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
Friday, October 16, 2009
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)
Score Pre-Order Sheet (Second Half 2009) and Transformers Pre-Order Offer
WHY PREORDER GAMES ANYWHERE ELSE?!
Preorder any game in full, or any three games below, and receive a pass for you and a guest to see the new Transformers movie, FOR FREE, the night before it comes out (10 PM, Tues June 23). While supplies last.
Game Release Date GameStop The Score
Ghostbusters June 16 $59.99 $57.99
The Conduit (Wii) June 24 $49.99 $47.99
Fight Night Round 4 June 30 $59.99 $56.99
NCAA Football ’10 July 14 $59.99 $57.99
Sins of a Solar Empire: GOTY July 15 $19.99 $18.99
Wii Sports Resort July 24 $49.99 $47.99
Wolfenstein August 4 $59.99 $57.99
Batman: Arkham Asylum August 25 $59.99; $99.99 (LE) $57.99; $92.99
Prof. Layton & Diabolical Box August 25 $32.99 $31.99
Metroid Prime Trilogy August 25 $49.99 $47.99
Madden NFL 2010 August 26 $59.99 $57.99
Guitar Hero 5 September 1 $59.99; $99.99 (bdl) $57.99; $92.99
Marvel Ult. Alliance 2 September 8 $59.99 $57.99
Rock Band: The Beatles September 9 $59.99 $57.99
The Bigs 2 September 10 $59.99 $57.99
Singularity September 16 $59.99 $57.99
Need for Speed Shift September 22 $59.99 $57.99
NBA Live 2010 September 23 $59.99 $57.99
NHL 2010 September 23 $59.99 $57.99
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 (DS) September 29 $39.99 $37.99
Dead Space: Extraction September 29 $49.99 $47.99
Dark Void September 30 $59.99 $57.99
FIFA 2010 October 5 $59.99 $57.99
NBA 2K10 October 6 $59.99 $57.99
Brutal Legend October 13 $59.99 $57.99
Red Dead Redemption October 21 $59.99 $57.99
DJ Hero October 27 $119.99 $112.99
Lego Indiana Jones 2 October 27 $59.99 $57.99
Tekken 6 October 28 $59.99 $57.99
New Super Mario Bros Wii November 2 $49.99 $47.99
BioShock 2 November 3 $59.99 $57.99
Star Wars Btlfr: Elite Squadron November 3 $29.99 $27.99
Max Payne 3 November 4 $59.99 $57.99
COD: Modern Warfare 2 November 10 $59.99 $56.99
Red Steel 2 November 10 $49.99 $47.99
Lego Rock Band November 11 $49.99 $47.99
Phantasy Star 0 (DS) November 11 $34.99 $32.99
Assassin’s Creed 2 November 17 $59.99 $57.99
Mass Effect 2 Q4 2009 $59.99 $57.99
Preorder any game in full, or any three games below, and receive a pass for you and a guest to see the new Transformers movie, FOR FREE, the night before it comes out (10 PM, Tues June 23). While supplies last.
