklin Park was fully loaded with MS point cards and GOW pre-order packs. They also had FEAR pre-orders as well.

[hopesfall]

Has anyone been able to track down Phantasy Star Universe on the 360 at any TRU's in the area? A guy at the one in Orland Park told me it wasn't out ("It is STILL in beta; won't be out for a while!" he said...), but then I walked over to BB and they had it in stock. Very confusing.

[rocksolidaudio]

ABORT ABORT TRU waiting. just went by at 3:45, there were already 7 people waiting. i can't imagine they weren't there for PS3 (sorry Wii and TMX Elmo), and i doubt the store will get more than 10. i may swing by there around midnight just to check, but not planning on even having a remote shot at getting one.

[Johnny Postman]

ABORT ABORT TRU waiting. just went by at 3:45, there were already 7 people waiting. i can't imagine they weren't there for PS3 (sorry Wii and TMX Elmo), and i doubt the store will get more than 10. i may swing by there around midnight just to check, but not planning on even having a remote shot at getting one.

Second that - went by after work to get in on the last day of the B2G1 sale and all the PS3's are already spoken for by people camped out in line (the clerk inside said they are only doing 8 pre-orders.)

Damn - looks like a long night out in front of Best Buy for me.

[ryosnk]

Sweet 1000 post.


Thanks for making the Chicago Thread tops.