Head down to The Score to sign up. We're advertising these on Facebook and elsewhere and pre-registration on Facebook is already in the hundreds for some of these. All tournaments cost $5 to enter, and the winner receives a free video game (retail value $59.99 or less)! We give away prizes and other promotional items to random participants as well.
See you there!
Friday, February 5 (7 PM) - Army of Two: 40th Day Tournament
Friday, February 12 (7 PM) - GoldenEye 007 N64 Tournament
Friday, February 19 (7 PM) - Super Smash Bros Brawl Tournament
Friday, February 26 (7 PM) - NCAA Football 2010 Tournament
Friday, March 5 (7 PM) - Guitar Hero Tournament
Friday, March 12 (7 PM) - Halo 3 4x4 Team Slayer Tournament
Friday, March 19 (7 PM) - BioShock 2 Tournament
Friday, March 26 (7 PM) - Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Tournament
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
The New ScorePoint Program & Other Announcements
SCOREPOINTS PROGRAM CHANGES: In order to reward customer loyalty more effectively in 2010 and beyond, we are simplifying and strengthening the ScorePoints program.
Out with the old, in with the new:
+1 ScorePoint - every $10 spent or every $5 in trade-ins
+1 ScorePoint - play in any tournament (lots of tournaments beginning in January)
+1 ScorePoint - purchase any gift, from The Score, for a Score private party held at The Score
+1 ScorePoint - attend any Score private party
+2 ScorePoints - playing in any Score league
+3 ScorePoints - refer any new Score Member
+3 ScorePoints - refer any booked Score private party
Extra ScorePoints will be awarded for winning any tournament or league, based on the number of participants.
Once any customer goes beyond Level 7 and reaches 1000 ScorePoints, he or she will "Prestige" and return back to 0 ScorePoints in exchange for a special Score patch to go on the VIP Jersey. Then, all the prizes, in-store credit, etc. can be earned again. We will honor all ScorePoints accumulated under the original system.
Score Members will continue to earn double ScorePoints for doing any of the above.
In addition to the base Score Achievements listed above, some extra bonus opportunities will be available from time to time, which are awarded above and beyond the regular ScorePoints above. The first of these bonus opportunities are in effect for January:
+3 Bonus ScorePoints - beat Bradley in the Mystery Tournament on January 4 (open to Members only) or in a Mario Kart Wii race as part of the January 16 event
+2 Bonus ScorePoints - bring in any A on a test to The Score (redeemable once)
+1 Bonus ScorePoint - bring in any B on a test to The Score (redeemable once)
+1 Bonus ScorePoint - attend any tournament in January wearing a Score Sweatshirt or Hoodie
+1 Bonus ScorePoint - purchase either version of the COD Modern Warfare 2 strategy guide (while supplies last)
+1 Bonus ScorePoint - trade in any two used strategy guides
+1 Bonus ScorePoint - purchase any magazine at The Score
+2 Bonus ScorePoints - purchase any of The Score's 2009 Games of the Year
+1 Bonus ScorePoint for each correct answer on the Lock-in Trivia Contest (January 29)
+10 Bonus ScorePoints and Score Facebook status update about your accomplishment - defeat any Geometry Wars 2 record held by Bradley during the month of January
All ScorePoints doubled for trade-ins applied toward Bayonetta, Army of Two, or Mass Effect 2.
MEMBERSHIP BONUS IN JANUARY! Purchase or renew a Score Membership in January and receive a free gift: a Score Sweatshirt!
A Score Hoodie can be exchanged for the Sweatshirt for just $9 more if desired. Offer good while supplies last or until January 31, 2010.
NEW YEAR'S LOCKIN CANCELLED: Due to weather concerns, we have cancelled the New Year's Eve Lockin.
OTHER CHANGES: The following changes will also be put into effect beginning January 1, 2010:
- System Repairs will be completed by our independent contractor every week in house. The exact dates in which system repairs will occur at The Score will be posted in the store at the beginning of January. Having our contractor repair systems on site will speed repairs significantly since they can be picked up immediately upon completion. The prices of these repairs beginning January 1 will be $75 (Wii), $90 (Xbox 360), and $100 (PS3).
- New Store Hours: Monday through Thursday 10a-9p; Friday 10a-9p (9p-10p Members Only Gaming); Saturday 10a-9p (9p-10p Members Only Gaming); Sunday 12p-6p (6p-7p Members Only Gaming). Customers can still shop, purchase, and trade in games during "Members Only Gaming" hours even if not a Score Member - these hours are in reference to the gaming floor only.
- Sundays at The Score will be "Sunday Family Game Day," in which all games available for in-store play are rated E for Everyone.
- Prices for in-store gaming will increase to $7.99/hour or $19.99/day. Prices for Score Membership will not change until April 1, 2010.
- Charmaine Fessler will assume the role of Chief Marketing Officer for Score Holdings LLC, The Score's parent company. Marcus Moore is promoted from VP, Retail Operations to Chief Operations Officer, and George Sibble is promoted from VP, Finance and Strategy to Chief Financial Officer.
Out with the old, in with the new:
+1 ScorePoint - every $10 spent or every $5 in trade-ins
+1 ScorePoint - play in any tournament (lots of tournaments beginning in January)
+1 ScorePoint - purchase any gift, from The Score, for a Score private party held at The Score
+1 ScorePoint - attend any Score private party
+2 ScorePoints - playing in any Score league
+3 ScorePoints - refer any new Score Member
+3 ScorePoints - refer any booked Score private party
Extra ScorePoints will be awarded for winning any tournament or league, based on the number of participants.
Once any customer goes beyond Level 7 and reaches 1000 ScorePoints, he or she will "Prestige" and return back to 0 ScorePoints in exchange for a special Score patch to go on the VIP Jersey. Then, all the prizes, in-store credit, etc. can be earned again. We will honor all ScorePoints accumulated under the original system.
Score Members will continue to earn double ScorePoints for doing any of the above.
In addition to the base Score Achievements listed above, some extra bonus opportunities will be available from time to time, which are awarded above and beyond the regular ScorePoints above. The first of these bonus opportunities are in effect for January:
+3 Bonus ScorePoints - beat Bradley in the Mystery Tournament on January 4 (open to Members only) or in a Mario Kart Wii race as part of the January 16 event
+2 Bonus ScorePoints - bring in any A on a test to The Score (redeemable once)
+1 Bonus ScorePoint - bring in any B on a test to The Score (redeemable once)
+1 Bonus ScorePoint - attend any tournament in January wearing a Score Sweatshirt or Hoodie
+1 Bonus ScorePoint - purchase either version of the COD Modern Warfare 2 strategy guide (while supplies last)
+1 Bonus ScorePoint - trade in any two used strategy guides
+1 Bonus ScorePoint - purchase any magazine at The Score
+2 Bonus ScorePoints - purchase any of The Score's 2009 Games of the Year
+1 Bonus ScorePoint for each correct answer on the Lock-in Trivia Contest (January 29)
+10 Bonus ScorePoints and Score Facebook status update about your accomplishment - defeat any Geometry Wars 2 record held by Bradley during the month of January
All ScorePoints doubled for trade-ins applied toward Bayonetta, Army of Two, or Mass Effect 2.
MEMBERSHIP BONUS IN JANUARY! Purchase or renew a Score Membership in January and receive a free gift: a Score Sweatshirt!
A Score Hoodie can be exchanged for the Sweatshirt for just $9 more if desired. Offer good while supplies last or until January 31, 2010.
NEW YEAR'S LOCKIN CANCELLED: Due to weather concerns, we have cancelled the New Year's Eve Lockin.
OTHER CHANGES: The following changes will also be put into effect beginning January 1, 2010:
- System Repairs will be completed by our independent contractor every week in house. The exact dates in which system repairs will occur at The Score will be posted in the store at the beginning of January. Having our contractor repair systems on site will speed repairs significantly since they can be picked up immediately upon completion. The prices of these repairs beginning January 1 will be $75 (Wii), $90 (Xbox 360), and $100 (PS3).
- New Store Hours: Monday through Thursday 10a-9p; Friday 10a-9p (9p-10p Members Only Gaming); Saturday 10a-9p (9p-10p Members Only Gaming); Sunday 12p-6p (6p-7p Members Only Gaming). Customers can still shop, purchase, and trade in games during "Members Only Gaming" hours even if not a Score Member - these hours are in reference to the gaming floor only.
- Sundays at The Score will be "Sunday Family Game Day," in which all games available for in-store play are rated E for Everyone.
- Prices for in-store gaming will increase to $7.99/hour or $19.99/day. Prices for Score Membership will not change until April 1, 2010.
- Charmaine Fessler will assume the role of Chief Marketing Officer for Score Holdings LLC, The Score's parent company. Marcus Moore is promoted from VP, Retail Operations to Chief Operations Officer, and George Sibble is promoted from VP, Finance and Strategy to Chief Financial Officer.
Monday, December 28, 2009
The Score's 2009 Top 10 Games of the Year
We're proud to present The Score's 2009 Top 10 Games of the Year. With as many great games that were released in the last 12 months, the games that made this list are truly worth your time to seek out and enjoy. Hopefully, 2010 brings a list even half this strong of quality titles by this time next year.
HONORABLE MENTION: Scribblenauts (Nintendo DS)
The most innovative game currently on the Nintendo DS platform. A thinking person’s game, Scribblenauts pushes the limits of both vocabulary and creativity to devise solutions to pass level after level. Think of a word, and you can draw it using the DS stylus and have that object appear in the game to use to solve a puzzle.
10) The Sims 3 (PC)
The life simulator returns with greatly expanded features and new gameplay options. The addition of entire communities of Sims with which to interact, along with the addition of customizable character traits and aspirations, give the franchise a breath of fresh air. Oh, and it’s nice to have a PC game that doesn’t require a new graphics card to play!
9) Mario and Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story (Nintendo DS)
An accessible, funny, highly-enjoyable role-playing game for the Nintendo DS. Mario and Luigi team up once again, and this time work in tandem with Bowser to take on Lord Fawful, the main enemy from the previous game in this series. The sheer variety of things to do in this game will provide hours and hours of gameplay, and as usual, the visuals and sound are top-notch. This is the best handheld game on any platform released in 2009.
8) DJ Hero (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii)
It’s unfortunate that the market is saturated with Guitar Hero and Rock Band titles, causing many gamers to overlook one of the best and most innovative titles of the year on any platform. The game’s variety of difficulty settings make it accessible for just about anybody, and the variety of music genres represented in the game’s huge track list make it fun for groups to play. Just like Guitar Hero, any music fan or budding musician should play this game.
7) Borderlands (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)
The distinctive art style and the flavorful personalities grab you right away, and the enjoyable gameplay and rich, dynamic world don’t give you back. Borderlands, and it’s four-player-cooperative multiplayer full of rewarding quests and big, bad bosses to take down, is the perfect complement to more straight-ahead first-person-shooters like Halo or Call of Duty.
6) Dragon Age: Origins (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)
This is as much of a classic storytelling experience as any piece of fiction you’ll read this year. BioWare has done it again, creating in the world of Ferelden a place that you won’t want to leave. The depth of the characters, the intrigue of the plot, and the strength of the gameplay are enough to make a strong case for Game of the Year, and the fact that it’s not even the best role-playing game of 2009 is a testament to the quality and quantity of video games that were released over the past 12 months. Still, Dragon Age is absolutely a must-own title for any role-playing game fan.