Game Release Date GameStop The Score
Ghostbusters June 16 $59.99 $57.99
The Conduit (Wii) June 24 $49.99 $47.99
Fight Night Round 4 June 30 $59.99 $56.99
NCAA Football ’10 July 14 $59.99 $57.99
Sins of a Solar Empire: GOTY July 15 $19.99 $18.99
Wii Sports Resort July 24 $49.99 $47.99
Wolfenstein August 4 $59.99 $57.99
Batman: Arkham Asylum August 25 $59.99; $99.99 (LE) $57.99; $92.99
Prof. Layton & Diabolical Box August 25 $32.99 $31.99
Metroid Prime Trilogy August 25 $49.99 $47.99
Madden NFL 2010 August 26 $59.99 $57.99
Guitar Hero 5 September 1 $59.99; $99.99 (bdl) $57.99; $92.99
Marvel Ult. Alliance 2 September 8 $59.99 $57.99
Rock Band: The Beatles September 9 $59.99 $57.99
The Bigs 2 September 10 $59.99 $57.99
Singularity September 16 $59.99 $57.99
Need for Speed Shift September 22 $59.99 $57.99
NBA Live 2010 September 23 $59.99 $57.99
NHL 2010 September 23 $59.99 $57.99
Kingdom Hearts 358/2 (DS) September 29 $39.99 $37.99
Dead Space: Extraction September 29 $49.99 $47.99
Dark Void September 30 $59.99 $57.99
FIFA 2010 October 5 $59.99 $57.99
NBA 2K10 October 6 $59.99 $57.99
Brutal Legend October 13 $59.99 $57.99
Red Dead Redemption October 21 $59.99 $57.99
DJ Hero October 27 $119.99 $112.99
Lego Indiana Jones 2 October 27 $59.99 $57.99
Tekken 6 October 28 $59.99 $57.99
New Super Mario Bros Wii November 2 $49.99 $47.99
BioShock 2 November 3 $59.99 $57.99
Star Wars Btlfr: Elite Squadron November 3 $29.99 $27.99
Max Payne 3 November 4 $59.99 $57.99
COD: Modern Warfare 2 November 10 $59.99 $56.99
Red Steel 2 November 10 $49.99 $47.99
Lego Rock Band November 11 $49.99 $47.99
Phantasy Star 0 (DS) November 11 $34.99 $32.99
Assassin’s Creed 2 November 17 $59.99 $57.99
Mass Effect 2 Q4 2009 $59.99 $57.99
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Score, The Hangover, and The Children's Miracle Network
Interested in seeing The Hangover (R) the night before it comes out, this Thursday night at 10 PM?
And how about for half price?
Be one of the first to either trade in any used game over $5 at The Score, or pre-order any upcoming title, and you will then be able to pay just $5 to attend The Score's own VIP Private Screening of the film.
And what makes this even better? 100% of the ticket sales go to the Children's Miracle Network.
Seating is extremely limited and this film is supposed to be sold out throughout opening weekend. Act quickly if interested.
**Not 17 and can't see R rated movies? Stay tuned for an announcement regarding some other major upcoming summer blockbusters for which The Score will offer a private VIP screening that are for a broader audience.**
Make sure to thank the folks at Thoroughbred Cinema for working to support a cause as worthy as the Children's Miracle Network when you get a chance.
And how about for half price?
Be one of the first to either trade in any used game over $5 at The Score, or pre-order any upcoming title, and you will then be able to pay just $5 to attend The Score's own VIP Private Screening of the film.
And what makes this even better? 100% of the ticket sales go to the Children's Miracle Network.
Seating is extremely limited and this film is supposed to be sold out throughout opening weekend. Act quickly if interested.
**Not 17 and can't see R rated movies? Stay tuned for an announcement regarding some other major upcoming summer blockbusters for which The Score will offer a private VIP screening that are for a broader audience.**
Make sure to thank the folks at Thoroughbred Cinema for working to support a cause as worthy as the Children's Miracle Network when you get a chance.
Friday, May 22, 2009
"Summer of Tournaments" and the new Score Day Pass
SUMMER OF TOURNAMENTS: The Score of Cool Springs will have, every single day for the entire summer, at least one tournament a day. These tournaments will cost $9.99, or $4.99 if you're a Score Member (unless stated otherwise), and will last around 2-3 hours each. See the calendar to reserve your spot in any of these events:
Friday, May 22 - Street Fighter IV Tournament (3 PM); Halo 3 Night in The Arena (7 PM)
Saturday, May 23 - TWO DOLLAR Gears of War 2 Tournament (2 PM); TWO DOLLAR Call of Duty 4 Free for All (6 PM)
Sunday, May 24 - Madden 2009 Tournament ($5; 3 PM)
Monday, May 25 - Beat The Score's Champion in Geometry Wars 2 ($5, 1 PM); Final Regular Season Week of the Super Smash Bros Brawl League (5 PM); Memorial Day Halo 3 Free For All Tournament (7 PM)
Tuesday, May 26 - Beat The Score's Champion in Guitar Hero (Expert difficulty; 7 PM)
Wednesday, May 27 - NHL 2009 Tournament (7 PM)
Thursday, May 28 - Beat The Score's Champion in Rock Band Drums (Expert difficulty; 7 PM)
Friday, May 29 - Play with Bradley in Halo 3 ($5; 2 PM); EARLY LOCK-IN 6 PM - 12 AM; $20 / $10 members)
Saturday, May 30 - Big Bang Mini / May 2009 Game of the Month Club Gathering (10 AM); Super Smash Bros Brawl Tournament (3 PM); Halo 3 Oddball Tournament (7 PM)
Sunday, May 31 - ONE DOLLAR TOURNAMENT! Take on Bradley in the Xbox 360 "Speed Math" game (3 PM)
Compare that to the cost of seeing a movie! Or going out to see a concert! This summer, The Score wants to be the go-to place for affordable summer fun.
