Game HQ — Attraction in Oklahoma City

(Pros and Cons at the end of the review) During my week-long visit from Phoenix to OKC, I made a point to explore a couple of board game shops. Game HQ turned out to be the second and final store I visited, and it's safe to say I didn't need to go anywhere else. The experience here was so outstanding that it left a lasting impression.

Game HQ boasts an impressive selection of games available for purchase, and their expansive gaming area truly sets them apart. It was a sight to behold and an absolute treat to see such a spacious room dedicated to bringing people together for gaming. I was so captivated by what I saw that I immediately snapped photos and shared them with my gaming group back in Phoenix. The shop's offerings were truly awe-inspiring.

While the store might benefit from some cosmetic upgrades, it didn't detract from the overall experience. The best part was that they offered free table space and a fantastic variety of demo games for visitors to enjoy. This was a pleasant surprise and contributed to an even more fulfilling visit.

Equally noteworthy was the staff's exceptional friendliness. They not only provided assistance but also went the extra mile by recommending great local places to dine during my stay. It's these thoughtful gestures that make the difference.

What added to the appeal was my ability to join their Discord chat. This feature allowed me to connect with fellow players and set up a gaming session for the evening. I'm genuinely excited about this opportunity, as it's a testament to the warm and inclusive environment they foster. I'm truly looking forward to being part of this community for the night.

In conclusion, Game HQ is a gem of a board game shop in OKC. With an impressive selection, welcoming staff, and a vibrant gaming space, it's an absolute must-visit for any board game enthusiast, whether you're local or just passing through. My experience here has been so remarkable that it's left a positive impression that will stay with me.

Pros of Game HQ:

Wide Game Selection Spacious Gaming Area Friendly Staff Community Engagement

Cons of Game HQ:

Cosmetic Upgrades Needed Limited Mention of...

Tragic experience. I was looking to trade in my Pokemon cards (49 cards, total value $750 TCG) for store credit.

TLDR: 0.5/10 experience, would not recommend. Never going back to trade.

Full Experience:

I wanted their $300 Lisia ($280-$293 condition near mint), and $110 worth of other Trainer cards.

So, $410 total cost, and my $750 should be good.

AUSTIN took over an HOUR (??) to scan my cards and then looked me straight in the eyes and said "We're looking at a raw total of $412.50 so that brings you down to $330, but I know you're wanting the Lisia and the other trainers, so the best I can give you for your cards is $360."

Quick maths told me 360/750 was less than 50%. So i confirmed with him that their trade value for STORE CREDIT was indeed 55%.

I was just confused at this point. Austin, noticing my hesitation, tried to explain that most of the value had to be worked down since they're from the new set (Journey Together).

NOTE: I had 9/49 cards from Journey Together and their total RAW value was ~$200 at that time. So, I was only getting 28-30% for those 9 cards. That's if he was actually giving me 55% value for the rest of the cards.

I asked him if I can watch him type in my cards again to see the numbers he's putting in.

He said, "I could do that, but then I would have to take off some from the $360...."

I asked him why... and he said... VERBATIM, "...for labor charges" (??????)

At this point I just packed my cards & didn't look back.

Hopefully they learn how to conduct business and trades more professionally.

EDIT: Went to Pack Smashers literally the next day, found a Lisia (LP) for $180, and 61 other Trainer cards. They took my cards for 70% value for store credit. PACK...

Pros: Nice employees for the most part Knowledgeable employees who are willing to help for the most part Tidy store Wide selection of table top game material and miniatures

Cons: Some employees do not, in my opinion, live up to the kind standard of other employees.

Bad Experience: I have been to this location twice now. The first time I went was great and was a 5/5 hands down. This second time would have been the very same however another customer and one of the female employees, she was cashiering, over this last weekend had a conversation that put me off. The male explained how his buddy was in prison for murder and how she also had friends in prison. They both gave some words toward defending the man's friend who was in prison. When told that the male's friend wouldn't rat the employee replied "snitches get stitches" and alluded to the guy not being that bad etc. This usually would not really bother me besides making me a bit uncomfortable. However, it does in a way unsettle me mainly because the 9th of January of this year someone I know was stabbed to death. I would be greatly angered to hear anyone even attempt to lessen the impact of the action by having a kind demeanor toward the murderer. To seem impressed by the actions of a murderer against a victim is just really really odd to me. I guess I may just be weird though. (Experience was on 01/20/2018)

I am uncertain if I will ever buy from this shop again. There are places further out but if I do not have to experience that sort of talk while being ignored while I am being rung out the extra driving is...