5) Batman: Arkham Asylum (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)
Well, this was a bit unexpected: a Batman game NOT tied in with a movie? Yes, and it’s the best Batman game ever, with arguably the most engrossing realization of the Batman universe ever created in any entertainment medium – TV, movie, or game. Sneak stealthily through danger, deploying Batman’s wealth of gadgets and weaponry on his utility belt as needed to take out the Joker’s henchmen. If you missed this one in September when it was released, give it a spin soon, or we’ll have to send Scarecrow after you.
4) Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)
The next iteration in the Call of Duty franchise does not disappoint. Plenty of multiplayer depth, including the new addition of a two-player cooperative mode, complement a pitch-perfect single player campaign well. The addition of customizable killstreaks was a nice touch. Even though Modern Warfare 2 is one of the best games of the year, perhaps it’s a bit too realistic: controversy over the terrorism scene in the single-player campaign, along with some launch-day multiplayer bugs, keep it from claiming the top overall award from us.
3) Demon’s Souls (PlayStation 3)
Absolute masterpiece and the new standard of role-playing gameplay on any console. Demon’s Souls, yet another niche title from little-known RPG-maker Atlus, fuses innovative multiplayer elements into a primarily single-player RPG experience to create something totally new and fresh for fans of this genre of games. The raw, unforgiving difficulty of the game is so intense that it draws you in, adding another layer of depth to one of the most unforgettable, rewarding games you’ll ever play. We can’t rave about this game enough – this game will change the way role-playing games are created for years to come.
2) New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Nintendo Wii)
Can a game be innovative and nostalgic at the same time? The new Super Mario Bros. game on the Wii manages to do both, taking cues from previous Mario games with its ingenious level design and hidden secrets sprinkled throughout, and including brand-new four-player cooperative gameplay that makes this the one and only must-have Wii-exclusive video game released in 2009. The inclusion of Coin Battle and Free-for-all multiplayer modes add hours of replayability to the game – a first for the Mario series. This one has been hard to find since it was released in November, and for very good reason.
1) Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PlayStation 3)
Uncharted 2 isn’t just a crowning achievement for the video game industry, it’s a sign of things to come as entertainment media continue to converge. Some games are just as fun to watch as they are to play, and this is one of those games: part Hollywood blockbuster, part Silicon Valley tech showpiece, Uncharted 2 is so accessible and fun to play that owning a PS3 without this game should be a crime. Throw in some incredibly addictive, very-well-thought-out multiplayer modes, and you’ve got The Score’s 2009 Game of the Year.
HONORABLE MENTION: Scribblenauts (Nintendo DS)
The most innovative game currently on the Nintendo DS platform. A thinking person’s game, Scribblenauts pushes the limits of both vocabulary and creativity to devise solutions to pass level after level. Think of a word, and you can draw it using the DS stylus and have that object appear in the game to use to solve a puzzle.
10) The Sims 3 (PC)
The life simulator returns with greatly expanded features and new gameplay options. The addition of entire communities of Sims with which to interact, along with the addition of customizable character traits and aspirations, give the franchise a breath of fresh air. Oh, and it’s nice to have a PC game that doesn’t require a new graphics card to play!
9) Mario and Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story (Nintendo DS)
An accessible, funny, highly-enjoyable role-playing game for the Nintendo DS. Mario and Luigi team up once again, and this time work in tandem with Bowser to take on Lord Fawful, the main enemy from the previous game in this series. The sheer variety of things to do in this game will provide hours and hours of gameplay, and as usual, the visuals and sound are top-notch. This is the best handheld game on any platform released in 2009.
8) DJ Hero (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii)
It’s unfortunate that the market is saturated with Guitar Hero and Rock Band titles, causing many gamers to overlook one of the best and most innovative titles of the year on any platform. The game’s variety of difficulty settings make it accessible for just about anybody, and the variety of music genres represented in the game’s huge track list make it fun for groups to play. Just like Guitar Hero, any music fan or budding musician should play this game.
7) Borderlands (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)
The distinctive art style and the flavorful personalities grab you right away, and the enjoyable gameplay and rich, dynamic world don’t give you back. Borderlands, and it’s four-player-cooperative multiplayer full of rewarding quests and big, bad bosses to take down, is the perfect complement to more straight-ahead first-person-shooters like Halo or Call of Duty.
6) Dragon Age: Origins (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)
This is as much of a classic storytelling experience as any piece of fiction you’ll read this year. BioWare has done it again, creating in the world of Ferelden a place that you won’t want to leave. The depth of the characters, the intrigue of the plot, and the strength of the gameplay are enough to make a strong case for Game of the Year, and the fact that it’s not even the best role-playing game of 2009 is a testament to the quality and quantity of video games that were released over the past 12 months. Still, Dragon Age is absolutely a must-own title for any role-playing game fan.
5) Batman: Arkham Asylum (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)
Well, this was a bit unexpected: a Batman game NOT tied in with a movie? Yes, and it’s the best Batman game ever, with arguably the most engrossing realization of the Batman universe ever created in any entertainment medium – TV, movie, or game. Sneak stealthily through danger, deploying Batman’s wealth of gadgets and weaponry on his utility belt as needed to take out the Joker’s henchmen. If you missed this one in September when it was released, give it a spin soon, or we’ll have to send Scarecrow after you.
4) Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC)
The next iteration in the Call of Duty franchise does not disappoint. Plenty of multiplayer depth, including the new addition of a two-player cooperative mode, complement a pitch-perfect single player campaign well. The addition of customizable killstreaks was a nice touch. Even though Modern Warfare 2 is one of the best games of the year, perhaps it’s a bit too realistic: controversy over the terrorism scene in the single-player campaign, along with some launch-day multiplayer bugs, keep it from claiming the top overall award from us.
3) Demon’s Souls (PlayStation 3)
Absolute masterpiece and the new standard of role-playing gameplay on any console. Demon’s Souls, yet another niche title from little-known RPG-maker Atlus, fuses innovative multiplayer elements into a primarily single-player RPG experience to create something totally new and fresh for fans of this genre of games. The raw, unforgiving difficulty of the game is so intense that it draws you in, adding another layer of depth to one of the most unforgettable, rewarding games you’ll ever play. We can’t rave about this game enough – this game will change the way role-playing games are created for years to come.
2) New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Nintendo Wii)
Can a game be innovative and nostalgic at the same time? The new Super Mario Bros. game on the Wii manages to do both, taking cues from previous Mario games with its ingenious level design and hidden secrets sprinkled throughout, and including brand-new four-player cooperative gameplay that makes this the one and only must-have Wii-exclusive video game released in 2009. The inclusion of Coin Battle and Free-for-all multiplayer modes add hours of replayability to the game – a first for the Mario series. This one has been hard to find since it was released in November, and for very good reason.
1) Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PlayStation 3)
Uncharted 2 isn’t just a crowning achievement for the video game industry, it’s a sign of things to come as entertainment media continue to converge. Some games are just as fun to watch as they are to play, and this is one of those games: part Hollywood blockbuster, part Silicon Valley tech showpiece, Uncharted 2 is so accessible and fun to play that owning a PS3 without this game should be a crime. Throw in some incredibly addictive, very-well-thought-out multiplayer modes, and you’ve got The Score’s 2009 Game of the Year.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Holiday Hours Through January 1, 2010
Monday, December 21 - 9 AM to 9 PM
Tuesday, December 22 - 9 AM to 9 PM
Wednesday, December 23 - 9 AM to 9 PM
Thursday, December 24 - 12 PM to 4 PM
Friday, December 25 - CLOSED
Saturday, December 26 - 8 AM to 11 PM
Sunday, December 27 - 12 PM to 6 PM (regular hours)
Monday, December 28 - 10 AM to 9 PM (regular hours)
Tuesday, December 29 - 10 AM to 9 PM (regular hours)
Wednesday, December 30 - 10 AM to 9 PM (regular hours)
Thursday, December 31 - 10 AM to 8 PM; 8 PM - 8 AM for New Year's Eve Lock-in
Tuesday, December 22 - 9 AM to 9 PM
Wednesday, December 23 - 9 AM to 9 PM
Thursday, December 24 - 12 PM to 4 PM
Friday, December 25 - CLOSED
Saturday, December 26 - 8 AM to 11 PM
Sunday, December 27 - 12 PM to 6 PM (regular hours)
Monday, December 28 - 10 AM to 9 PM (regular hours)
Tuesday, December 29 - 10 AM to 9 PM (regular hours)
Wednesday, December 30 - 10 AM to 9 PM (regular hours)
Thursday, December 31 - 10 AM to 8 PM; 8 PM - 8 AM for New Year's Eve Lock-in
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Score Pre-order Prices for 2010!
The Score is the best place to pre-order games. GameStop is the best place to get hassled about pre-orders and trade-ins right when you walk in the door.
And for those pre-order deals they occasionally get: is $3-$5 in cash savings worth some little piece of plastic, some crappy t-shirt they give you, or some in-game DLC that you'll be able to download anyway even if you buy from The Score? NO! LOL...
Even if you're not a Score Member, you'll still save money at The Score over GameStop. Don't believe us? Come try us out and you'll see.
Title Release Date Score Membership Price
Bayonetta (X360 / PS3) January 5 $56.99
Divinity II: Ego Draconis (X360 / PC) January 6 $56.99
Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics January 12 $56.99
Army of Two: 40th Day (X360 / PS3) January 12 $54.99
Blood Bowl (X360 / PC) January 13 $56.99
Sands of Destruction (DS) January 13 $32.99
Dark Void (X360 / PS3 / PC) January 19 $56.99
Mass Effect 2 (X360 / PC) January 26 $54.99
Mass Effect 2 Collector’s Edition January 26 $64.99
MAG (PS3) January 27 $54.99
Heavy Rain (PS3) February 2 $54.99
Dante’s Inferno (X360 / PS3) February 9 $56.99
BioShock 2 (X360 / PS3 / PC) February 9 $54.99
Star Ocean: Last Hope International February 10 $56.99
Alien vs. Predator (X360 / PS3 / PC) February 16 $56.99
Ace Attorney: Miles Edgeworth February 17 $26.99
Two Worlds 2 (X360 / PS3 / PC) February 22 $56.99
Gran Turismo 5 February 23 $54.99
Heist (X360 / PS3 / PC) February 23 $56.99
Lost Planet 2 (X360 / PS3) February 23 $56.99
Splinter Cell: Conviction February 23 $54.99
Splinter Cell: Conviction Lim Edition February 23 $74.99
Champions Online (X360) February 24 $56.99
LEGO Harry Potter Years 1-4 February 24 $46.99
Just Cause 2 (X360 / PS3 / PC) February 26 $56.99
Singularity (X360 / PS3 / PC) February 26 $56.99
MLB 10: The Show March 1 $56.99
Battlefield Bad Company 2 March 2 $54.99
Front Mission Evolved March 2 $56.99
Final Fantasy XIII March 9 $54.99
Resident Evil 5 Gold Edition March 10 $46.99
Shin Megami Tensei Strange Journey (DS) March 10 $29.99
Metro 2033 (X360 / PC) March 16 $56.99
Ninety-Nine Nights 2 (X360) March 16 $56.99
Blur (X360 / PS3 / PC) March 17 $56.99
MLB 2K10 (X360 / PS3) March 17 $56.99
R.U.S.E. (X360 / PS3) March 23 $56.99
Dead Rising 2 (X360 / PS3 / PC) March 24 $56.99
God of War 3 (PS3) March 24 $54.99
God of War Ultimate Collection (PS3) March 24 $89.99
Mafia 2 (X360 / PS3 / PC) March 24 $56.99
Max Payne 3 (X360 / PS3 / PC) March 24 $56.99
Moto GP 09/10 (X360 / PS3) March 24 $56.99
Red Cell (X360 / PC) March 24 $56.99
Red Dead Redemption (X360 / PS3) March 24 $54.99
Super Street Fighter IV (X360 / PS3) March 24 $36.99
Supreme Commander 2 (X360 / PC) March 29 $56.99
Brink (X360 / PS3 / PC) March 31 $56.99
Fallout New Vegas March 31 $54.99
FIFA World Cup 2010 (X360 / PS3) April 27 $56.99
Resonance of Fate (X360 / PS3) April 28 $56.99
Skate 3 (X360 / PS3) May 18 $54.99
Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow (DS) May 19 $32.99
And for those pre-order deals they occasionally get: is $3-$5 in cash savings worth some little piece of plastic, some crappy t-shirt they give you, or some in-game DLC that you'll be able to download anyway even if you buy from The Score? NO! LOL...