SCORE DAY PASS: Beginning effective tomorrow and lasting through the summer, gamers can pay $15 (or $10 if you're a Score Member) and game the entire day. You can come and go as you please, and this Day Pass also gets you entry into any tournaments going on that day as well!
This will allow our customers to hang out at The Score without worrying about how long they've been playing.
Players will be able to congregate together in The Arena and enjoy games like Halo or Guitar Hero, taking turns playing, or switching between games on different stations, during peak times.
SPECTATOR FEE: Also beginning effective tomorrow, any spectators on the gaming floor will be charged $3. This fee will allow the spectator to watch gaming action at The Score for the entire day.
TRIAL MEMBERSHIP OFFER ENDS SUNDAY! Don't forget that the trial membership offer (good for a free two-week membership at The Score of Cool Springs) EXPIRES on Sunday, May 24! Don't you or your friends miss out on a completely free giveaway. And remember, toss in any GameStop Edge Card or Game Crazy MVP Card, even if they have expired, and upgrade this 2-week trial to a full free month.
Friday, May 22 - Street Fighter IV Tournament (3 PM); Halo 3 Night in The Arena (7 PM)
Saturday, May 23 - TWO DOLLAR Gears of War 2 Tournament (2 PM); TWO DOLLAR Call of Duty 4 Free for All (6 PM)
Sunday, May 24 - Madden 2009 Tournament ($5; 3 PM)
Monday, May 25 - Beat The Score's Champion in Geometry Wars 2 ($5, 1 PM); Final Regular Season Week of the Super Smash Bros Brawl League (5 PM); Memorial Day Halo 3 Free For All Tournament (7 PM)
Tuesday, May 26 - Beat The Score's Champion in Guitar Hero (Expert difficulty; 7 PM)
Wednesday, May 27 - NHL 2009 Tournament (7 PM)
Thursday, May 28 - Beat The Score's Champion in Rock Band Drums (Expert difficulty; 7 PM)
Friday, May 29 - Play with Bradley in Halo 3 ($5; 2 PM); EARLY LOCK-IN 6 PM - 12 AM; $20 / $10 members)
Saturday, May 30 - Big Bang Mini / May 2009 Game of the Month Club Gathering (10 AM); Super Smash Bros Brawl Tournament (3 PM); Halo 3 Oddball Tournament (7 PM)
Sunday, May 31 - ONE DOLLAR TOURNAMENT! Take on Bradley in the Xbox 360 "Speed Math" game (3 PM)
Compare that to the cost of seeing a movie! Or going out to see a concert! This summer, The Score wants to be the go-to place for affordable summer fun.
SCORE DAY PASS: Beginning effective tomorrow and lasting through the summer, gamers can pay $15 (or $10 if you're a Score Member) and game the entire day. You can come and go as you please, and this Day Pass also gets you entry into any tournaments going on that day as well!
This will allow our customers to hang out at The Score without worrying about how long they've been playing.
Players will be able to congregate together in The Arena and enjoy games like Halo or Guitar Hero, taking turns playing, or switching between games on different stations, during peak times.
SPECTATOR FEE: Also beginning effective tomorrow, any spectators on the gaming floor will be charged $3. This fee will allow the spectator to watch gaming action at The Score for the entire day.
