Welcome loyal Geek Box viewers and thank you for joining me on another journey. Over the next few posts, I will be ranking and reviewing the Local Game Stores (LGS’s) in the Portland, Oregon area. I have considered several criterion in my ranking, including: staff, store size, product selection, locations, vibe, in-store events, and others. For the purpose of these contents, I am only considering stores I have visited and shopped at. It is important to note that these rankings are based solely on my opinion. Lastly, the stores mentioned have not offered any compensation that would alter their position in the rankings.
Number 3 : Comics Adventure
Comics Adventure is located at 15705 Southeast Mcloughlin Boulevard, Milwaukie, Oregon 97267. As their name implies, they have a huge selection of comic books and other collectibles. They also carry a very small selection of Trading Cards like Magic: The Gathering, and others. In fact, this is where I bought the mystery repacks as featured in August 2023’s Traveler’s Satchel. They also have some other MTG memorabilia, like Comics and Magnets. The store usually only has a few staff members working, which is plenty considering the store’s relatively small size.
Number 2: Things from another World
Things from another World is located at 10977 Southeast Main Street, Milwaukie, Oregon 97222. They have 2 other locations, one in Beaverton and one at Universal Studios Hollywood. TFAW also has an impressive selection of comics and collectables. Their selection of TCGs and accessories is even more impressive. I have purchased many MTG packs, deck boxes, card sleeves and other gaming gear. Don’t judge me, but the store also always smells nice (I think they have an air freshener or diffuser, perhaps to cover up the stinky geeks).
I haven’t been to the Beaverton location, nor the Milwaukie location since it has been renovated recently. I have however been to the Universal Studio Hollywood location which definitely has its own unique vibe. TFAW has a lot of harder to find MTG cards and accessories. They are also the birthplace of Dark Horse Comics. There was another Portland location that closed down within the last few years, I was able to get some good going out of business deals however.
Honorable Mentions:
Epic Gaming
Epic Gaming is located at 17185 Southeast McLoughlin Boulevard, Suite E Milwaukie, Oregon 97267. They have a decent selection of TCG cards and gear, much more than what is listed on their website, more cards are constantly filtering in as the store accepts trades and buys used cards. There are also plenty of frequent in-store events for both card and video games. This store could have easily made it to the top 3. However, I haven’t actually bought anything from there…yet. The same is true for the next store.
Gambit Games and Anime
Gambit Games and Anime is located at 1220 Lloyd Center, Portland, Oregon 97232. Their Facebook page is a bit more robust than their website. However, They have a good sized selection of TCG supplies. What is more impressive is their event space. There are tables galore where they also host frequent in-store events.
Back to the Countdown
Number 1: Guardian Games
Guardian Games is located at 345 Southeast Taylor Street, Portland, Oregon 97214. They also have locations at Aloha and Corvallis Oregon (I have not been to either of these locations). Guardian Games is by far and away the Number 1 LGS in Portland, and it is not even close. The store is huge, it is located in the heart of downtown, they have cards and accessories for days…I could go on. There are in-store events everyday inside the store’s dedicated event space, there is also an in-store bar!
Like Epic Gaming, Guardian Games also offers trades and buys used cards. In fact, you can even look up your cards and make a list and appointment to have your cards appraised for cash or in-store credit! Guardian Games’ selection of Table Tops could be a store of its own. They have a large, helpful staff available to answer questions from experts and newbies alike. The staff comes in handy, as Guardian Games offers MTG expansions from over the last decade or more.
Conclusion
We have come to the conclusion of our journey. I hope you enjoyed the content. Did I mention your favorite store? If not, please feel free to reach out with recommendations of LGS’s I should visit next! Until next time, Happy Gaming!