Even if you're not a Score Member, you'll still save money at The Score over GameStop. Don't believe us? Come try us out and you'll see.
Title Release Date Score Membership Price
Bayonetta (X360 / PS3) January 5 $56.99
Divinity II: Ego Draconis (X360 / PC) January 6 $56.99
Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics January 12 $56.99
Army of Two: 40th Day (X360 / PS3) January 12 $54.99
Blood Bowl (X360 / PC) January 13 $56.99
Sands of Destruction (DS) January 13 $32.99
Dark Void (X360 / PS3 / PC) January 19 $56.99
Mass Effect 2 (X360 / PC) January 26 $54.99
Mass Effect 2 Collector’s Edition January 26 $64.99
MAG (PS3) January 27 $54.99
Heavy Rain (PS3) February 2 $54.99
Dante’s Inferno (X360 / PS3) February 9 $56.99
BioShock 2 (X360 / PS3 / PC) February 9 $54.99
Star Ocean: Last Hope International February 10 $56.99
Alien vs. Predator (X360 / PS3 / PC) February 16 $56.99
Ace Attorney: Miles Edgeworth February 17 $26.99
Two Worlds 2 (X360 / PS3 / PC) February 22 $56.99
Gran Turismo 5 February 23 $54.99
Heist (X360 / PS3 / PC) February 23 $56.99
Lost Planet 2 (X360 / PS3) February 23 $56.99
Splinter Cell: Conviction February 23 $54.99
Splinter Cell: Conviction Lim Edition February 23 $74.99
Champions Online (X360) February 24 $56.99
LEGO Harry Potter Years 1-4 February 24 $46.99
Just Cause 2 (X360 / PS3 / PC) February 26 $56.99
Singularity (X360 / PS3 / PC) February 26 $56.99
MLB 10: The Show March 1 $56.99
Battlefield Bad Company 2 March 2 $54.99
Front Mission Evolved March 2 $56.99
Final Fantasy XIII March 9 $54.99
Resident Evil 5 Gold Edition March 10 $46.99
Shin Megami Tensei Strange Journey (DS) March 10 $29.99
Metro 2033 (X360 / PC) March 16 $56.99
Ninety-Nine Nights 2 (X360) March 16 $56.99
Blur (X360 / PS3 / PC) March 17 $56.99
MLB 2K10 (X360 / PS3) March 17 $56.99
R.U.S.E. (X360 / PS3) March 23 $56.99
Dead Rising 2 (X360 / PS3 / PC) March 24 $56.99
God of War 3 (PS3) March 24 $54.99
God of War Ultimate Collection (PS3) March 24 $89.99
Mafia 2 (X360 / PS3 / PC) March 24 $56.99
Max Payne 3 (X360 / PS3 / PC) March 24 $56.99
Moto GP 09/10 (X360 / PS3) March 24 $56.99
Red Cell (X360 / PC) March 24 $56.99
Red Dead Redemption (X360 / PS3) March 24 $54.99
Super Street Fighter IV (X360 / PS3) March 24 $36.99
Supreme Commander 2 (X360 / PC) March 29 $56.99
Brink (X360 / PS3 / PC) March 31 $56.99
Fallout New Vegas March 31 $54.99
FIFA World Cup 2010 (X360 / PS3) April 27 $56.99
Resonance of Fate (X360 / PS3) April 28 $56.99
Skate 3 (X360 / PS3) May 18 $54.99
Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow (DS) May 19 $32.99
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Score Membership Benefits (as of December 2009)
We've listened to you, our customers, and have several changes to our Score Membership program to announce.
Here are the Score Member benefits, as of December 2009:
- Score Members play for FREE and can bring a friend for $5/hr or $10/day (regular price $6/hr or $15/day).
- Score Members play for FREE in all tournaments (regular price $5 to enter)
- Score Members get 20% off used games and accessories
- Score Members get 20% extra trade-in credit (we already beat GameStop in this regard, so this makes it even better)
- Score Members get 20% off all strategy guides and hint books
- Score Members get discounts when pre-ordering games (typically $56.99 for new titles, or $54.99 for popular new games coming out soon, such as Mass Effect 2, Splinter Cell Conviction, God of War III, or Final Fantasy XIII)
- Score Members are eligible to participate in ScoreSwap, our subscription rental program similar to Netflix or GameFly. This is one of the best things this business offers to gamers. Have one or two games out at a time, swap them out constantly, and avoid buying every new game that comes out...and you don't have to ship anything or wait for games to arrive!
- Score Members earn double ScorePoints on everything. ScorePoints are our customer loyalty program that itself is getting a facelift heading into 2010.
- Score Members can participate in Members Only hours where only Members can play games in-store. These are Friday night (11 pm - 12 am), Saturday morning (9 am - 10 am), Saturday night (11 pm - 12 am), and Sunday night (6 pm - 7 pm).
- Score Members can participate in Membership Monday, where on the first Monday of each month from 7 pm to 9 pm, only Members can be in the store. Members can bring a friend to Membership Monday FOR FREE, and we'll have one of our famous Mystery Tournaments from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm!
Here are the Score Member benefits, as of December 2009:
- Score Members play for FREE and can bring a friend for $5/hr or $10/day (regular price $6/hr or $15/day).
- Score Members play for FREE in all tournaments (regular price $5 to enter)
- Score Members get 20% off used games and accessories
- Score Members get 20% extra trade-in credit (we already beat GameStop in this regard, so this makes it even better)
- Score Members get 20% off all strategy guides and hint books
- Score Members get discounts when pre-ordering games (typically $56.99 for new titles, or $54.99 for popular new games coming out soon, such as Mass Effect 2, Splinter Cell Conviction, God of War III, or Final Fantasy XIII)
- Score Members are eligible to participate in ScoreSwap, our subscription rental program similar to Netflix or GameFly. This is one of the best things this business offers to gamers. Have one or two games out at a time, swap them out constantly, and avoid buying every new game that comes out...and you don't have to ship anything or wait for games to arrive!
- Score Members earn double ScorePoints on everything. ScorePoints are our customer loyalty program that itself is getting a facelift heading into 2010.
- Score Members can participate in Members Only hours where only Members can play games in-store. These are Friday night (11 pm - 12 am), Saturday morning (9 am - 10 am), Saturday night (11 pm - 12 am), and Sunday night (6 pm - 7 pm).
- Score Members can participate in Membership Monday, where on the first Monday of each month from 7 pm to 9 pm, only Members can be in the store. Members can bring a friend to Membership Monday FOR FREE, and we'll have one of our famous Mystery Tournaments from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
THE SCORE OPENS AT 5 AM ON BLACK FRIDAY!!
Check out our ad insert in the Thanksgiving edition of the Tennessean!
We open at 5 AM that morning. No dealers, and no rainchecks: items have limited quantities, and will be sold while supplies last. Our expert staff will be available to help you find the perfect gifts for your loved ones this holiday season - all you have to do is ask.
Highlights:
- $274.99 Xbox 360 Elite or Sony PS3 Slim system (one per customer)
- $44.99 Uncharted 2 (PS3) / Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time (PS3) / Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Xbox 360 or PS3) / Halo ODST (Xbox 360)
- $14.99 New Super Mario Bros Wii
- $4.99 Wii Fit Plus (software only)
- FREE GAME (retail value $59.99 or less) with purchase or renewal of any annual Score Membership
- 50% off ScoreSwap subscriptions (The Score's version of Netflix for games) and Score Birthday Parties
- First 100 customers receive a $5 off coupon on any new or used accessory
We will have a number of additional deals running this weekend as well, including buy-2-get-1-free on used games and accessories throughout the weekend!
For one day only, ScoreBalls will be on sale for $5 (good for an hour of gaming at The Score) and would make a perfect stocking stuffer.
Entries into the PS3 Laptop Contest will be DOUBLED on Black Friday. This means that each $50 spent, or each $25 in game trade-ins, will receive 2 entries into the contest.
All game trade-ins will receive an extra 10% in-store credit that day, with this 10% compounded on top of the existing 10% extra trade-in credit for Score Members.
Snacks and drinks, including orange juice, will be available throughout the day for purchase for half off. The Score's gaming floor will be open on Black Friday from 3 PM to 11 PM - in-store gaming will not be available to customers or Score Members prior to 3 PM that day.
You DO NOT need to brave Cool Springs traffic that day to purchase or renew a membership or book a birthday party - these can be purchased via credit card by phone after 8 AM. In any membership transaction taken by phone, we will hold your free game for you through the weekend so you can pick it up at a more convenient time. All other purchases must be made in-store.
We open at 5 AM that morning. No dealers, and no rainchecks: items have limited quantities, and will be sold while supplies last. Our expert staff will be available to help you find the perfect gifts for your loved ones this holiday season - all you have to do is ask.
Highlights:
- $274.99 Xbox 360 Elite or Sony PS3 Slim system (one per customer)
- $44.99 Uncharted 2 (PS3) / Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time (PS3) / Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Xbox 360 or PS3) / Halo ODST (Xbox 360)
- $14.99 New Super Mario Bros Wii
- $4.99 Wii Fit Plus (software only)
- FREE GAME (retail value $59.99 or less) with purchase or renewal of any annual Score Membership
- 50% off ScoreSwap subscriptions (The Score's version of Netflix for games) and Score Birthday Parties
- First 100 customers receive a $5 off coupon on any new or used accessory
We will have a number of additional deals running this weekend as well, including buy-2-get-1-free on used games and accessories throughout the weekend!
For one day only, ScoreBalls will be on sale for $5 (good for an hour of gaming at The Score) and would make a perfect stocking stuffer.
Entries into the PS3 Laptop Contest will be DOUBLED on Black Friday. This means that each $50 spent, or each $25 in game trade-ins, will receive 2 entries into the contest.
All game trade-ins will receive an extra 10% in-store credit that day, with this 10% compounded on top of the existing 10% extra trade-in credit for Score Members.
Snacks and drinks, including orange juice, will be available throughout the day for purchase for half off. The Score's gaming floor will be open on Black Friday from 3 PM to 11 PM - in-store gaming will not be available to customers or Score Members prior to 3 PM that day.
You DO NOT need to brave Cool Springs traffic that day to purchase or renew a membership or book a birthday party - these can be purchased via credit card by phone after 8 AM. In any membership transaction taken by phone, we will hold your free game for you through the weekend so you can pick it up at a more convenient time. All other purchases must be made in-store.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
MODERN WARFARE 2 RELEASE PARTY THIS MONDAY 11/9!