TRIAL MEMBERSHIP OFFER ENDS SUNDAY! Don't forget that the trial membership offer (good for a free two-week membership at The Score of Cool Springs) EXPIRES on Sunday, May 24! Don't you or your friends miss out on a completely free giveaway. And remember, toss in any GameStop Edge Card or Game Crazy MVP Card, even if they have expired, and upgrade this 2-week trial to a full free month.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Everything I Needed To Know, I Learned From the Godfather 2 Videogame (WSJ Article, May 20 '09)
Everything I Needed to Know, I Learned From the Godfather II Videogame
Wall Street Journal (May 20, 2009)
By JAMIN BROPHY WARREN
Being a don isn’t easy. As Dominic, an underling of the Corelone family in Electronic Arts’ Godfather II videogame, I’m responsible for a pretty hefty operation. I have several regions to control – Cuba, New York and Florida – and I need to work with my henchman appropriately. Dominic has a wide range of business ventures to manage, from adult entertainment to construction, and the game’s “Don’s View” gives me an overhead perspective on my booming empire. There are bills to pay, employees to please, and negotiations to be straightened out. Strange to say it, but at times, Godfather II feels a lot less like a videogame and more like primer for running a business.
In fact, there are plenty of similarities between playing a game well and operating a successful enterprise.
“When we use games in controlled ways, what they do they teach well,” says Ethan Mollick, a Ph.D candidate at the MIT Sloan School of Management and co-author with David Edery of “Changing the Game: How Video Games Are Transforming the Future of Business.” “Leadership simulation games or simulations specific to a business can be really helpful.”
Mr. Mollick, who will be teaching at the Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania in the fall, says that games teach valuable skills such as experimentation. “There’s a lot of value in trying and failing in different approaches. It’s not tied to you -- it’s tied to your avatar [or videogame character].”
He also points to multi-player games such as World of Warcraft as excellent ways to build communication and team work skills. I noticed the need for clear pathways to communicate with my friends while playing the zombie action game Left 4 Dead. We needed constant interaction with each other, trading weapons and rescuing each other under fire. It’s comforting to know I’m not wasting time—I’m practicing a skill that could be used in the workplace.
What some games excel at is teaching about systems. When I was a teen, I was utterly abysmal at SimCity 2000. The goal of the game was to create a successful, functioning city, but I was better equipped to plant the seeds of social unrest. I would raise taxes to collect funds which would upset citizens who were already peeved about traffic problems. Pollution choked the skies—coal was one of the cheapest form of energy—and I didn’t plan ahead to create public transportation. Although my city was a total mess, I was able to learn why and had I developed a modicum of patience at age 12, my skill at SimCity would have surely improved. (I soon graduated to the less business-savvy action title Doom which did not require me to consider tax rates or manage a city budget.)
“With a game you can see how previous decisions affect future choices. Players get emotionally invested and they want to do well,” says Jason Begy, producer of Tipping Point, a puzzle board game based on a paper by MIT Sloan professor Nelson Repenning called “Past the Tipping Point: The Persistence of Fire Fighting in Product Development.” The game, which is being developed into an electronic version, requires four players to plan together to manage the process of prototyping and production. Each player places game pieces on the game board to create projects and manage work flow through creating balance between “concept work” and “production work.” The game ends when the projects move too far past the “deadline.”
“If someone tells you a story, that may or may not have an impact, but we learn better from our own mistakes than the mistakes of others,” says Mr. Begy.
There are more specific applications for games in business. This year, Hilton Garden Inn released a game for the Sony PlayStation Portable entitled Ultimate Team Play and sent 500 units out to their different locations. Developed by simulation maker Virtual Heroes, the game is designed to teach Hilton employees different skills related to their jobs such as housekeeping and engineering. The game rewards you for completing different tasks such as cleaning rooms or checking-in guests while teaching the appropriate way to do so. Answering a guest with “Did you find everything you needed?” will earn you more points that glibly stating “Is that it?”
“The way to deliver incredible service is to find people with that mindset of wanting to deliver incredible service,” says Adrian Kurre, global head of the Hilton Garden Inn Brand. “This generation will learn through videogames.” Mr. Kurre was inspired by watching his daughter play bowling and golfing games—and pick up tips on the proper form for both sports.
