Citadel Game Cellar — Local services in Groton

I have been a patron of this establishment from the early 1990s, when it was in a different location and under sole proprietorship. The years may have moved the location a few hundred yards, and ownership may have been shifted from one set of capable hands to another set, but time has diminished none of the shop's charms. From the moment a person enters the shop, they are immersed in classical games and a very laid-back atmosphere. Where some other local gaming shops are bright, open places with much of their product placed on the walls, and are places where people go to play trading card games, the Citadel has and will, I presume, always be a shop which plays no favorites in terms of the games it offers. Into TCGs? They sell a few. Pen-and-paper roleplaying games? They have a diverse selection of in-print and out-of-print materials. Wargames, with or without miniatures and a fair selection of paints and instruments for model creation (oh, they may sell some of those, too)? Covered. Board games, card games (non-TCGs), early 80s and 90s computer games, and what can only be termed, "exotic games," may all be found amidst the shelves of the Citadel Game Cellar. If you can't find it, then all you have to do is talk to...

Any member of the staff, who are all knowledgeable about particular types or genres of gaming - and able to help with any questions or requests you might have. These guys can point you right where you need to be. Odds are, if they can't, one of the other patrons is liable to speak up with timely advice. If you're looking lost, one or the other is highly likely to make an effort to include you in a game or conversation. Where some places don't seem to have an ambience which encourages that kind of interaction, especially for someone who, like me, has some social anxiety and needs a nudge into a relaxed state, this shop has it in spades. It's all in the staff and the crowd - and, I think, the kind nature of people who choose to spend time around games. Like libraries and books "rub off" on a person, the culture of games and a love of them definitely contributes to a personality in a positive way. All ages, genders, and lifeways are welcomed - the only things to bring are a respectful attitude, willingness to try something new, and some money (you WILL find something you want to take home, and reasonably priced, too).

Above all else, what the Citadel Game Cellar offers is a place where fun, social recreational experiences can be obtained. Whether those experiences take the form of a game played on the premises, or purchased and played somewhere else entirely, this shop has been dedicated to the craft for more than three decades. Its owners are all lovers of gaming, as is every employee and every patron seated at the tables tucked behind the shelves of merchandise. That love, and more than a little nostalgia, makes even a trip for a gift to someone else a charming diversion.

The Citadel Game Cellar is a cornerstone of local gaming culture. It is the preeminent FLGS (that's "Friendly Local Gaming Shop," for short), and while its competitors each offer something uniquely their own, what the Citadel offers in a way its competitors do not is "games." Whether you're an enthusiast or have only a passing interest in games, you can't go wrong...

I travel for work and have had the opportunity to visit many game stores. Wherever I go, if time allows, I look for local shops and try to visit them. Citadel Game Cellar is a true old school gem! It has all the new games and vast array of old ones. Had I not been pressed for time I could have spent hours going through the shelves. The shop owner is also friendly and helpful. It was surprising to learn the game Axis and Allies was literally created in this shop well before being grabbed by Milton Bradley.

There are plenty of other photos to show you the store, I will show what I found. On the shelf was the Judge Dredd RPG Companion by Games Workshop from 1987. This was MINT and likely hadn’t been cracked open in a decade. I have NEVER seen a copy in person but here was one in brand new condition waiting for a home which I gave it. It was also $16.95 which is a far cry from the crazy prices online for used copies! This is the type of find you only get in a truly classic old time shop.

Got to Citadel Game Cellar and take an hour or two to hunt for treasure; you will not be...

My husband and I came to the area for a mini getaway and just happened to find this treasure of a shop. It has thousands of games of all genres. Their prices are good too. We had a hard time leaving with just one game haha. The staff personnel are super friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. I've seen some reviews complain about organization, but there is an organizational system that made sense to me, and the staff is always quick and willing to help you find something if you need. They have lots of open box games for you to play in shop and they didn't even charge us to play one (which is super rare)! They genuinely want you to enjoy the gaming experience. It's rare to find a place of this caliber and we hope to come back again if we are ever in the area! Thank you to Citadel Game Cellar for a...