For release on Monday, November 9, 2009
THE SCORE OF COOL SPRINGS HOSTS MIDDLE TENNESSEE GAMERS FOR CALL OF DUTY MIDNIGHT RELEASE PARTY
Highly-anticipated video game expected to be best-selling entertainment product in history
Franklin, TN - The Score of Cool Springs, Franklin's startup video game retail and entertainment chain, will host a midnight release party for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 this Monday night, Monday, November 9. Gamers from all around the greater Nashville area will flock to The Score to purchase the game, which is expected to become the best-selling entertainment product in history immediately upon its official release at 12:01 AM on Tuesday morning.
The Score will kick off festivities at 8 PM with free pizza from Little Caesars Pizza and free drinks for gamers who have purchased the game from The Score. At 9 PM, a video game tournament in a previous Call of Duty title will commence - open only to those who have pre-ordered the new game from The Score - with the winner receiving an upgraded copy of Modern Warfare 2 and various other prizes being given away to participants.
"The Score is the best place to buy or play a video game, which includes being the best place to be for gamers picking up the new Call of Duty game at launch," said Bradley Metrock, President of Score Holdings. "We look forward to treating area gamers to a night of free food and drinks and a farewell to the previous Call of Duty, during our tournament that night, as we all await the arrival of Modern Warfare 2."
The Score of Cool Springs, the first retail location for Franklin startup Score Holdings, is known for superior trade-in credit for used video game software and hardware, better game prices than area competitors, and friendly customer service. "The Arena," which is The Score's large tournament coliseum located within The Score of Cool Springs, hosts a variety of game tournaments, leagues, birthday parties, and private events.
The Score invites the local media to attend this launch party and its staff will be available the night of Monday, November 9, for interviews upon request.
###
CallofDuty@TheScoreOnline.com
THE SCORE OF COOL SPRINGS HOSTS MIDDLE TENNESSEE GAMERS FOR CALL OF DUTY MIDNIGHT RELEASE PARTY
Highly-anticipated video game expected to be best-selling entertainment product in history
Franklin, TN - The Score of Cool Springs, Franklin's startup video game retail and entertainment chain, will host a midnight release party for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 this Monday night, Monday, November 9. Gamers from all around the greater Nashville area will flock to The Score to purchase the game, which is expected to become the best-selling entertainment product in history immediately upon its official release at 12:01 AM on Tuesday morning.
The Score will kick off festivities at 8 PM with free pizza from Little Caesars Pizza and free drinks for gamers who have purchased the game from The Score. At 9 PM, a video game tournament in a previous Call of Duty title will commence - open only to those who have pre-ordered the new game from The Score - with the winner receiving an upgraded copy of Modern Warfare 2 and various other prizes being given away to participants.
"The Score is the best place to buy or play a video game, which includes being the best place to be for gamers picking up the new Call of Duty game at launch," said Bradley Metrock, President of Score Holdings. "We look forward to treating area gamers to a night of free food and drinks and a farewell to the previous Call of Duty, during our tournament that night, as we all await the arrival of Modern Warfare 2."
The Score of Cool Springs, the first retail location for Franklin startup Score Holdings, is known for superior trade-in credit for used video game software and hardware, better game prices than area competitors, and friendly customer service. "The Arena," which is The Score's large tournament coliseum located within The Score of Cool Springs, hosts a variety of game tournaments, leagues, birthday parties, and private events.
The Score invites the local media to attend this launch party and its staff will be available the night of Monday, November 9, for interviews upon request.
###
CallofDuty@TheScoreOnline.com
Friday, October 16, 2009
Williamson County Fall Break Tournaments!
The Score will have the following tournaments this weekend for Williamson County's Fall Break!
Each tournament earns you an extra entry into the drawing for the one and only PS3 Slim Laptop (only available at The Score of Cool Springs), and there are other prizes for the different events.
All of these tournaments can be signed up for on our website, www.TheScoreOnline.com.
Saturday 10/17
Super Smash Bros Brawl Tournament (2 PM) - $2/person
Halo 3 Double Team Tournament (7 PM) - $5/team of two
Sunday 10/18
NHL 2010 Tournament (1 PM) - $2/person
Monday 10/19
NBA 2K10 Tournament (2 PM) - $2/person (open to first 16 players only)
Tuesday 10/20
WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2010 Tournament (2 PM) - $2/person
Each tournament earns you an extra entry into the drawing for the one and only PS3 Slim Laptop (only available at The Score of Cool Springs), and there are other prizes for the different events.
All of these tournaments can be signed up for on our website, www.TheScoreOnline.com.
Saturday 10/17
Super Smash Bros Brawl Tournament (2 PM) - $2/person
Halo 3 Double Team Tournament (7 PM) - $5/team of two
Sunday 10/18
NHL 2010 Tournament (1 PM) - $2/person
Monday 10/19
NBA 2K10 Tournament (2 PM) - $2/person (open to first 16 players only)
Tuesday 10/20
WWE Smackdown vs Raw 2010 Tournament (2 PM) - $2/person
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Uncharted 2 and Demons Souls: Two Good Reasons to Get a PlayStation 3 This Holiday
Thinking about grabbing a PlayStation 3? This might be a good time...
Not only will purchasing the system from The Score of Cool Springs put you in the running to win our portable PS3 Slim Laptop - only one in the world! - but will also allow you to play two of the absolute best games of the year.
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is the sequel to last year's breakout hit, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. It's a fast-moving adventure game that has received the HIGHEST METACRITIC SCORES (aggregated review scores) OF ANY GAME RELEASED THIS YEAR. The multiplayer beta has been out on PlayStation Network for a couple of weeks now, and it has also drawn rave reviews, including GameSpot.com's Editors' Choice Award. This is going to be a must-have game for Christmas for PlayStation 3 owners, pure and simple.
Demons Souls is a role-playing game that's not for the casual gamer...the game is among the hardest challenges to be released in recent history. Most RPGs coax you through difficult spots, or give you multiple ways around problem areas. Demons Souls doesn't spare any expense in making you earn your way through each dungeon. You will have help though, as you get to see glimpses of other players playing the game (in real-time) appearing as ghosts, giving you hints on what may lurk around the corner. You can also observe, via instant-replay, the deaths of other players playing the game at the same time, by clicking on their bloodstains they've left behind, to get valuable clues on how to beat certain bosses and advance further into the game. Very innovative, and highly acclaimed...GameSpot.com awarded the game with its Editors' Choice Award as well.
Come on in to The Score of Cool Springs, and pick up a PlayStation 3...and don't forget about these games. And who knows, maybe you'll end up walking away with the biggest prize of all - the PS3 Slim Laptop - as a result of your purchases at The Score!
Not only will purchasing the system from The Score of Cool Springs put you in the running to win our portable PS3 Slim Laptop - only one in the world! - but will also allow you to play two of the absolute best games of the year.
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is the sequel to last year's breakout hit, Uncharted: Drake's Fortune. It's a fast-moving adventure game that has received the HIGHEST METACRITIC SCORES (aggregated review scores) OF ANY GAME RELEASED THIS YEAR. The multiplayer beta has been out on PlayStation Network for a couple of weeks now, and it has also drawn rave reviews, including GameSpot.com's Editors' Choice Award. This is going to be a must-have game for Christmas for PlayStation 3 owners, pure and simple.
Demons Souls is a role-playing game that's not for the casual gamer...the game is among the hardest challenges to be released in recent history. Most RPGs coax you through difficult spots, or give you multiple ways around problem areas. Demons Souls doesn't spare any expense in making you earn your way through each dungeon. You will have help though, as you get to see glimpses of other players playing the game (in real-time) appearing as ghosts, giving you hints on what may lurk around the corner. You can also observe, via instant-replay, the deaths of other players playing the game at the same time, by clicking on their bloodstains they've left behind, to get valuable clues on how to beat certain bosses and advance further into the game. Very innovative, and highly acclaimed...GameSpot.com awarded the game with its Editors' Choice Award as well.
Come on in to The Score of Cool Springs, and pick up a PlayStation 3...and don't forget about these games. And who knows, maybe you'll end up walking away with the biggest prize of all - the PS3 Slim Laptop - as a result of your purchases at The Score!
Monday, October 5, 2009
PS3 Slim Laptop Giveaway Announced!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“PlayStation 3 Laptop” to be given away as part of holiday promotion at The Score of Cool Springs
One-of-a-kind device expected to draw crowds when unveiled on November 1
Franklin, TN – Tuesday, October 6 – The Score of Cool Springs, a video game retail and entertainment store located in Franklin, Tennessee, will give away a PlayStation 3 Laptop as part of a holiday promotion. This device was invented by renowned video game engineer Ben Heckendorn of Madison, Wisconsin, and is the only hardware of its type in existence.
The PS3 Slim – a smaller version of the original PlayStation 3 console – was deconstructed by “Ben Heck,” as he’s known on the internet, and re-assembled into a laptop for portable play, complete with built-in flip-up 17” LCD screen and fully-functioning Blu-Ray capabilities. A description of how the system was created is available at his website, www.benheck.com.
“The Score of Cool Springs is offering gamers the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win a system that many have trouble even believing exists,” said Bradley Metrock, President of Score Holdings. “This is all part of our mission to be the best place to buy or play a video game.”
Through December 19, each $50 spent at The Score of Cool Springs, or each $25 received in game trade-ins, will earn customers an entry into the drawing for the PlayStation 3 Laptop. An alternative, free method of entry is also available, with information on The Score’s website at www.thescoreonline.com.
The prize will be available for viewing at The Score of Cool Springs beginning November 1. Other prizes, including Score Memberships and Gift Cards, will also be given away as part of the promotion.
###
Contact:
Bradley Metrock
President, Score Holdings LLC
The Score of Cool Springs
4091 Mallory Lane, Suite 124
Franklin, TN 37067
(615) 972 8833
Bradley@TheScoreOnline.com
“PlayStation 3 Laptop” to be given away as part of holiday promotion at The Score of Cool Springs
One-of-a-kind device expected to draw crowds when unveiled on November 1
Franklin, TN – Tuesday, October 6 – The Score of Cool Springs, a video game retail and entertainment store located in Franklin, Tennessee, will give away a PlayStation 3 Laptop as part of a holiday promotion. This device was invented by renowned video game engineer Ben Heckendorn of Madison, Wisconsin, and is the only hardware of its type in existence.
The PS3 Slim – a smaller version of the original PlayStation 3 console – was deconstructed by “Ben Heck,” as he’s known on the internet, and re-assembled into a laptop for portable play, complete with built-in flip-up 17” LCD screen and fully-functioning Blu-Ray capabilities. A description of how the system was created is available at his website, www.benheck.com.
“The Score of Cool Springs is offering gamers the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win a system that many have trouble even believing exists,” said Bradley Metrock, President of Score Holdings. “This is all part of our mission to be the best place to buy or play a video game.”
Through December 19, each $50 spent at The Score of Cool Springs, or each $25 received in game trade-ins, will earn customers an entry into the drawing for the PlayStation 3 Laptop. An alternative, free method of entry is also available, with information on The Score’s website at www.thescoreonline.com.
The prize will be available for viewing at The Score of Cool Springs beginning November 1. Other prizes, including Score Memberships and Gift Cards, will also be given away as part of the promotion.
###
Contact:
Bradley Metrock
President, Score Holdings LLC
The Score of Cool Springs
4091 Mallory Lane, Suite 124
Franklin, TN 37067
(615) 972 8833
Bradley@TheScoreOnline.com
Sunday, September 27, 2009
ScoreSwap Program
The Score will officially unveil ScoreSwap, our new game rental program, on Saturday, October 3. This program combines the best of a Netflix or GameFly type of rental arrangement with the convenience of a physical retail location to browse, rent, and return games without waiting (or paying for) shipping!