To describe Ultimate Team Play as “fun” might be a bit of stretch. It’s a game that’s designed to teach and any actual fun is incidental. I did find the process of managing the number of guests who came in and keeping them happy challenging. Team Play actually shares a lot with games from the “time management” family of games where you are asked to complete a certain task repeatedly as the game speeds up. In one of my favorite arcade games, the 1983 Bally Midway game Tapper, you play as a bartender serving frothy mugs of Budweiser as more and more patrons enter your bar. In Gamelab’s more recent Diner Dash, you are a waitress serving guests, taking orders and clearing tables with burgeoning difficulty.
That repetition is intentional and well-done games can place players in what is known as a “flow state” where a player is completely immersed in a task without actively thinking about it. That’s a goal of good games and that’s certainly the goal for Ultimate Team Play. Hilton thinks the ability to deal with that kind of repetition can be transferred to the hospitality business as a type of muscle memory for corporate training.
When this skill “is taught in a classroom, students may grow tired of it,” says David Kervella, senior manager of brand education for Hilton. “When you check-in someone in the game, you will do it over and over again,” he says.
Of course, not all games feature the kind of skills that may be valuable in the workplace. “We’re not ready for people to start placing games on their resume,” says Mr. Mollick. But that’s a future that’s hardly inconceivable.
Wall Street Journal (May 20, 2009)
By JAMIN BROPHY WARREN
Being a don isn’t easy. As Dominic, an underling of the Corelone family in Electronic Arts’ Godfather II videogame, I’m responsible for a pretty hefty operation. I have several regions to control – Cuba, New York and Florida – and I need to work with my henchman appropriately. Dominic has a wide range of business ventures to manage, from adult entertainment to construction, and the game’s “Don’s View” gives me an overhead perspective on my booming empire. There are bills to pay, employees to please, and negotiations to be straightened out. Strange to say it, but at times, Godfather II feels a lot less like a videogame and more like primer for running a business.
In fact, there are plenty of similarities between playing a game well and operating a successful enterprise.
“When we use games in controlled ways, what they do they teach well,” says Ethan Mollick, a Ph.D candidate at the MIT Sloan School of Management and co-author with David Edery of “Changing the Game: How Video Games Are Transforming the Future of Business.” “Leadership simulation games or simulations specific to a business can be really helpful.”
Mr. Mollick, who will be teaching at the Wharton School at University of Pennsylvania in the fall, says that games teach valuable skills such as experimentation. “There’s a lot of value in trying and failing in different approaches. It’s not tied to you -- it’s tied to your avatar [or videogame character].”
He also points to multi-player games such as World of Warcraft as excellent ways to build communication and team work skills. I noticed the need for clear pathways to communicate with my friends while playing the zombie action game Left 4 Dead. We needed constant interaction with each other, trading weapons and rescuing each other under fire. It’s comforting to know I’m not wasting time—I’m practicing a skill that could be used in the workplace.
What some games excel at is teaching about systems. When I was a teen, I was utterly abysmal at SimCity 2000. The goal of the game was to create a successful, functioning city, but I was better equipped to plant the seeds of social unrest. I would raise taxes to collect funds which would upset citizens who were already peeved about traffic problems. Pollution choked the skies—coal was one of the cheapest form of energy—and I didn’t plan ahead to create public transportation. Although my city was a total mess, I was able to learn why and had I developed a modicum of patience at age 12, my skill at SimCity would have surely improved. (I soon graduated to the less business-savvy action title Doom which did not require me to consider tax rates or manage a city budget.)
“With a game you can see how previous decisions affect future choices. Players get emotionally invested and they want to do well,” says Jason Begy, producer of Tipping Point, a puzzle board game based on a paper by MIT Sloan professor Nelson Repenning called “Past the Tipping Point: The Persistence of Fire Fighting in Product Development.” The game, which is being developed into an electronic version, requires four players to plan together to manage the process of prototyping and production. Each player places game pieces on the game board to create projects and manage work flow through creating balance between “concept work” and “production work.” The game ends when the projects move too far past the “deadline.”
