Reduced Price Game Guides: Thread X(Ten)

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IAmTheCheapestGamer

IAmTheCheapestGamer

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First off, let me welcome you all to the new guide thread. Second, I'd like to ask you all to please keep conversations not pertaining to guide drops to a minimum to avoid cluttering the thread. It's not that I don't enjoy the chit chat, but that it may stop others from locating information on the newest drops.

That being said, let me thank Cheapy for creating this site, without which I would've spent probably 10 times what I HAVE spent on games and guides. Moreover, let me thank each and every one of my fellow CAGs for continuing to contribute to making this site a great place to find out about sales and clearances of the items we as gamers use most. Without a great community, NONE of this would be possible.

Furthermore, I would like to thank our Wiki editors HeatDolphin and Rocko for updating the Wiki. Great job.

Now, with that out of the way(and before I get to rambling), let's get on to making this new thread.

Useful Information(and links):

Game Guide Trading Clearinghouse(old one, locked now):

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/...d.php?t=102021

Game Guide Trade Thread(KEEP ALL TRADE REQUESTS HERE OR IN PM'S):

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=175548

PLEASE keep ALL trade requests in there or PM's. Thank you.

Reduced Price Guide Discussion Thread(KEEP ALL DISCUSSION NOT RELATED TO GUIDE DROPS HERE!!!):

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=169252

Guide Lists(master drop lists and recent drops):

Master Drop List(by store, alphabetically):

http://wiki.cheapassgamer.com/index.php/Category:Strategy_Guides_%28master_lists%29

Recent Guide Drops(by date,also check the second post in this thread):

http://wiki.cheapassgamer.com/index.php/Category:Strategy_Guides_%28recent_drops%29

What is the purpose of this thread?

The purpose of this thread is to let our fellow CAGs know when a guide has dropped to a low price(it's NOT ALWAYS A PENNY), so they can go out and grab guides for themselves and for trading with other CAGs.

Anytime you have guide drops to report, post them here. Please specify at which store you found them and which guides you found and list them in alphabetical order. Thank you. Please, whenever possible, use RED font to make the drop info stand out. Thanks again.

What are penny guides?

Penny guides are guides which have been on the market for a while and the publisher(or store chain) decide that the remaining stock of these guides have little to no chance of selling, so they issue an order to pull them from the shelves and destroy them. At that time, they are also marked as .01 in their inventory system, except in the case of BBV, which marks them .01 only AFTER pulling them.

Most stores have an agreement with the publisher that states that if they destroy the remaining stock of those items, they will receive a credit for their value from the publisher. This is why many stores are usually annoyed when we CAGs come in and buy the guides AT the penny price, since otherwise they would've received a full credit for those items.

According to an employee at a local BB, they also have a recycling program for the pennied stock, so as to not clutter landfill space with the guides. As to how true it is, I cannot confirm, but I would hope that the paper is at least recycled instead of just dumpstered.

Prior Reduced price game guide threads:

Guide Three:
http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/...ighlight=guide
Guide Four:
http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/....php?p=1496376
Guide Five:
http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/...ad.php?t=85976
Guide Six:
http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/...d.php?t=116918
Guide Seven:
http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/...d.php?t=131717
Guide Seven and a half:
http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/...d.php?t=142400
Guide Eight:
http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/...d.php?t=167157
Guide Nine:
http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187222

Finally, below is a list of website links, each of which goes to their respective guide page. Whenever possible, I will update the links with better ones(if available).

Amazon
Barnes&Noble
BestBuy
Gamestop
Overstock
Strategyguides.net
ToysRUs

Thanks to floormat, Guinavere and anyone else who has created and maintained the guide thread before, as well as to all of those who find out either advance information on drops or provide a list of which ones dropped when we do have a drop.

