Game Empire

Nice store overall. Small though, considering half of it are tables for gaming and events. It was all nicely organized though. But the prices are too high. Everything I recognized from other stores were at least $ 5 higher than «full price» (not sale prices) elsewhere in town. I do love that they have most of the Fluxx sets. We have quite a few and have never paid more than $ 14 though. I saw at least one set there that was over $ 20.

This is my go-​to store in San Diego. Lots of merchandise. All of the latest games available from euros to wargames to RPGs to miniatures. Most appealing to me is a sizeable used, though a bit pricey second hand section of old board games and RPG materials.
One nit though was I asked about Munchkin promos and was denied because I didn’t buy anything Munchkin, though I did drop about $ 50 on other stuff… Every other game store is happy to throw in a promo when I buy stuff from then. Isn’t the point of a promo to encourage someone to buy something vs. rewarding them to buy it?
Staff was otherwise great and knowledgeable!

My 14 year old son wanted some D &D stuff so we came in last Saturday. There was a big game event going on in half the store, but the regular part of the store had two employees who appeared to be chatting with customers like they were friends. The air was stuffy and smelled like a middle school locker room.
Nobody greeted us or asked if we needed help. In fact they seemed to be avoiding us even after they finished with their conversations, though my son was bursting with his birthday money, eager to buy, and the store is small.
The D&D book selection seemed small, and I’m not sure if there was more in the gaming room or in another area we were missing. My son spent over a hundred dollars here but due to the lack of friendly service I’m not sure I’ll bring him back. Overall I felt like we were intruding, like we’d walked into somebody’s living room and crashed their party.

I’ve lived nearby for over two years now and never knew this place existed until recently when I started getting into tabletop games. So conveniently located!
They have a huge selection with plenty of each game in stock. Unfortunately, everything was sold at full price. For example, Forbidden Desert was about $ 30, and a quick search on Amazon showed that they were selling it for $ 18. I don’t mind paying a little extra to support a local game store, but that’s too much. They do have a used game/​clearance area, but if they’re hosting a game that night, then forget about going to that section. I felt like I was getting in people’s way as they were trying to play their game.
I will say that the enthusiasm in the store is astounding. As people played games, it was fun to hear everyone be excited and into the games. Lots of laughing, chatting, and playing. I could hear people explaining and teaching too, so it’s great for those who want to learn new games. Seems like a welcoming community.
Overall, I think I’ll come here for smaller items, like accessories or cheaper card games where if it’s overpriced, it wouldn’t be overpriced by a lot. For example, Fluxx was $ 16 at the store and $ 12 on Amazon. The location is hard to beat for me, so I’d pay extra for the convenience.

–Expensive. Expect to pay full retail price unless they’re doing a firesale on items they don’t want to stock anymore. They seem to have a good selection though.
–Poor service. Called to ask them if they have Dead of Winter or Zombicide, and the lady on the phone immediately answers «no.» Then I check their website and what do I see listed? Zombicide.
–Can’t comment on the gaming community because there’s no games I play that they host.

After hearing many great things about this store my husband and I head over. First it is over priced, some books and games with an over 50% mark up from online prices. But wanting to support local stores we kept browsing. The one guy working never offered any help, even when questions were asked 3 ft from him.
Finally, we saw a sign for Magic promos and asked how much they were to be told they weren’t for sale they were Promos. Ok failed communication, «what are the promos?» I asked. That’s when I lost all interest in the shop. The guy working condescendingly defined the word promotion for me. I went from read to drop $$ on any promotion to getting a small booster just so my husband had something for the trip. Seriously– being a JERK to customers is never a good idea!!!

This was a great unexpected find — sometimes it pays to get lost. The staff were friendly, but equally important the folks inside at the gaming tables were open and excepting of a stranger who wanted to chat with them while they played. They allowed me to watch and take photos of their battle.
They were a great bunch of folks.
The battle spread out over the table that I watched was epic. They had some amazingly detailed models which of course are my favorite. It is the creativity that draws me to gaming as gamers are crazy creative.
The store has a ton of games in all genres: trading cards, dice, board games, turn based, etc. G.E. hosts gaming events as well as supports open play which is a great strategy. And with all of the places close to eat near by it’s a winning combination.

I brought my son to purchase a Dungeon and Dragon’s kit. this place has everything! Games galore. if you’re interested in Wizards, Elves… And Magic. very cool environment.

Large store. Lots of games. Customer service is limited to glaring. Prices are reasonable. Good selection of chessboards. Parking is a nightmare.

I have been here more than a few times, and it’s not a bad store. The selection is pretty good, and the play area is decently sized.
That said, there are certain days that this is not a good choice for your gaming plans. They have dedicated play days for different games, and while it makes sense to make those a priority, there is a limit.
Unless you are there to play Warhammer 40k, DO NOT GO ON WENSDAYS. I made the mistake of not consulting the calendar they have posted, so I was unprepared for the change in plans. I arrived around 4pm, set up in a corner with my gear for a games session, and purchased a few new ships for my Attack Wing collection. the last member of my group was supposed to arrive at 7pm, so we had some time. I fine tuned my encounters, purchased a snack and a drink, and played a game. at 6:45pm (roughly), one of the staff members comes over and asks if we can pack up and move, as they need the table for Warhammer. I asked if there was another table that we could move too, and he said no, they needed them ALL. Ok… what about setting up the card table that they keep for boardgamers to play during Friday Night Magic… I was again told no. Despite me asking earlier if we were ok to set up, they had given me no warning. I was incredibly disappointed, and for the longest time I had decided never to spend my money there again.
I have had enough good experiences since then that I lifted my embargo, which is nice, since they seem to be the only place I can find some of the items I want.