“If someone tells you a story, that may or may not have an impact, but we learn better from our own mistakes than the mistakes of others,” says Mr. Begy.
There are more specific applications for games in business. This year, Hilton Garden Inn released a game for the Sony PlayStation Portable entitled Ultimate Team Play and sent 500 units out to their different locations. Developed by simulation maker Virtual Heroes, the game is designed to teach Hilton employees different skills related to their jobs such as housekeeping and engineering. The game rewards you for completing different tasks such as cleaning rooms or checking-in guests while teaching the appropriate way to do so. Answering a guest with “Did you find everything you needed?” will earn you more points that glibly stating “Is that it?”
“The way to deliver incredible service is to find people with that mindset of wanting to deliver incredible service,” says Adrian Kurre, global head of the Hilton Garden Inn Brand. “This generation will learn through videogames.” Mr. Kurre was inspired by watching his daughter play bowling and golfing games—and pick up tips on the proper form for both sports.
To describe Ultimate Team Play as “fun” might be a bit of stretch. It’s a game that’s designed to teach and any actual fun is incidental. I did find the process of managing the number of guests who came in and keeping them happy challenging. Team Play actually shares a lot with games from the “time management” family of games where you are asked to complete a certain task repeatedly as the game speeds up. In one of my favorite arcade games, the 1983 Bally Midway game Tapper, you play as a bartender serving frothy mugs of Budweiser as more and more patrons enter your bar. In Gamelab’s more recent Diner Dash, you are a waitress serving guests, taking orders and clearing tables with burgeoning difficulty.
That repetition is intentional and well-done games can place players in what is known as a “flow state” where a player is completely immersed in a task without actively thinking about it. That’s a goal of good games and that’s certainly the goal for Ultimate Team Play. Hilton thinks the ability to deal with that kind of repetition can be transferred to the hospitality business as a type of muscle memory for corporate training.
When this skill “is taught in a classroom, students may grow tired of it,” says David Kervella, senior manager of brand education for Hilton. “When you check-in someone in the game, you will do it over and over again,” he says.
Of course, not all games feature the kind of skills that may be valuable in the workplace. “We’re not ready for people to start placing games on their resume,” says Mr. Mollick. But that’s a future that’s hardly inconceivable.
Monday, May 18, 2009
First Score VIP Crowned! And other Score news
FIRST SCORE VIP CROWNED: Congratulations to The Score's first VIP, Stan A. of Brentwood, crowned over the weekend and enshrined in the new "VIP Corner" at The Score of Cool Springs!
We expect many more to follow over the busy summer months...and then in October we will announce the expansion to the ScorePoints program, "Level 8," and will reveal its benefits and perks, which you won't want to miss.
TRADE-IN CHECK-IN: I'll periodically list some random trade-in values to demonstrate what most already know: The Score has the best trade-in values around.
Used Nintendo Wii - GameStop $120, The Score $140, Score Members $154!
Halo Wars (Xbox 360) - GameStop $23, The Score $26; Score Members $28!
Super Smash Bros Brawl (Wii) - GameStop $16.75, The Score $20, Score Members $22!
JUNE GAME OF THE MONTH ANNOUNCED: Bionic Commando for Xbox 360 is The Score's June Game of the Month. The Game of the Month Club is a great program for gamers to earn ScorePoints and compete against other area gamers.
Check out the attached flier for more details. There are only 4 slots for June's Club, so sign up right away if interested! (Note: Bionic Commando is rated M for Mature, so gamers will need to have a completed Parental Consent Form to participate.)
MAY GAME OF THE MONTH CLUB HAS TWO MORE SLOTS LEFT: Anyone interested in taking one of the final two slots in May's Game of the Month Club, and get a copy of Big Bang Mini for Nintendo DS, come on in and see us. You'll be able to earn ScorePoints for beating the game, and meet other fans of the game at The Score on May 30.
We expect many more to follow over the busy summer months...and then in October we will announce the expansion to the ScorePoints program, "Level 8," and will reveal its benefits and perks, which you won't want to miss.
TRADE-IN CHECK-IN: I'll periodically list some random trade-in values to demonstrate what most already know: The Score has the best trade-in values around.