For $14.99 ($139/year), Score Members will be able to rent one game out per month, with the ability to swap that game out as many times as desired over the course of the month.
For $19.99 ($179/year), Score Members can upgrade this to two games out per month, instead of one.
Want to keep a game the entire month? Or get tired of it after a single day and want to grab something else? This program is both flexible and affordable for Nashville and Franklin-area families.
Makes a perfect Christmas gift as well! :)
Oh, one other thing...THE FIRST TEN CUSTOMERS IN THE DOOR ON SATURDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 3, will be able to purchase a year of the $19.99/month package for just $99! (Black Friday, ahead of time!)
Read below for a FAQ regarding ScoreSwap if you want further information on the package.
Thanks, Bradley
ScoreSwap(TM) FAQ
Q. So this program is available for Score Members only?
A. Yes. Non-members can no longer rent games from The Score.
Q. What if I purchase ScoreSwap as a gift, and the recipient doesn't like it? Can it be returned?
A. We allow money spent on the ScoreSwap package to be converted into in-store credit for 30 days after purchase to handle situations like this. For example, if Joey's parents buy a year of ScoreSwap for Joey for Christmas for $139, and he'd rather just have a new Nintendo DSi system than ScoreSwap, that $139 (plus tax) can be used as in-store credit instead at The Score of Cool Springs. This gives third-party purchasers comfort in knowing that even if the recipient doesn't like ScoreSwap, they can then get something else they like instead.
Note that, as always, Score Membership fees are non-refundable and non-convertible, however.
Q. If I sign up for Score Membership and ScoreSwap together, do I get any discount?
A. Through the end of 2009, sign up for both a Score Membership and ScoreSwap in the same transaction and we'll waive the membership activation fee.
Q. What games are not able to be rented through ScoreSwap?
A. Very rare retro games we have in the store are generally exempt from ScoreSwap, as well as new releases that have not been on the market more than 30 days.
Q. So this means hand held games (e.g. Nintendo DS and PSP games) are able to be rented through this program, that have been out 30 days or more?
A. Yes.
Q. Nice!
A. Thanks. We try.
Q. What happens if someone rents a game and doesn't bring it back?
A. When anyone signs up for ScoreSwap, we require a valid credit card to be on file. Each customer will select (at the time of signing up) if they want to be billed for a game, at current retail price, or billed for another month of ScoreSwap, in the event they fail to return rentals within the required amount of time.
For some customers, this may actually be a convenience. Rent a game and like it enough, and you can buy it from us without actually returning to The Score to complete another transaction.
Q. What happens if someone rents a game and returns it damaged?
A. They will effectively purchase the game - they will keep it and will be charged for the retail price of the game.
Q. Can you rent strategy guides?
A. Used strategy guides can be rented, and count as a rental within our system. Similarly, games requiring a special peripheral may count as two rentals instead of one.
Q. What happens if I come to rent a game, and you guys don't have it?
A. ScoreSwap participants can select from all games currently in stock that have been out 30 days or more. We have no way of knowing ahead of time which games we will have and which ones we won't at any particular time.
Q. What happens if my Score Membership runs out prior to my ScoreSwap package running out?
A. In order to rent games from The Score, you must be a Score Member. Therefore, you'd either have to renew your Membership or not use any remaining ScoreSwap balance in the event one runs out before the other.
Q. Are there other ScoreSwap questions you probably should've thought about and mentioned here, but didn't?
A. Probably.
Q. Do I get a prize for reading to the bottom of this FAQ?
A. Yes. Mention the code BORED and we'll add an extra month to any annual purchase of ScoreSwap.
For $14.99 ($139/year), Score Members will be able to rent one game out per month, with the ability to swap that game out as many times as desired over the course of the month.
For $19.99 ($179/year), Score Members can upgrade this to two games out per month, instead of one.
Want to keep a game the entire month? Or get tired of it after a single day and want to grab something else? This program is both flexible and affordable for Nashville and Franklin-area families.
Makes a perfect Christmas gift as well! :)
Oh, one other thing...THE FIRST TEN CUSTOMERS IN THE DOOR ON SATURDAY MORNING, OCTOBER 3, will be able to purchase a year of the $19.99/month package for just $99! (Black Friday, ahead of time!)
Read below for a FAQ regarding ScoreSwap if you want further information on the package.
Thanks, Bradley
ScoreSwap(TM) FAQ
Q. So this program is available for Score Members only?
A. Yes. Non-members can no longer rent games from The Score.
Q. What if I purchase ScoreSwap as a gift, and the recipient doesn't like it? Can it be returned?
A. We allow money spent on the ScoreSwap package to be converted into in-store credit for 30 days after purchase to handle situations like this. For example, if Joey's parents buy a year of ScoreSwap for Joey for Christmas for $139, and he'd rather just have a new Nintendo DSi system than ScoreSwap, that $139 (plus tax) can be used as in-store credit instead at The Score of Cool Springs. This gives third-party purchasers comfort in knowing that even if the recipient doesn't like ScoreSwap, they can then get something else they like instead.
Note that, as always, Score Membership fees are non-refundable and non-convertible, however.
Q. If I sign up for Score Membership and ScoreSwap together, do I get any discount?
A. Through the end of 2009, sign up for both a Score Membership and ScoreSwap in the same transaction and we'll waive the membership activation fee.
Q. What games are not able to be rented through ScoreSwap?
A. Very rare retro games we have in the store are generally exempt from ScoreSwap, as well as new releases that have not been on the market more than 30 days.
Q. So this means hand held games (e.g. Nintendo DS and PSP games) are able to be rented through this program, that have been out 30 days or more?
A. Yes.
Q. Nice!
A. Thanks. We try.
Q. What happens if someone rents a game and doesn't bring it back?
A. When anyone signs up for ScoreSwap, we require a valid credit card to be on file. Each customer will select (at the time of signing up) if they want to be billed for a game, at current retail price, or billed for another month of ScoreSwap, in the event they fail to return rentals within the required amount of time.
For some customers, this may actually be a convenience. Rent a game and like it enough, and you can buy it from us without actually returning to The Score to complete another transaction.
Q. What happens if someone rents a game and returns it damaged?
A. They will effectively purchase the game - they will keep it and will be charged for the retail price of the game.
Q. Can you rent strategy guides?
A. Used strategy guides can be rented, and count as a rental within our system. Similarly, games requiring a special peripheral may count as two rentals instead of one.
Q. What happens if I come to rent a game, and you guys don't have it?
A. ScoreSwap participants can select from all games currently in stock that have been out 30 days or more. We have no way of knowing ahead of time which games we will have and which ones we won't at any particular time.
Q. What happens if my Score Membership runs out prior to my ScoreSwap package running out?
A. In order to rent games from The Score, you must be a Score Member. Therefore, you'd either have to renew your Membership or not use any remaining ScoreSwap balance in the event one runs out before the other.
Q. Are there other ScoreSwap questions you probably should've thought about and mentioned here, but didn't?
A. Probably.
Q. Do I get a prize for reading to the bottom of this FAQ?
A. Yes. Mention the code BORED and we'll add an extra month to any annual purchase of ScoreSwap.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Huge new shipment of games! Less than GameStop! (And better trade-in credit too!)
As we continue to get ramped up for the holidays, we just got our largest shipment of new games since we've opened The Score!
Here's a list of what we received! Come on in and check it out for yourself this weekend! These games and many more available (both new and used) as our customers get started with holiday shopping...
Rock Band: The Beatles - all platforms (even more copies, already had in stock)
Capcom Platinum Hits Package (Xbox 360; includes Lost Planet, Dead Rising, and Devil May Cry 4 all in one package)
Raiden IV Collector's Edition (Xbox 360)
Little Big Planet, Game of the Year Edition (PS3)
Advance Wars: Days of Ruin (DS)
Batman: Arkham Asylum (all platforms)
BioShock / Elder Scrolls Collection (Xbox 360)
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger (Xbox 360 and PS3)
Blue Dragon Plus (DS)
Boom Blox (Wii)
Boom Blox Bash Party (Wii)
Brain Age (DS)
Brain Age 2 (DS)
Call of Duty: World at War (Wii)
Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood (all platforms)
Chrono Trigger (DS)
Civilization IV: Complete Edition (PC)
Civilization Revolution (all platforms)
Conduit (Wii)
Cooking Mama: World Kitchen (Wii)
Cooking Mama 2 (DS)
Counter Strike Source (PC)
Dead Rising: Chop Til You Drop (Wii)
Dead Space (PS3/X360)
De Blob (Wii)
Disgaea (DS)
Disgaea 3 (PS3)
Drawn to Life (DS)
Fable 2 (Xbox 360)
Family Party (Wii)
Final Fantasy IV (DS)
Final Fantasy Tactics A2 (DS)
Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon (DS)
Fuel (Xbox 360 / PS3)
Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 (X360)
Ghostbusters (X360/PS3)
Grand Theft Auto IV (X360)
Guitar Hero Metallica (Wii)
Halo 3 (X360)
Harvest Moon DS (DS)
Hasbro Family Game Night (Wii)
HAWX (X360/PS3)
Hi Hamtaro (DS)
House of the Dead Overkill (Wii)
House of the Dead 2 & 3 (Wii)
Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja (DS)
Kirby Super Star Ultra (DS)
Knights in the Nightmare (DS)
Konductra (DS)
Last Remnant (X360)
Legacy of Ys Books 1 and 2 (DS)
Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii)
Lego Batman (all platforms)
Little Kings Story (Wii)
Looney Tunes ACME Arsenal (X360)
Lord of the Rings Conquest (X360)
Luminous Arc 2 (w/ soundtrack) (DS)
Madden 2010 (all platforms)
Madworld (Wii)
Magician's Quest (DS)
Mario Kart (Wii)
Mario Party (DS)
Mario Party 8 (Wii)
Mario Power Tennis (Wii)
Mario Super Sluggers (Wii)
Mega Man Star Force 2 (couple different SKUs for DS)
Mega Man Star Force 3 Red (DS)
Mirror's Edge (X360)
MLB Front Office Manager (X360)
Monopoly (all platforms)
Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe (X360)
N+ (DS)
Namco Museum (DS)
Namco Museum Remix (Wii)
Namco Museum Virtual Arcade (X360)
Nanostray 2 (DS)
Naruto Shippuden (most recent DS version)
Naruto Clash of Ninja 3 (Wii)
Need for Speed Underground (Wii)
New Super Mario Bros (DS)
Ninja Gaiden 2 (X360)
Nintendogs (several different versions for DS)
No More Heroes (Wii)
Orange Box (X360)
Overlord 2 (X360)
Petz Fashion Dogz and Catz (DS)
Phantom Brave: We Meet Again (Wii)
Pikmin (Wii)
Pokemon Platinum (DS)
Populous (DS)
Prototype (X360/PS3)
Punchout (Wii)
Resident Evil Archives (Wii)
Resident Evil 4 (Wii)
Retro Game Challenge (DS)
Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure (DS)
Rhythm Heaven (DS)
Rhythm N Notes (DS)
Rock Band 2 (Wii)
Rondo of Swords (DS)
Rune Factory (several versions, one on DS and one on Wii)
Sacred 2 (X360 / PS3)
Simcity Creator (DS)
Sins of a Solar Empire - Game of the Year Edition (PC)
Skate It (Wii)
SOCOM: Confrontation (PS3)
Sonic Ultimate Genesis Collection (X360)
Sonic Unleashed (Wii)
Soul Calibur 4 (X360 / PS3)
Spectrobes Origins (Wii)
Spiderman Friend or Foe (X360)
Spyro: Dawn of Dragon (DS and Wii)
Star Wars: Force Unleashed (all platforms)
StarCraft Battlechest (PC)
Street Fighter IV (PS3)
Suikoden Tierkreis (DS)
Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)
Super Smash Bros Brawl (Wii)
Table Tennis (X360)
Tales of Symphonia (Wii)
Tales of Vesperia (X360)
Tetris Evolution (X360)
The Bigs 2 (X360/PS3)
The Price is Right (Wii)
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2010 (all platforms)
Too Human (X360)
UFC Undisputed (X360/PS3)
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (PS3)
Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume (DS)
Virtua Tennis 2009 (Wii)
Wario Land: Shake It (Wii)
Wii Music (Wii)
Witcher - Enhanced Version (PC)
World Ends With You (DS)
Here's a list of what we received! Come on in and check it out for yourself this weekend! These games and many more available (both new and used) as our customers get started with holiday shopping...
