10/06 Update: Since we no longer write for the Edmond Sun, this section is temporarily housing our podcast links for our iTunes feed. All of the columns are in the archives menu if you feel like exploring.

These columns (as well as the 'releases') come from weekly content that we write for the Edmond Sun, out of Edmond, OK (though we live in Chicago). This page contains the archives for said column, many of which are in their pre-published, unedited state. Some titles and editing by Brendan Sinclair.

Column Archives:

Play the system before you play the games
Friday, October 22, 2004

While gaming publishers seem intent on releasing 75% of their titles in the fourth quarter of the year, not everyone has the luxury of being able to afford more than a couple, even WITH Christmas. And for those of us who don't celebrate Christmas, like myself, it's even more frustrating. So, I proudly present to you, a rather abridged guide to getting your games for much, MUCH cheaper. I haven't paid full price for one game that I own (75+ on current generation systems alone), including copies of Halo 2 and GTA: San Andreas that I have pre-ordered. All within the confines of the law. Of course, not all of my games were acquired within weeks of release, but the majority were timely, and most importantly, cheap.

Obviously, the internet is a huge resource for sales, markdowns, and good ol' pricing errors. Sites like slickdeals.net, fatwallet.com, and my personal favorite cheapassgamer.com are all great resources for getting all of your entertainment media at vastly discounted prices; scour around a bit for one that fits your needs best, but those are a great start. Circuit City, Best Buy and Target often have large, unadvertised clearances on games to make room for new releases, marking many titles down to the $5-$10 range. Again, these prices aren't advertised or marked, and usually only appear when the item is rung up; if you spot a game that you've had your eye for a while, do yourself a favor and bring it over to the register - there's a good chance it's much less than the foolish, uninformed sticker would indicate. Good web sites will help you keep on top of the larger clearances, but don't be afraid to bring a batch of games over to customer service for price-checking.

As for specific deals, there is one exploit of sorts that can usually be found at Target - please just promise not to go crazy with it, as that will ruin it for everyone. The more people take advantage of these things, the shorter their lifespan is. With that said, here it is: Target's raincheck policy, as it states on the bottom of every one printed, is that a similar item in the same category can be substituted for the item that is on sale and out of stock - toy for toy, shirt for shirt, etc. Every sale item lists a sale price percent off of the MSRP on the raincheck, so if a $30 game is on sale for $16.88 (as they often are), it's about 44% off. You might have to speak to a manager and show them the text printed on the raincheck, but this allows for ANY game to be purchased at 44% off, even brand new releases (once you've acquired the initial raincheck for the out-of-stock sale item, of course). Some employees will insist that you at least use it on a $30 game, and if they do, hey, don't push it. This might take you a half an hour and a few conversations with different levels of management, but it's perfectly legal and stated clearly in their raincheck policy. Going between two different Targets on different dates is the easiest way to pull this off without a big hassle, but you can definitely do it in one trip to the same place if you're confident and know what you're talking about (you can assume that most retail employees don't). Again, this is not to be taken advantage of with any frequency, lest it be taken away - settle for the lower percent ones (15-20% can almost always be found), and don't get confrontational if you just can't get it to fly.

Another tip is to keep your eye out for trade-in deals, at gaming stores and otherwise. Blockbuster currently has a deal running where you can trade in any three games and get an extra $5 for each on top of their initial trade-in value. So, what if one were to purchase copies of Madden 2001, Madden 2002 and Madden 2003 for $3 a piece at EB Games (even cheaper on their website), then trade them in for around $20 total credit at Blockbuster? Well, it will get you a few good used games or movie rentals for about half the price you'd usually pay. Put it on a giftcard if you like to shop around. Likewise, EB Games often runs trade-in deals where you actually get a respectable amount of credit (imagine that) towards preorders of hot new games, such as trading in up to three games (older sports titles usually don't cut it here) towards Halo 2, which you'll get $10 a piece for. Not a bad deal if you have a few older games you're looking to get rid of. The real deal comes in to play once you've traded them in - feel free to call up the next day and change your preorder to any game that you want, even if there are no deals associated with it. The employees likely won't remember that you got that credit from trading towards a specific deal, and if they do, they're libel to help you out and applaud you for taking advantage of a loophole (in my experience).

Along those lines, make sure to take advantage of the "Buy 2 Get 1 Free" deal on games at Toys R Us that is commencing as you read this (late October). This is already a great deal, paying two-thirds the price on three new games, but make it even sweeter by applying it to any game released within 45 days, not just the week-long sale window. Pick up three fairly new games that won't drop in price anytime soon (may I suggest Nintendo games), and get three separate gift receipts while you're at it, one for each game. When the game that you want comes out a month later, just stroll in with one of your unopened games and receipts in tow, and exchange it for the object of your desire. Again, this is not only legal, but more understandable than usual due to the Festivus season. The store is still getting your money and taking their significantly marked-up piece of the pie, and you're getting an even better deal than usual. Everybody wins, but especially YOU.
The key to all of these deals is to know your rights as a consumer, the policies of each specific store, and having a general air of confidence about you. Be professional - don't spend twenty minutes getting a raincheck to work and then make the confused clerk stand there while you pick a game to buy. Have one ready, and know what you're talking about. You're not taking advantage of anyone in particular, but you are taking advantage of policy - make that distinction clear to them if necessary. Truth will always help your cause, and don't forget it when questioned by a Blockbuster employee as to why you're trading in two copies of the same game. Tell them you found the deal online, and you're getting games way cheaper because of it. They'll most likely laugh quietly, ring up your order, then bolt over to the shelves when their shift is up. Good luck getting everything you desire this holiday season, and with what I've taught you, you have no reason to ever pay full price again.

- Nick


|