The post below this one contains a list going back at LEAST six months of the more current guide drops, which stores they occured at and which ones dropped. Note that sometimes(Oblivion guide, Quake Wars: Enemy Territory)there are multiple versions of a guide, be it that there are Prima versions, Brady versions and the occasional Nintendo and Doublejump guides.

Please specify WHICH version has dropped when mentioning possible guide drops. Thank you.

Common Guide Drop Related Questions(FAQ):

FAQ - If you are new (or a vet with a few questions) look here SECOND! (After reading the above!)

Q: What Are Penny Guides?
A: Penny guides are guides which have been on the market for a while and the publisher(or store chain) decide that the remaining stock of these guides have little to no chance of selling, so they issue an order to pull them from the shelves and destroy them. At that time, they are also marked as .01 in their inventory system, except in the case of BBV, which marks them .01 only AFTER pulling them.

Most stores have an agreement with the publisher that states that if they destroy the remaining stock of those items, they will receive a credit for their value from the publisher. This is why many stores are usually annoyed when we CAGs come in and buy the guides AT the penny price, since otherwise they would've received a full credit for those items.

According to an employee at a local BB, they also have a recycling program for the pennied stock, so as to not clutter landfill space with the guides. As to how true it is, I cannot confirm, but I would hope that the paper is at least recycled instead of just dumpstered.

Q: Do all guides from all stores drop at the same time?
A: No. While most chains have nationwide drops within their own store (as in every BB will have the same drops coast to coast), not every different chain drops at the same time (what drops at BB is NOT necessarily dropped at GS). When in doubt, check post TWO for drop info.

Q: I found a penny guide and a clerk denied me! I'ma report 'em!
A: Whoa, hold your horses there, pardner! First of all, not a question. Second, just because something is on the shelf, the clerk does NOT have to sell you that item. Most stores are PRIVATE property and as such can deny you just about anything they want - including a sale. The best advice is to not be rude, not be arrogant, and just try hard to get them to have pity on you.

Q: Why don't the clerks want to sell me their penny guides? Aren't they just throwing them away?
A: As stated above, the stores are ordered by the publisher to trash the guides, and are then given credit for those guides. If they don't do this, the publisher won't give them the credit - it's like losing a sale. On the employee level, selling a penny guide can sometimes get them in trouble (or even fired!) I know it seems silly, but this is their job we're talking about! Respect the man (or woman) behind the counter and you'll get a lot more guides than otherwise!

Q: Should I just ask if the store has penny guides then?
A: No, since that denotes that you have some insider information as to the runnings of these businesses.

Q: What if the clerk wants to know how I know so much about guide drops?
A: If asked where you got your info about guides that pennied, simply say either 'the internet' or 'a friend of mine told me they're on clearance'.

Q: But clerks will know what a penny guide is, right? I can talk to them like anyone else here...
A: Never use the word pennied to ANY store clerks unless you have built up a good rapport with them. Even then, it may seem a little fishy if you know more about their shop than they do.

Q: Are guides labeled as a penny on the shelf?
A: Sometimes. Most times, no. GS seems to label everything that gets a price drop, so often times guides will be stickered. But even so, they most likely won't sell them to you. A sticker does not mean 'have to sell'.

Q: I tried to buy a guide that this thread said was pennied and it didn't ring up as such! What gives?
A: Either 1) Our source was wrong (this rarely happens and is usually verified a FEW times within maybe an hour of posting), or 2) The clerk changed the price. It's usually number 2.

Q: What's the easiest way to get penny guides? This sounds like TONS of work!
A: Best Buy is probably the best place to get guides, followed by GameStop, GameCrazy, Toys R Us and then Blockbuster. From what I've seen though, probably 95% of guides that people get are snagged at BB - the rest come from the other stores. But it never hurts to try!

Q: Has there been a drop recently?
A: If you are asking this question you didn't fully understand the OP - go back and read it once more. When a drop happens, it will be posted, and then placed in the second post - trust us.