Overpriced singles on all MTG. They try to buy singles at 80% discount. There are ppl who cheat in tournaments and get away with it. The place inside stinks like shit.
Don’t go here… very unfriendly people (including the owner). She is more concerned with a 1 $ more profit off a card she’s is buying rather then loyal customer complaints.

Terrible favoritism in MTG prerelease. Owner’s son was caught cheating, but ONLY suffered a warning rather than being DQed or even just facing a round loss. Furthermore any boosters won by the son was simply returned to the store, coincidence? Seems like the owner only cares about profit, all their products, from D&D handbooks to tabletop games to card singles, are also overpriced.

Plenty of games and lots of gaming space, but I mainly play military-​themed games and collect military miniatures and they no longer carry even Flames if War.
On my last visit, I was hoping to load up on FOW units and Warlord Games Bolt Action tanks, but there weren’t any in sight. When I asked about them, the storekeep explained that I could go to their website and place an order. Then, I could pick up my order at the store. Say what? Then, why do I need to shop at Game Empire? I’ll just buy everything online and impersonal.
Years ago, the store was located in Mission Valley next to the Doubletree where we’d stay when in town for Comic Con. It was nice to spend the day at the Con and then get in some gaming action in the evening. I’m sure the new location is nice for those who live in north county, but I’m in The OC so I’ll just stop by Brookhurst Hobbies.

I’ve been coming in and playing here almost every week for the last 6 months. They have well established game nights and host plenty of events. Just check out their website for more on that.
What separates them from a 4 star and 5 star is the owner Cliff. I was looking for some gaming stuff and was close enough to overhear a conversation between Cliff and a woman who was arranging her sons birthday party. She was overwhelmed with her sons request to have birthday theme where he and his friends would play a game offered at the store. Cliff didn’t sell her a thing. Instead he gave her a bunch promo stuff that introduce new players to the game so all the kids could be involved whether or not they owned the game. The promo stuff technically was for store use only and he sacrificed his stash that he would use in store to sell someone the game.

Desiree was awesome. Only place in the area that sells Cards Against Humanity. They had a cool tournament going on to. Check the place out!

Nerd-​vana!!!
Came for Wizkids Heroclix open on October 4, 2014.
Everything you would need for board/​table top games! Huge place! Very well organized!

*The sun sets over a distant mountain coated in dry grass and shrubs. Upon the wind, the sound of speeding cars and sparkling laughter comes sweeping by. Our intrepid hero steps out from his dust-​covered 1993 Camry, and strides confidently towards a set of clear-​glass doors…*
«Game Empire? Yeah, I’ve been there more often that I can count, and that is completely unrelated to the fact that I failed every college-​mathematics course I’ve ever taken. You will never find a more worthwhile hive of games and camaraderie.
You one of those Warhammer-​wielding lads, with their intricate pieces of masonry and their mock-​battles? You’ll fit right in, then, but I’ve personally never had a taste for that unique combination of bloodlust and calculations.
Or are you one of those Boarderlanders, from the regions of Catan, Arkham, Agricola, and the like? We get alot of your kind around here, with their «Game-​Knights» and «Fantasy-​Flights.»
Unless you’re with those Planewalker fellows, who just seem to be a bunch of geographers, constantly talking about mountains, forests, swamps, islands and plains. I thought you all were sorcerers, not cartographers! Some of you even seem to be in the love-​trade, what with your constant talk about buying and selling singles all the darn time…
Tabletoppers? I don’t talk to them. With their Are-​Pee-​Jees and dice-​bags clicking all the darn time. Who spends their free time in dungeons, anyway. And they always seem to be trying to Find the right Path. You’d think after a dozen goes at it, you’d get it right! They all get way too immersed in their role-​playing, anyway. I would never role-​play as anyone, ever. «
(Do you participate in nocturnal activities such as Warhammer, Magic: The Gathering, Board Games, and DnD? Or perhaps one of the many other Nerd-​like activities of which my knowledge is startlingly minute? Then Game Empire is here, willing to subject you to it’s blissful monarchy.)
((And um… the prices are average for most things and slightly above-​so for Board Games, from my experience. Also the store associates should spend slightly less time talking when there’s customers walking in through the door. It can be a bit uncomfortable to ask for help, especially if they’re initially brushed off. Most of the time it’s A-​okay, though!))
«Alright, meet up again same time next week for another session?»

Not so familiar with boardgames, I went into this store looking for some recommendations.
I received some from an employee, but I didn’t feel like it came from the heart.
Cue employee #2. JOHN.
This guy. Spouted off all sorts of knowledge. Passion. Enthusiasm. Recommendations. Spent quite a bit of money and left. Keep it up John, that passion will carry you far.

I am a huge fan of board games and this is like the ultimate place to shop for them!
What is there to like?
1. So many games! There’s a wide selection here!
2. Staff is friendly, easy-​going, and very helpful.
3. There’s tables in the game room, where you can play board games (if they don’t have game events booked for the day).
Overall, game lovers will definitely love this place! =)

My favorite parts:
1) the wide selection, all kinds of manufacturers and different types of games
2) No smell. Let’s be honest, there’s a myth about pimple faced greasy haired introverts lurking in the corners of game stores. Its Time The Myth Died! This place is fresh and clean. Embrace the Geek!
3) Friendly, helpful staff who know their product.
++ Don’t forget the awesome bookstore next door, too… Aways a 2 shop visit to this plaza! +++