Rock Band: The Beatles - all platforms (even more copies, already had in stock)
Capcom Platinum Hits Package (Xbox 360; includes Lost Planet, Dead Rising, and Devil May Cry 4 all in one package)
Raiden IV Collector's Edition (Xbox 360)
Little Big Planet, Game of the Year Edition (PS3)
Advance Wars: Days of Ruin (DS)
Batman: Arkham Asylum (all platforms)
BioShock / Elder Scrolls Collection (Xbox 360)
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger (Xbox 360 and PS3)
Blue Dragon Plus (DS)
Boom Blox (Wii)
Boom Blox Bash Party (Wii)
Brain Age (DS)
Brain Age 2 (DS)
Call of Duty: World at War (Wii)
Call of Juarez: Bound in Blood (all platforms)
Chrono Trigger (DS)
Civilization IV: Complete Edition (PC)
Civilization Revolution (all platforms)
Conduit (Wii)
Cooking Mama: World Kitchen (Wii)
Cooking Mama 2 (DS)
Counter Strike Source (PC)
Dead Rising: Chop Til You Drop (Wii)
Dead Space (PS3/X360)
De Blob (Wii)
Disgaea (DS)
Disgaea 3 (PS3)
Drawn to Life (DS)
Fable 2 (Xbox 360)
Family Party (Wii)
Final Fantasy IV (DS)
Final Fantasy Tactics A2 (DS)
Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon (DS)
Fuel (Xbox 360 / PS3)
Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 (X360)
Ghostbusters (X360/PS3)
Grand Theft Auto IV (X360)
Guitar Hero Metallica (Wii)
Halo 3 (X360)
Harvest Moon DS (DS)
Hasbro Family Game Night (Wii)
HAWX (X360/PS3)
Hi Hamtaro (DS)
House of the Dead Overkill (Wii)
House of the Dead 2 & 3 (Wii)
Izuna 2: The Unemployed Ninja (DS)
Kirby Super Star Ultra (DS)
Knights in the Nightmare (DS)
Konductra (DS)
Last Remnant (X360)
Legacy of Ys Books 1 and 2 (DS)
Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Wii)
Lego Batman (all platforms)
Little Kings Story (Wii)
Looney Tunes ACME Arsenal (X360)
Lord of the Rings Conquest (X360)
Luminous Arc 2 (w/ soundtrack) (DS)
Madden 2010 (all platforms)
Madworld (Wii)
Magician's Quest (DS)
Mario Kart (Wii)
Mario Party (DS)
Mario Party 8 (Wii)
Mario Power Tennis (Wii)
Mario Super Sluggers (Wii)
Mega Man Star Force 2 (couple different SKUs for DS)
Mega Man Star Force 3 Red (DS)
Mirror's Edge (X360)
MLB Front Office Manager (X360)
Monopoly (all platforms)
Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe (X360)
N+ (DS)
Namco Museum (DS)
Namco Museum Remix (Wii)
Namco Museum Virtual Arcade (X360)
Nanostray 2 (DS)
Naruto Shippuden (most recent DS version)
Naruto Clash of Ninja 3 (Wii)
Need for Speed Underground (Wii)
New Super Mario Bros (DS)
Ninja Gaiden 2 (X360)
Nintendogs (several different versions for DS)
No More Heroes (Wii)
Orange Box (X360)
Overlord 2 (X360)
Petz Fashion Dogz and Catz (DS)
Phantom Brave: We Meet Again (Wii)
Pikmin (Wii)
Pokemon Platinum (DS)
Populous (DS)
Prototype (X360/PS3)
Punchout (Wii)
Resident Evil Archives (Wii)
Resident Evil 4 (Wii)
Retro Game Challenge (DS)
Rhapsody: A Musical Adventure (DS)
Rhythm Heaven (DS)
Rhythm N Notes (DS)
Rock Band 2 (Wii)
Rondo of Swords (DS)
Rune Factory (several versions, one on DS and one on Wii)
Sacred 2 (X360 / PS3)
Simcity Creator (DS)
Sins of a Solar Empire - Game of the Year Edition (PC)
Skate It (Wii)
SOCOM: Confrontation (PS3)
Sonic Ultimate Genesis Collection (X360)
Sonic Unleashed (Wii)
Soul Calibur 4 (X360 / PS3)
Spectrobes Origins (Wii)
Spiderman Friend or Foe (X360)
Spyro: Dawn of Dragon (DS and Wii)
Star Wars: Force Unleashed (all platforms)
StarCraft Battlechest (PC)
Street Fighter IV (PS3)
Suikoden Tierkreis (DS)
Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)
Super Smash Bros Brawl (Wii)
Table Tennis (X360)
Tales of Symphonia (Wii)
Tales of Vesperia (X360)
Tetris Evolution (X360)
The Bigs 2 (X360/PS3)
The Price is Right (Wii)
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2010 (all platforms)
Too Human (X360)
UFC Undisputed (X360/PS3)
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (PS3)
Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume (DS)
Virtua Tennis 2009 (Wii)
Wario Land: Shake It (Wii)
Wii Music (Wii)
Witcher - Enhanced Version (PC)
World Ends With You (DS)
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Guitar Hero 5 MIDNIGHT RELEASE MONDAY NIGHT!!
Monday night (August 31) is the MIDNIGHT RELEASE of Guitar Hero 5!
The Score will hook you up with a bundled version (including guitar) or game-only version of Guitar Hero 5, which features a record-high 85 songs! Get it on Wii, Xbox 360, or Sony PS3.
Also available tomorrow night at the Monday midnight release will be a few leftover copies of Section 8 which have not been pre-ordered. Come join us Monday night at midnight!
The Score will hook you up with a bundled version (including guitar) or game-only version of Guitar Hero 5, which features a record-high 85 songs! Get it on Wii, Xbox 360, or Sony PS3.
Also available tomorrow night at the Monday midnight release will be a few leftover copies of Section 8 which have not been pre-ordered. Come join us Monday night at midnight!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Buy 2, get 1 free @ The Score...and some big August tournaments coming up!
BUY 2, GET 1 FREE ON USED GAMES THIS WEEKEND: Pretty straightforward, right? Buy 2 used games at The Score, get one free (of equal or lesser value). Great opportunity to find titles you might have missed!
$30 TRADE-IN CREDIT SPECIAL THIS WEEKEND: Trade in any of the following games THIS WEEKEND ONLY and get $30 in-store credit toward a pre-order of Batman: Arkham Asylum or Halo ODST...
Infamous (PS3)
Prototype (X360/PS3)
Ghostbusters (X360/PS3)
Resident Evil 5 (X360/PS3)
Punch-Out! (Wii)
UFC Undisputed (X360/PS3)
Fallout 3 (360 only)
BATMAN ARKHAM ASYLUM MIDNIGHT LAUNCH! Batman: Arkham Asylum is receiving critical acclaim from reviewers and is one of the most anticipated titles this year. Grab your copy at our midnight release party and join the fun!
At 9 PM, we'll start registration for our "Batman vs The Joker" Tournament (using MK vs DC Universe) and at 10, the tournament will begin. The winner of the tournament will receive a special Batman-themed prize.
During this time, we will also complete sales of Batman: Arkham Asylum, so gamers can get their copy at 12:01 AM Tuesday morning.
After midnight, we'll make a copy of the game available for in-store play in The Arena and will be open until 2 AM.
Copies will be limited, so pre-order ASAP. Entry into The Score for this event is free for purchasers of the game, or $10 otherwise.
FREE MADDEN AND HALO TOURNAMENTS NEXT WEEK! Join the Thom Abraham show broadcasting live for our Madden 2010 Tournament, beginning at 4 PM on Wednesday, August 26. Winner gets a Score poster autographed by #53 Keith Bulluck and #31 Cortland Finnegan!
Want Halo instead? Our Halo 3 free-for-all tournament begins Friday August 28 at 7 PM and is also free to enter (open to the first 64 entrants only). Winner receives a free copy of Halo ODST for the Xbox 360. Then stick around and join us for an all-night WoW Lock-in featuring a number of World of Warcraft events as well as regular console gaming events as well.
$30 TRADE-IN CREDIT SPECIAL THIS WEEKEND: Trade in any of the following games THIS WEEKEND ONLY and get $30 in-store credit toward a pre-order of Batman: Arkham Asylum or Halo ODST...
Infamous (PS3)
Prototype (X360/PS3)
Ghostbusters (X360/PS3)
Resident Evil 5 (X360/PS3)
Punch-Out! (Wii)
UFC Undisputed (X360/PS3)
Fallout 3 (360 only)
BATMAN ARKHAM ASYLUM MIDNIGHT LAUNCH! Batman: Arkham Asylum is receiving critical acclaim from reviewers and is one of the most anticipated titles this year. Grab your copy at our midnight release party and join the fun!
At 9 PM, we'll start registration for our "Batman vs The Joker" Tournament (using MK vs DC Universe) and at 10, the tournament will begin. The winner of the tournament will receive a special Batman-themed prize.
During this time, we will also complete sales of Batman: Arkham Asylum, so gamers can get their copy at 12:01 AM Tuesday morning.
After midnight, we'll make a copy of the game available for in-store play in The Arena and will be open until 2 AM.
Copies will be limited, so pre-order ASAP. Entry into The Score for this event is free for purchasers of the game, or $10 otherwise.
FREE MADDEN AND HALO TOURNAMENTS NEXT WEEK! Join the Thom Abraham show broadcasting live for our Madden 2010 Tournament, beginning at 4 PM on Wednesday, August 26. Winner gets a Score poster autographed by #53 Keith Bulluck and #31 Cortland Finnegan!
Want Halo instead? Our Halo 3 free-for-all tournament begins Friday August 28 at 7 PM and is also free to enter (open to the first 64 entrants only). Winner receives a free copy of Halo ODST for the Xbox 360. Then stick around and join us for an all-night WoW Lock-in featuring a number of World of Warcraft events as well as regular console gaming events as well.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
The Score / ScoreCamp on the news!
Here's a video clip from WKRN (local ABC affiliate) and their coverage of our ScoreCamp program!
Click here for the YouTube link.
Click here for the YouTube link.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Wii Sports Resort hits The Score this week!
Pick up your copy of Wii Sports Resort at The Score this week! The game's getting great reviews all around...check out this one from MSNBC's Citizen Gamer:
'Wii Sports Resort' is a great gaming getaway
Heads up haters! New enhanced motion controls may impress even you
By Winda Benedetti
Citizen Gamer
My Wii kept telling me that I might maybe should put down the game controller for a while and step away from the TV.
