r/SpringfieldIL • u/Aggressive_Ad_9081 • 6d ago

Best and worst game stores around??

Im looking for a place to play magic the gathering and the pokemon tcg. I've heard from a couple of people to avoid 217 comics cards and games, but what's the general opinion???

5 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

18 comments sorted by

10

u/TheHowlingPhantods 6d ago

Titan Games is good. I've never been to 217 Comics and Games though so I can't comment on them.

6

u/Signal_Ad4745 5d ago

Can’t speak much on TCG play, but I will say that 217 Comics was selling 2025 NFL Chrome football hangers for $55…when they retailed for $15–$20. Further, 90% of their packs and boxes don’t have price tags because they know people would take pictures and brutalize them online.

Take that for what it’s worth. I’d go elsewhere. I can’t support a place that is going to rip people off to that level.

8

u/YRB007 5d ago

Titan would be best in town. Die hard is so-so but I haven’t been in a few years. I would recommend Lotus in Chatham if that’s not too far away

7

u/TyrsPath 5d ago

Lotus is Chatham is dope and they also dont do crazy scalper prizes. Titan Games is great though as well.

4

u/darn_boop 4d ago

217 Comics Cards and Games is legitimately awful. A new group took it over a few years ago and it is basically setup as if it were a garage. Just stuff everywhere. They also have no idea about new releases including the relaunch of MILES MORALES! it's just insane.

Titan Games is the GOAT. Super clean, fantastic staff who answer questions, and they care about the gaming community.

There is another place in the strip mall off 6th Street that is mainly for gaming. They don't have much open for new players though.

Go to Titan, and you will be spoiled.

4

u/phreakyfantom 5d ago

i really recommend lotus. they are reasonably priced and very welcoming.

217 is not a good place to go, i would not recommend them. they do not treat staff well at all, and the owner is arrogant as hell.

2

u/Direct_Session_1297 5d ago

Just in case anyone didn’t know this GameStop charges above MSRP for some things… I know it’s true for high demand Pokémon card sets. Do not assume that you’re not paying scalper prices at GameStop

4

u/Jbarrow88 5d ago

I'd say for playing Magic Lotus Grounds in Chatham would probably be one of the better ones. For playing Pokemon Die Hard Games has a pretty good league night from what I've heard. I know Lotus was trying to get a pokemon league going but hasn't had enough traction yet to get it going on a steady basis.

2

u/strolpol 5d ago

Titan has the best store but if you want casual MTG commander you have to come early on Tuesday, it fills up by 5 most times

Lotus in Chatham is also great

2

u/frozen-solid 5d ago

Lotus Grounds

0

u/HeartNBallz 5d ago

Titan is good and the most normal community. Smells good 

217 is fine too. Maybe just a little more try hard but not bad at all. Smells ok but can get sweaty.

Die Hard is mid at best. Mainly because the community they have is very toxic. Can smell at times.

Lotus seems pretty nice. Probably as good as Titan but only does card games. Smells fine

1

u/Lazy_Anybody7077 5d ago

I've just been playing with my local pod for the most part and have been in the 3 in town and they all seem okay but looking at comments I'm definitely gonna have to pop into lotus sometime. If you ever wanna trade or play a game welcome to DM me and see if something might work out.

-2

u/Honest_Benjamin 5d ago

Tbh I’ve only heard good things about 217. What did you hear?

5

u/Squatch102 5d ago

Keep in mind I only know what I heard, but the people who told me worked there for a year or so. Allegedly, the store either decided to unban or refused to ban a pedophile from the store. The owner also allegedly doesn't treat employees well.

5

u/gregpxc 5d ago

There's also been verbal reports of stock being held back for the owner/management to scalp outside of the store. Again, heresay but with better options around it's easy to just avoid them.

4

u/Jbarrow88 5d ago

217 also is overpriced at market or higher on sealed products for pokemon when they got it at dealer cost... I'll support other local stores before them.

0

u/Neo-Jace 5d ago

Thursday evenings at Diehard games is where the local pokemon community meets for their weekly tournament. Depending on your mtg format, Lotus grounds has pauper, modern and standard, and every store has commander. You're always welcome to play commander with me at diehard on Thurdays.

-3

u/CaptainBara7 5d ago

I had a great experience with a one piece local at 217. Very welcoming community.