Q: How do you guys know so much about penny guides?
A: We sometimes have inside sources with the information from the stores themselves; other times, fellow CAGS just like you or me simply take suspected guides to the register and ask them to ring them up, to check their prices. Feel free to do this yourself, and help give back to the community by telling us what you find! However, DON'T ask "Has anyone checked XXX lately?", unless you are in the right thread (discussion area).

Thanks to GrilledWitOnions for creating the above FAQ, which should eliminate the need for such questions popping up in the thread from this point on out.
 
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[quote name='Brian9824']Actually they don't have to honor it and almost always never will. They will just say its a mistake and they won't match the price.[/QUOTE]

The store manager told me they have to honor it, since they were sued over different pricing online and instore.
 
[quote name='shrike4242']About the chances of winning your local lottery.

Though, random old penny guides do show up from time to time, it's usually just a few months worth or so. It's a slim chance of finding anything more than a drop or two back.

Two years in the past? Pretty much nil.[/QUOTE]
When I first found out about penny guides, I found a Rogue Galaxy guide at a Gamestop about 9 months after it pennied. Too bad they're not this lax with guides anymore :( I feel like I singlehandedly caused a lot of stores to start keeping up with tossing out guides.
 
[quote name='Rave Child']When I first found out about penny guides, I found a Rogue Galaxy guide at a Gamestop about 9 months after it pennied. Too bad they're not this lax with guides anymore :( I feel like I singlehandedly caused a lot of stores to start keeping up with tossing out guides.[/QUOTE]

Me too actually, since I think the local BB stores used to be really lax about pulling the drops.
 
[quote name='Chronis']Since all the guides from last drop were Prima guides, anyone think we're having a Brady drop this week?[/QUOTE]

It's certainly possible. I don't see too many potential guides from Brady though.
 
In my visits to other Best Buys, I haven't experienced Fable II ringing up at five dollars. Perhaps it's only the stores that have a sticker on them, denoting that the guides are 75% off?
 
[quote name='Feeding the Abscess']In my visits to other Best Buys, I haven't experienced Fable II ringing up at five dollars. Perhaps it's only the stores that have a sticker on them, denoting that the guides are 75% off?[/QUOTE]

The $5 price for Fable 2 was most likely a manager's clearance at that store. All clearance at Best Buy is YMMV.
 
[quote name='neocisco']It's certainly possible. I don't see too many potential guides from Brady though.[/QUOTE]

C'mon Star Ocean!
 
[quote name='neocisco']It's certainly possible. I don't see too many potential guides from Brady though.[/QUOTE]
Codes & Cheats Summer 2009
Fable II
Gears Of War II
Grand Theft Auto IV
Infamous
Little Big Planet
Star Ocean: The Last Hope
World Of Warcraft Atlus 2nd Edition
World Of Warcraft: Wrath Of The Lich King

...Yeah, not much. Maybe enough for a small one. Besides, if there were a drop, it probably wouldn't be until late next month or so. Could maybe be better if a few more Prima guides were added.

Now watch as someone proves me wrong.
 
[quote name='loxthefox']Codes & Cheats Summer 2009
Fable II
Gears Of War II
Grand Theft Auto IV
Infamous
Little Big Planet
Star Ocean: The Last Hope
World Of Warcraft Atlus 2nd Edition
World Of Warcraft: Wrath Of The Lich King

...Yeah, not much. Maybe enough for a small one. Besides, if there were a drop, it probably wouldn't be until late next month or so. Could maybe be better if a few more Prima guides were added.

Now watch as someone proves me wrong.[/QUOTE]


gawd when will GTA 4 drop for heavens sake?
 
Was able to pick up a good chunk of guides. Lots of thanks to all who keep this thread going.

My Best Buy had a manager's special of Resident Evil 5 (Regular) for about $5.00 and Fable 2 (Regular) for about $17.00. Maybe both will be in next drop!

