Ancient Robot Games

We’ll sneak out of Japan for this post and journey to Edinburgh, Scotland, where I had the pleasure to visit the wonderful game shop Ancient Robot Games. Opened in 2023, it’s a wonderful mix of cafe and shop.
Exterior side of Ancient Robot Games. Large glass windows with shelves of games.

I knew I was in for something special the minute I saw the window display, and confirmed it when I stepped into and saw the giant robot painting on the back wall. The front of the shop focuses on board games and gaming space, with wonderful natural lighting from large windows.

The center and left of the store is dedicated to board and card games for sale, with trading cards near the till at the back of the shop, along with a coffee maker. The right hand of the shop was the play space with multiple tables and a comprehensive game library. Hot drinks and pastries were available at very reasonable prices.

Photo of the store from a gaming table. Games for sale on the left and a game being played in the center. Store shirts are hanging above. Continue reading Ancient Robot Games

Hilo Gam3Escape

I went to Hawaii in October and stopped by the game store Gam3Escape in Hilo. Previously in Pahoa, they moved to a larger space in Hilo about three months ago. The staff and owner were very friendly and knowledgeable.

This unassuming door leads to loads of fun.The shop was spacious with an emphasis on play space, easily accommodating the thirty-five players that attend its weekly D&D Adventurers League. There were two games of Gaslands going on while I was there, and a few customers shuffling through TCG cards. The main product categories appeared to be D&D, Magic: The Gathering, and Games Workshop products. Continue reading Hilo Gam3Escape