"Why not take a break?" the message on the screen asked me. Repeatedly.
Why not take a break? Because I'm having a stupid amount of fun, that's why.
But I don't think my Wii really wanted me to take a break any way. It was just saying that because it felt obligated to ... and, you know, because Nintendo programmed it to do so at regular intervals.
Yeah, Nintendo may pretend like they want us gamers to have a life beyond their little white box, but I'm pretty sure what they really want is for us to keep playing "Wii Sports Resort" long after it's time for us to do things like get some sleep or maybe tend to our deteriorating personal hygiene. After all, I tried to quit "Wii Sports Resort" and yet it kept reeling me back in with its siren song of assorted sporty activities. Archery. Skydiving. Sword fighting. And just when I thought I'd had enough virtual athleticism for one evening, another amusing distraction lured me in.
What's that you say? Play Frisbee catch with an adorable pup? Or how about speed-slice my way through a bizarre assortment of objects using only my trusty blade? Why, don't mind if I do!
"Wii Sports Resort" — the long-awaited sequel to the massively popular "Wii Sports" game — launched Sunday. And after spending far too much time playing it, I can say that it's a must-have game for any Wii owner — a charming collection of fun, absorbing , easy-to-jump-into games that just about anyone can play and almost everyone will dig. Yes, even some of you Wii haters out there.
I just wish it hadn't taken Nintendo 2 1/2 years to bring us this game and, more importantly, bring us the Wii MotionPlus device it comes packaged with.
Sports in motion
The original "Wii Sports" game — which came bundled with the Wii when it launched back in 2006 — was a world-wide hit thanks to the deft and adorable way it showed off the new Nintendo machine's gesture-sensing controls. A package of five sports-sim games in one, "Wii Sports" gave Wii owners the chance to box, golf, bowl, play baseball and play tennis by swinging the Wii's Remote and Nunchuk controllers in semi-realistic motions.
In the boxing game, for example, you simply clutch the Remote and Nunchuk in your fists and punch the air. In the tennis game, you swing the Remote like you would a real racket.
Kids and casual gamers immediately adored this game (and the Wii) because the controls made plain ol' good sense (unlike those tricky button combos traditional game controllers require). The game is also a blast to play with friends. I mean, who needs to go to a bowling alley when you can knock down pins with your pals in your own living room? And you don't even have to wear those silly shoes!
As of earlier this year, Nintendo had sold more than 45 million copies of "Wii Sports Resort" worldwide, making it the best-selling game of all time (though the fact that it's sold bundled with the Wii in much of the world has stirred some debate about whether it officially deserves the title ... which it stole from "Super Mario Bros.").
But as popular as "Wii Sports" and the Wii's motion controls have been, many a seasoned gamer quickly grew weary of them both and more than a wee bit Wii jaded. After all, the Remote and Nunchuk don't capture and replicate your motions exactly. In fact, they can be downright finicky when it comes to reading the swings, sways, stabs and jabs of your arms.
As I discovered while playing the "Wii Sports" boxing game with my niece, a 6-year-old girl flailing about as if her arms are on fire and with zero forethought or attempt at accuracy will very likely KO you time and time again while you attempt to carefully aim your virtual punches.
Yeah, the Wii has earned its fair share of haters thanks, in part, to the motion controls, which some have felt are frustratingly shallow, gimmicky and, also, make you look like a total dork. They call them "waggle" controls ... and they don't mean it in a nice way.
Wishy-washy wiggle-waggle
I'm not sure that "Wii Sports Resort" is going to sway the Wii's most devoted critics, but it should diminish at least some of the trash talking thanks to the new Wii MotionPlus device the game comes bundled with.
The MotionPlus gadget, as I mentioned in this column, snaps onto the bottom of the Wii Remote. It enables the controller and game machine to far more accurately read your movements, removing much of the wishy-washy-wiggle-waggle control issues that have plagued the Wii and tarnished its rep.
With the MotionPlus attachment, you can twist, tilt and turn the Wii Remote and see its movements replicated on screen with impressive accuracy. Pop "Resort" into your machine and the Skydiving game promptly kicks in, showing off the MotionPlus' enhanced gesture sensing as you take your Mii avatar sailing through the sky, maneuvering it in all directions.
Yes, "Wii Sports Resort" does a great job turning these control improvements into an addictive gaming experience. Expanding on the idea behind the original "Wii Sports" game, "Resort" offers an impressive 12 gaming categories to choose from — some old and most new.
Golfing and bowling return from the original, but with MotionPlus the experience is significantly more realistic.
But it’s some of the new game categories that really stand out. Archery was my hands-down favorite. Here you maneuver the Remote to aim your virtual bow, and you pull back the Nunchuk as if you were pulling back the bow string. Aiming at the targets and letting your arrows fly works superbly and feels great.
Swordplay was also a favorite and sure to be a party crowd pleaser. Here you hold the Remote as if it was the handle of a sword and then jab and slice away, pulling the B trigger to block your opponent's blows. And the Air Sports category — which includes Skydiving, Island Flyover and Dogfight — also must be mentioned as a superb addition. Island Flyover has you holding the Remote as if it were a paper airplane. You then guide your virtual airplane throughout an island, exploring the various sites and scenery.
Of course, not all the new sports games are equally amusing. Bicycling — a game in which you flap the Remote and Nunchuk as if you were pedaling a bike with your hands — was a bit tedious, as was Power Cruising (basically riding a Jet Ski). And as much as I loved the Archery game, I was disappointed that there wasn't more to do with it other than shoot at targets. I found myself wanting more depth from my favorite sports fairly often.
Also, it’s important to note that you can't play "Wii Sports Resort" without the MotionPlus device it comes with (the bundle runs $50). So if you want to simultaneously play the multiplayer games — say settle an argument with your husband with a round or two of sword fighting — you'll have to go buy another MotionPlus device for $20. (You can, however, share one Wii Remote for some of the turn-taking multiplayer games.)
Ultimately though, "Wii Sports Resort" is a really well-rounded and thoroughly fun package that shows off the much-needed motion-control improvements that MotionPlus brings to the Wii. And I'm especially excited to see what other developers do with these superior controls.
In fact, I hope developers get to work making more MotionPlus-supported games pronto ... because it’s going to be hard to go back to playing Wii games without it.
'Wii Sports Resort' is a great gaming getaway
Heads up haters! New enhanced motion controls may impress even you
By Winda Benedetti
Citizen Gamer
My Wii kept telling me that I might maybe should put down the game controller for a while and step away from the TV.
"Why not take a break?" the message on the screen asked me. Repeatedly.
Why not take a break? Because I'm having a stupid amount of fun, that's why.
But I don't think my Wii really wanted me to take a break any way. It was just saying that because it felt obligated to ... and, you know, because Nintendo programmed it to do so at regular intervals.
Yeah, Nintendo may pretend like they want us gamers to have a life beyond their little white box, but I'm pretty sure what they really want is for us to keep playing "Wii Sports Resort" long after it's time for us to do things like get some sleep or maybe tend to our deteriorating personal hygiene. After all, I tried to quit "Wii Sports Resort" and yet it kept reeling me back in with its siren song of assorted sporty activities. Archery. Skydiving. Sword fighting. And just when I thought I'd had enough virtual athleticism for one evening, another amusing distraction lured me in.
What's that you say? Play Frisbee catch with an adorable pup? Or how about speed-slice my way through a bizarre assortment of objects using only my trusty blade? Why, don't mind if I do!
"Wii Sports Resort" — the long-awaited sequel to the massively popular "Wii Sports" game — launched Sunday. And after spending far too much time playing it, I can say that it's a must-have game for any Wii owner — a charming collection of fun, absorbing , easy-to-jump-into games that just about anyone can play and almost everyone will dig. Yes, even some of you Wii haters out there.
I just wish it hadn't taken Nintendo 2 1/2 years to bring us this game and, more importantly, bring us the Wii MotionPlus device it comes packaged with.
Sports in motion
The original "Wii Sports" game — which came bundled with the Wii when it launched back in 2006 — was a world-wide hit thanks to the deft and adorable way it showed off the new Nintendo machine's gesture-sensing controls. A package of five sports-sim games in one, "Wii Sports" gave Wii owners the chance to box, golf, bowl, play baseball and play tennis by swinging the Wii's Remote and Nunchuk controllers in semi-realistic motions.
In the boxing game, for example, you simply clutch the Remote and Nunchuk in your fists and punch the air. In the tennis game, you swing the Remote like you would a real racket.
Kids and casual gamers immediately adored this game (and the Wii) because the controls made plain ol' good sense (unlike those tricky button combos traditional game controllers require). The game is also a blast to play with friends. I mean, who needs to go to a bowling alley when you can knock down pins with your pals in your own living room? And you don't even have to wear those silly shoes!
As of earlier this year, Nintendo had sold more than 45 million copies of "Wii Sports Resort" worldwide, making it the best-selling game of all time (though the fact that it's sold bundled with the Wii in much of the world has stirred some debate about whether it officially deserves the title ... which it stole from "Super Mario Bros.").
But as popular as "Wii Sports" and the Wii's motion controls have been, many a seasoned gamer quickly grew weary of them both and more than a wee bit Wii jaded. After all, the Remote and Nunchuk don't capture and replicate your motions exactly. In fact, they can be downright finicky when it comes to reading the swings, sways, stabs and jabs of your arms.
As I discovered while playing the "Wii Sports" boxing game with my niece, a 6-year-old girl flailing about as if her arms are on fire and with zero forethought or attempt at accuracy will very likely KO you time and time again while you attempt to carefully aim your virtual punches.
Yeah, the Wii has earned its fair share of haters thanks, in part, to the motion controls, which some have felt are frustratingly shallow, gimmicky and, also, make you look like a total dork. They call them "waggle" controls ... and they don't mean it in a nice way.
Wishy-washy wiggle-waggle
I'm not sure that "Wii Sports Resort" is going to sway the Wii's most devoted critics, but it should diminish at least some of the trash talking thanks to the new Wii MotionPlus device the game comes bundled with.
The MotionPlus gadget, as I mentioned in this column, snaps onto the bottom of the Wii Remote. It enables the controller and game machine to far more accurately read your movements, removing much of the wishy-washy-wiggle-waggle control issues that have plagued the Wii and tarnished its rep.
With the MotionPlus attachment, you can twist, tilt and turn the Wii Remote and see its movements replicated on screen with impressive accuracy. Pop "Resort" into your machine and the Skydiving game promptly kicks in, showing off the MotionPlus' enhanced gesture sensing as you take your Mii avatar sailing through the sky, maneuvering it in all directions.
Yes, "Wii Sports Resort" does a great job turning these control improvements into an addictive gaming experience. Expanding on the idea behind the original "Wii Sports" game, "Resort" offers an impressive 12 gaming categories to choose from — some old and most new.
Golfing and bowling return from the original, but with MotionPlus the experience is significantly more realistic.
But it’s some of the new game categories that really stand out. Archery was my hands-down favorite. Here you maneuver the Remote to aim your virtual bow, and you pull back the Nunchuk as if you were pulling back the bow string. Aiming at the targets and letting your arrows fly works superbly and feels great.
Swordplay was also a favorite and sure to be a party crowd pleaser. Here you hold the Remote as if it was the handle of a sword and then jab and slice away, pulling the B trigger to block your opponent's blows. And the Air Sports category — which includes Skydiving, Island Flyover and Dogfight — also must be mentioned as a superb addition. Island Flyover has you holding the Remote as if it were a paper airplane. You then guide your virtual airplane throughout an island, exploring the various sites and scenery.