On another note is the Pokemon Platinum guide pennied at Best Buy? I saw one and thought to try it but didn't want to make my purchase of guides anymore complicated since this was my first time getting penny guides.

Again, thanks and I'll try to contribute when I can.
 
[quote name='loxthefox']Codes & Cheats Summer 2009
Fable II
Gears Of War II
Grand Theft Auto IV
Infamous
Little Big Planet
Star Ocean: The Last Hope
World Of Warcraft Atlus 2nd Edition
World Of Warcraft: Wrath Of The Lich King

...Yeah, not much. Maybe enough for a small one. Besides, if there were a drop, it probably wouldn't be until late next month or so. Could maybe be better if a few more Prima guides were added.

Now watch as someone proves me wrong.[/QUOTE]Beginning of the month is coming up next week, so that might be the next time for a good drop.

I know there's a few on that list that I'd be interested in, so hopefully we'll have some or all of them dropping next week or sometime shortly in the future.
 
[quote name='loxthefox']Codes & Cheats Summer 2009
Fable II
Gears Of War II
Grand Theft Auto IV
Infamous
Little Big Planet
Star Ocean: The Last Hope
World Of Warcraft Atlus 2nd Edition
World Of Warcraft: Wrath Of The Lich King

...Yeah, not much. Maybe enough for a small one. Besides, if there were a drop, it probably wouldn't be until late next month or so. Could maybe be better if a few more Prima guides were added.

Now watch as someone proves me wrong.[/QUOTE]

I'm going to check a local store now, I'll try to check some of these. If anyone has any other ideas of what could drop please post and I'll get the messages on my phone and hopefully check them as well.
 
[quote name='GLOCKGLOCK']I'm going to check a local store now, I'll try to check some of these. If anyone has any other ideas of what could drop please post and I'll get the messages on my phone and hopefully check them as well.[/QUOTE]

You can always check the 2nd page, where I keep an updated list of what's going on with the guides on their web site.
 
[quote name='Vansathi']On another note is the Pokemon Platinum guide pennied at Best Buy? I saw one and thought to try it but didn't want to make my purchase of guides anymore complicated since this was my first time getting penny guides.

Again, thanks and I'll try to contribute when I can.[/QUOTE]

I wouldn't expect it to drop anytime soon.
 
[quote name='loxthefox']Codes & Cheats Summer 2009
Fable II
Gears Of War II
Grand Theft Auto IV
Infamous
Little Big Planet
Star Ocean: The Last Hope
World Of Warcraft Atlus 2nd Edition
World Of Warcraft: Wrath Of The Lich King

...Yeah, not much. Maybe enough for a small one. Besides, if there were a drop, it probably wouldn't be until late next month or so. Could maybe be better if a few more Prima guides were added.

Now watch as someone proves me wrong.[/QUOTE]

That's a better list than what I was guessing at. I tend to only check the guides that I would want for myself. Call of Duty: World at War is also a possibility.
 
If you guys haven't realized yet (after the last three drops occurring) BB has changed drop-day to the third Monday of every month. I wouldn't expect another drop until October 19th. There's probably a very slim possibility that one could occur next Monday, but I doubt it. I'd only say that there is a possibility because BB will need to clear out the regular F3 guides (and the LEs) to make room for the GOTY versions that hit on the 13th. Unless they plan to have four versions of essentially the same guide sitting on their shelf until the 19th.
 
There has also been a pattern in the past of one publisher (Brady or Prima) dropping one week and than the other the next. I don't recall if this has been exclusive to GS or occurred at BB as well but it has happened a few times. That's what I'm basing my guess on.
 
It happened at GS a few times, but it has never occurred at BB despite drops occurring that were exclusively Brady (March 2009) or Prima (most recent drop). Things can always change, though, and I wouldn't mind two drops in a row.
 
[quote name='Vansathi']My Best Buy had a manager's special of Resident Evil 5 (Regular) for about $5.00[/QUOTE]

Out of curiosity, what area are you you in? I ask because one BB here in the Richmond Va area overstocked on RE5, easily 30+ copies. I thought they might have to do a markdown on them at some point. Thanks.
 
[quote name='loxthefox']Codes & Cheats Summer 2009
Fable II
Gears Of War II
Grand Theft Auto IV
Infamous
Little Big Planet
Star Ocean: The Last Hope
World Of Warcraft Atlus 2nd Edition
World Of Warcraft: Wrath Of The Lich King

...Yeah, not much. Maybe enough for a small one. Besides, if there were a drop, it probably wouldn't be until late next month or so. Could maybe be better if a few more Prima guides were added.

Now watch as someone proves me wrong.[/QUOTE]
It's probably too soon for Infamous. And i don't think Little Big Planet has a GOTY edition guide, so that might prolong the life of the regular edition.
 
[quote name='TheWooz']I notice in the 2nd post on this tread that it has drops all the way back to 10-18-2007. What are they chance of finding guides that drop that long ago?[/QUOTE]
really low
I saw Mario Galaxy LE sitting at a BB beginning of this year. it was worn out and no SKU on the book maybe that's why no one bought it.

Just last week I bought Kill Zone 2 and 2 Teminator: Savlation
>>>Dropped on 8.24.09
 
[quote name='Richard Longfellow']Out of curiosity, what area are you you in? I ask because one BB here in the Richmond Va area overstocked on RE5, easily 30+ copies. I thought they might have to do a markdown on them at some point. Thanks.[/QUOTE]

I was at the North Point Mall, GA Best Buy. They only had maybe 6-10 of the Resident Evil 5 guides left, if anyone was wondering.

Edit: Those are the $5.00 Manager's Special regular edition ones, there was no penny Collector (or Limited... whatever it is) Edition Resident Evil guides.
 
Well, looks like I won't be able to help you guys with Game Crazy penny guides anymore... My store is getting shut down. I hear a bunch of others might be getting the axe too, so this might actually be your chance to get some guides (and other product) from your local Game Crazy since they'll be liquidating and not worrying about numbers.

Luckily my Best Buy is pretty good around here, as well as Half Price Books if there's something I actually want to spend money on...
 
Picked up:
-Rise of The Argonauts
-Pikmin

Still got another Best Buy to check. Thanks to everyone here for these pick-ups of mine (For maintaining and those giving reports back). I can't express how much I really appreciate it honestly.
 
[quote name='ballbarfer']gawd when will GTA 4 drop for heavens sake?[/QUOTE]

I've had one on my TL for a while, but I already have a deal pending for it(X-Blades for PS3 new/sealed from Target). :razz:
 
[quote name='loxthefox']Does anyone know if the WoW Atlus 2nd Edition ever pennied at Best Buy? I just saw a copy on BB's Ebay outlet site.[/QUOTE]

Don't know how long it has been pennied, but I grabbed one on my last outing for a cent.
 
Um, did anyone else notice that all the copies of the Fallout 3 LE have mysteriously vanished from the shelves at their BB? My store had 10+ copies two days ago, and now the store suddenly has none. I think it may have pennied today. Can I get a confirmation from someone since every single one of them has disappeared from my area?

I was suspecting this as the big guide for the next drop, but I smell shenanigans here. It might be going straight to the outlet instead of pennying...
 
[quote name='Doomstink']Um, did anyone else notice that all the copies of the Fallout 3 LE have mysteriously vanished from the shelves at their BB? My store had 10+ copies two days ago, and now the store suddenly has none. I think it may have pennied today. Can I get a confirmation from someone since every single one of them has disappeared from my area?

I was suspecting this as the big guide for the next drop, but I smell shenanigans here. It might be going straight to the outlet instead of pennying...[/QUOTE]

Not sure. My BB still had 10+ copies of it when I went in today, though they did pull most of the guides from the last drop.
 