Of course, not all the new sports games are equally amusing. Bicycling — a game in which you flap the Remote and Nunchuk as if you were pedaling a bike with your hands — was a bit tedious, as was Power Cruising (basically riding a Jet Ski). And as much as I loved the Archery game, I was disappointed that there wasn't more to do with it other than shoot at targets. I found myself wanting more depth from my favorite sports fairly often.
Also, it’s important to note that you can't play "Wii Sports Resort" without the MotionPlus device it comes with (the bundle runs $50). So if you want to simultaneously play the multiplayer games — say settle an argument with your husband with a round or two of sword fighting — you'll have to go buy another MotionPlus device for $20. (You can, however, share one Wii Remote for some of the turn-taking multiplayer games.)
Ultimately though, "Wii Sports Resort" is a really well-rounded and thoroughly fun package that shows off the much-needed motion-control improvements that MotionPlus brings to the Wii. And I'm especially excited to see what other developers do with these superior controls.
In fact, I hope developers get to work making more MotionPlus-supported games pronto ... because it’s going to be hard to go back to playing Wii games without it.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
ScoreCamp coming up!
ScoreCamp Aims to Entertain and Inform Gamers
Innovative program promotes concept of “video games as a career path”
Franklin, TN – Monday, July 13 – The Score of Cool Springs, a video game retail and entertainment store located in Franklin, Tennessee, will host the first “ScoreCamp” beginning on Monday, July 20. For four straight Mondays, area middle and high school students will have a chance to hear video game industry veterans speak about their craft, eat lunch, and then even play video games and talk one-on-one with game developers.
“ScoreCamp is a way for The Score to help provide area gamers with exposure to the industry,” said Score Holdings’ President Bradley Metrock. “Games are fun to play, but many teenagers don’t realize that playing games might be a ticket to a great career.”
ScoreCamp sold out half of its capacity on the first day the program was announced to The Score’s email list. The price for all four weeks of the program is $50, or $25 for Score Members, and must be purchased at The Score of Cool Springs.
FIRST ANNUAL SCORECAMP™ - SPEAKERS AND BIOS
Monday, July 20 (11 AM – 1 PM) – Caleb Garner
Nashville native Caleb Garner, a lifelong gamer, has been involved in video game design and project management since 2001. His “World’s Fastest Drummer” game gained notoriety and attention for being among the fastest on the internet to surpass 1 million plays, and his latest game, “Klouds,” just went live on AddictingGames.com. Caleb also heads up the Nashville Game Developers Association, which meets monthly at The Score of Cool Springs to collaborate on game development projects and discuss the latest industry trends.
Monday, July 27 (11 AM – 1 PM) – Scott Southworth
Scott has been addicted to games since his first Atari 2600 and writing them since cobbling together his first Commodore 64 and a small black and white TV. As a contract programmer, he's worked with Cartoon Network to launch their PowerPlay downloadable games and has created web games for clients such as Mercedes AMG. His experiences fall somewhere in the blurry middle of
programming and art; some companies call this a Technical Artist.
Monday, August 3 (11 AM – 1 PM) – Bradley Metrock
Bradley has spent the last twelve months conceiving and creating The Score of Cool Springs, evolving it from tournament complex to the next generation of video game retail. A dedicated fan of video games from an early age, Bradley saw the need for a more community-based, gamer-friendly video game retail channel than was currently available in the marketplace. When he’s not at The Score serving customers, he’s mercilessly crushing opponents in Geometry Wars 2 or Catan.
Monday, August 10 (11 AM – 1 PM) – Mike Lee, Fiction Writer
Mike Lee is a fiction writer whose portfolio now spans numerous aspects of the gaming industry. He's written eight novels set in the Warhammer game universe, a variety of pieces for White Wolf including Vampire: The Maquerade, and even numerous quests for the Age of Conan MMORPG. Recently, Mike has been writing dialog trees for Ubisoft's Tom Clancy games, including HAWX and Splinter Cell. Since programming work is often outsourced to distant developers, his writing has sent him traipsing across the globe from Norway to Romania to Canada and back.
Innovative program promotes concept of “video games as a career path”
Franklin, TN – Monday, July 13 – The Score of Cool Springs, a video game retail and entertainment store located in Franklin, Tennessee, will host the first “ScoreCamp” beginning on Monday, July 20. For four straight Mondays, area middle and high school students will have a chance to hear video game industry veterans speak about their craft, eat lunch, and then even play video games and talk one-on-one with game developers.
“ScoreCamp is a way for The Score to help provide area gamers with exposure to the industry,” said Score Holdings’ President Bradley Metrock. “Games are fun to play, but many teenagers don’t realize that playing games might be a ticket to a great career.”
ScoreCamp sold out half of its capacity on the first day the program was announced to The Score’s email list. The price for all four weeks of the program is $50, or $25 for Score Members, and must be purchased at The Score of Cool Springs.
FIRST ANNUAL SCORECAMP™ - SPEAKERS AND BIOS
Monday, July 20 (11 AM – 1 PM) – Caleb Garner
Nashville native Caleb Garner, a lifelong gamer, has been involved in video game design and project management since 2001. His “World’s Fastest Drummer” game gained notoriety and attention for being among the fastest on the internet to surpass 1 million plays, and his latest game, “Klouds,” just went live on AddictingGames.com. Caleb also heads up the Nashville Game Developers Association, which meets monthly at The Score of Cool Springs to collaborate on game development projects and discuss the latest industry trends.
Monday, July 27 (11 AM – 1 PM) – Scott Southworth
Scott has been addicted to games since his first Atari 2600 and writing them since cobbling together his first Commodore 64 and a small black and white TV. As a contract programmer, he's worked with Cartoon Network to launch their PowerPlay downloadable games and has created web games for clients such as Mercedes AMG. His experiences fall somewhere in the blurry middle of
programming and art; some companies call this a Technical Artist.
Monday, August 3 (11 AM – 1 PM) – Bradley Metrock
Bradley has spent the last twelve months conceiving and creating The Score of Cool Springs, evolving it from tournament complex to the next generation of video game retail. A dedicated fan of video games from an early age, Bradley saw the need for a more community-based, gamer-friendly video game retail channel than was currently available in the marketplace. When he’s not at The Score serving customers, he’s mercilessly crushing opponents in Geometry Wars 2 or Catan.
Monday, August 10 (11 AM – 1 PM) – Mike Lee, Fiction Writer
Mike Lee is a fiction writer whose portfolio now spans numerous aspects of the gaming industry. He's written eight novels set in the Warhammer game universe, a variety of pieces for White Wolf including Vampire: The Maquerade, and even numerous quests for the Age of Conan MMORPG. Recently, Mike has been writing dialog trees for Ubisoft's Tom Clancy games, including HAWX and Splinter Cell. Since programming work is often outsourced to distant developers, his writing has sent him traipsing across the globe from Norway to Romania to Canada and back.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Parents Night at The Score - July 19 (7 PM - 9 PM)
The Score will be hosting "Parents Night at The Score" on July 19 from 7 to 9 PM.
We will be reviewing ESRB ratings, what they mean, how they are used to distinguish different types of game content, and how The Score uses them in our day-to-day operations.
Free food and drink will be provided as well!
Please join us that night to learn what your children are playing and how The Score is working to help educate the community.
We will be reviewing ESRB ratings, what they mean, how they are used to distinguish different types of game content, and how The Score uses them in our day-to-day operations.
Free food and drink will be provided as well!
Please join us that night to learn what your children are playing and how The Score is working to help educate the community.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Score Records and Achievements - June 2009
Each month, The Score will release Score Records and Score Achievements that can be pursued while playing in-store.
Should someone achieve one of the records, they will earn a spot on the in-store leaderboard and will earn 1 ScorePoint each day his or her record remains unbeaten.
After 14 days, should the record still be unbeaten, that person will enter the Hall of Champions. His or her picture will then be posted in-store permanently along with the record established for the game.
Separately, Score Achievements will also be made available which can be achieved during a given month. These achievements will generally involve being the first to accomplish a given in-game task.
SCORE RECORDS - JUNE 2009
Guitar Hero - Through The Fire and Flames (highest score; must exceed 575,000)
Call of Duty: World at War – Shi No Numa (zombie kills playing solo; must exceed 200)
Call of Duty: World at War – Shi No Numa (zombie kills playing duo; must exceed 450)
Geometry Wars 2 – Beat any of Bradley’s scores in any game type
Super Smash Bros Brawl – Home Run Derby (farthest distance, solo; must exceed 2150 feet)
Super Smash Bros Brawl – Home Run Derby (farthest distance, duo; must exceed 2300 feet)
SCORE ACHIEVEMENTS - JUNE 2009
Halo 3 – submit the best user-created map in the month of June (5 ScorePoints; picture posted in the Hall of Champions)
Call of Duty: World at War – Unlock Big Baller or Soul Survivor Achievement on a Score-owned gamertag (10 ScorePoints awarded; picture posted in the Hall of Champions)
Be the first to beat Ghostbusters, from start to finish, in-store (10 ScorePoints awarded; picture posted in the Hall of Champions)
Be the first to beat Final Fantasy IV: The After Years, from start to finish, in-store (doesn’t have to be in a single sitting; 10 ScorePoints awarded; picture posted in the Hall of Champions)
Unlock any Platinum trophy on any PlayStation 3 game (10 ScorePoints; picture posted in the Hall of Champions)
Be the first to earn the Fox Hound Emblem in Metal Gear Solid 4 (25 ScorePoints awarded; picture posted in the Hall of Champions and commemorative blog entry posted on The Score’s blog)
Should someone achieve one of the records, they will earn a spot on the in-store leaderboard and will earn 1 ScorePoint each day his or her record remains unbeaten.
After 14 days, should the record still be unbeaten, that person will enter the Hall of Champions. His or her picture will then be posted in-store permanently along with the record established for the game.
Separately, Score Achievements will also be made available which can be achieved during a given month. These achievements will generally involve being the first to accomplish a given in-game task.
SCORE RECORDS - JUNE 2009
Guitar Hero - Through The Fire and Flames (highest score; must exceed 575,000)
Call of Duty: World at War – Shi No Numa (zombie kills playing solo; must exceed 200)
Call of Duty: World at War – Shi No Numa (zombie kills playing duo; must exceed 450)
Geometry Wars 2 – Beat any of Bradley’s scores in any game type
Super Smash Bros Brawl – Home Run Derby (farthest distance, solo; must exceed 2150 feet)
Super Smash Bros Brawl – Home Run Derby (farthest distance, duo; must exceed 2300 feet)
SCORE ACHIEVEMENTS - JUNE 2009
Halo 3 – submit the best user-created map in the month of June (5 ScorePoints; picture posted in the Hall of Champions)
Call of Duty: World at War – Unlock Big Baller or Soul Survivor Achievement on a Score-owned gamertag (10 ScorePoints awarded; picture posted in the Hall of Champions)
Be the first to beat Ghostbusters, from start to finish, in-store (10 ScorePoints awarded; picture posted in the Hall of Champions)
Be the first to beat Final Fantasy IV: The After Years, from start to finish, in-store (doesn’t have to be in a single sitting; 10 ScorePoints awarded; picture posted in the Hall of Champions)
Unlock any Platinum trophy on any PlayStation 3 game (10 ScorePoints; picture posted in the Hall of Champions)
Be the first to earn the Fox Hound Emblem in Metal Gear Solid 4 (25 ScorePoints awarded; picture posted in the Hall of Champions and commemorative blog entry posted on The Score’s blog)
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