Hey guys, I have 2 extra copies of Resident Evil LE Guides, an extra copy of Mirrors Edge, extra copy of POP:LE, and a copy of Argonauts for trade.

PM me if anyone is interested, thanks
 
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[quote name='jgiovanni']Hey guys, I have 2 extra copies of Resident Evil LE Guides, an extra copy of Mirrors Edge, extra copy of POP:LE, and a copy of Argonauts for trade.

PM me if anyone si interested, thanks[/QUOTE]

4 and 1/2 years on CAG and you choose to post this here?
c'mon, dude....
 
[quote name='jimijumper']4 and 1/2 years on CAG and you choose to post this here?
c'mon, dude....[/QUOTE]

What difference does it make, some people here are looking for these specific guides and I find it easier for them to just hit this thread than searching.
 
[quote name='jgiovanni']What difference does it make, some people here are looking for these specific guides and I find it easier for them to just hit this thread than searching.[/QUOTE]

The very first post of this thread should answer that question for you. A mod usually deletes trade request posts from this thread.
 
[quote name='jgiovanni']What difference does it make, some people here are looking for these specific guides and I find it easier for them to just hit this thread than searching.[/QUOTE]

In my best Chris Berman voice: C'mon, man!
 
[quote name='jgiovanni']What difference does it make, some people here are looking for these specific guides and I find it easier for them to just hit this thread than searching.[/QUOTE]

There's a trade thread for a reason. Anyone that uses their head for something other than balance weight for their feet can read the OP and go use the trade thread we have for this purpose. Said thread has been working very well, in fact.

Why don't you make a post in there and I'm sure you'll get quicker responses there, plus you won't have people complaining about your posts littering up the thread. Which, as it seems, you've done more of than is necessary, but it seems like we need to nail the point home with you.
 
Thanks to the OP and everyone else reporting these drops! Today was my first time going out looking for penny guides. Went to the Best Buy in my area (Central Florida), didn't see any from the most recent drops, but was able to get these from the previous drop:

X-Men origins Wolverine (last one)
Killzone 2 (last one)
WWE Legends of Wrestlemania (last one)
Terminator Salvation (around 4-6 left)

Girl at the register was really nice about it, saying that she has sold the penny guides before but that they limit them to three of each guide per person when they get like that (I was only getting one of each on the off chance they rang up wrong or something). Anyway, can't complain for a penny each!
 
Picked up
KZ2
Terminator Salvation
Need For Speed
Think I have noticed a pattern at both GS and BB in my area
1. Pull newest penny guides
2. Notice the shelves look awfully empty.
3. Fill with the previous drops still in the back
Whatever, it works for me.
 
[quote name='Nebenator']Umm, who updates the wiki?[/QUOTE]

Users Rocko and HeatDolphin were in charge of the wiki updating. However, I think once CAG relaunched the wiki was largely abandoned. That's why I took to adding a wiki type post into the third post.
 
[quote name='IAmTheCheapestGamer']Users Rocko and HeatDolphin were in charge of the wiki updating. However, I think once CAG relaunched the wiki was largely abandoned. That's why I took to adding a wiki type post into the third post.[/QUOTE]
Oh, ok. Also, if it sounded like disrespected Rocko and HeatDolphin, I didn't.

And this thread rocks :D
 
[quote name='Doomstink']Um, did anyone else notice that all the copies of the Fallout 3 LE have mysteriously vanished from the shelves at their BB? My store had 10+ copies two days ago, and now the store suddenly has none. I think it may have pennied today. Can I get a confirmation from someone since every single one of them has disappeared from my area?

I was suspecting this as the big guide for the next drop, but I smell shenanigans here. It might be going straight to the outlet instead of pennying...[/QUOTE]

At both of my BBs, the Fallout 3 CE hardcovers are no longer on the shelf. Last Friday there were a few semi-beatup copies that have been there for a long time, and on Tuesday they are all gone. So . . .
 
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