Used Nintendo Wii - GameStop $120, The Score $140, Score Members $154!
Halo Wars (Xbox 360) - GameStop $23, The Score $26; Score Members $28!
Super Smash Bros Brawl (Wii) - GameStop $16.75, The Score $20, Score Members $22!
JUNE GAME OF THE MONTH ANNOUNCED: Bionic Commando for Xbox 360 is The Score's June Game of the Month. The Game of the Month Club is a great program for gamers to earn ScorePoints and compete against other area gamers.
Check out the attached flier for more details. There are only 4 slots for June's Club, so sign up right away if interested! (Note: Bionic Commando is rated M for Mature, so gamers will need to have a completed Parental Consent Form to participate.)
MAY GAME OF THE MONTH CLUB HAS TWO MORE SLOTS LEFT: Anyone interested in taking one of the final two slots in May's Game of the Month Club, and get a copy of Big Bang Mini for Nintendo DS, come on in and see us. You'll be able to earn ScorePoints for beating the game, and meet other fans of the game at The Score on May 30.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Score Membership FAQ
Q. What is a Score Membership? Why in the world would I pay $29.99 plus tax for this, or even the $199/year to get the discounted rate, in this economy?
A. A Score Membership entitles its owner to:
- earn double ScorePoints on everything
- pre-order new video games at wholesale prices
- play games in-store for half price
- rent games for half price (25% cheaper than Blockbuster even without membership)
- trade in used games and systems for 10% extra trade in credit (we already guarantee to beat GameStop on any trade ins)
- half price on tournaments and discounts on leagues and the popular Game of the Month Club
- reserve space at The Score ahead of time - know you'll have a place to play during peak periods
Some Score Members have memberships here just to take advantage of one or two of these benefits alone.
Q. What is an example of a Score Membership paying for itself?
A customer trades in Mario Kart Wii (with Wii wheel) and receives $27, roughly 20% more than GameStop is currently giving in trade-in credit. If that customer is a Score Member, they will get $30 in credit for the trade. The Score Member has already saved $8 with one single transaction.
The Score Member then pre-orders Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, locking in the wholesale rate when the game releases in November. Another $7 saved, pre-tax.
Then, the Score Member decides "hey, why don't I sign up for the big Memorial Day Halo Tournament!" This costs $9.99 but members get into tournaments for half price. Another $5 saved...up to $20 saved so far.
Renting a couple games or playing a couple of hours at The Score over the rest of the month could take you the rest of the way, or perhaps just buying one game...and that isn't even accounting for the double ScorePoints earned, which add significant extra value to the actual upfront dollars saved.
Q. Is there any application fee to sign up?
A. Yes, there's a $5 one-time fee to sign up for a membership, which is about to go up in June, but by using a trial membership card (or by having a membership already) you'll avoid that fee as long as your membership doesn't lapse for more than 30 days.
Q. This is too good to be true!
A. That's not a question...but we know.
A. A Score Membership entitles its owner to:
- earn double ScorePoints on everything
- pre-order new video games at wholesale prices
- play games in-store for half price
- rent games for half price (25% cheaper than Blockbuster even without membership)
- trade in used games and systems for 10% extra trade in credit (we already guarantee to beat GameStop on any trade ins)
- half price on tournaments and discounts on leagues and the popular Game of the Month Club
- reserve space at The Score ahead of time - know you'll have a place to play during peak periods
Some Score Members have memberships here just to take advantage of one or two of these benefits alone.
Q. What is an example of a Score Membership paying for itself?
A customer trades in Mario Kart Wii (with Wii wheel) and receives $27, roughly 20% more than GameStop is currently giving in trade-in credit. If that customer is a Score Member, they will get $30 in credit for the trade. The Score Member has already saved $8 with one single transaction.
The Score Member then pre-orders Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, locking in the wholesale rate when the game releases in November. Another $7 saved, pre-tax.
Then, the Score Member decides "hey, why don't I sign up for the big Memorial Day Halo Tournament!" This costs $9.99 but members get into tournaments for half price. Another $5 saved...up to $20 saved so far.
Renting a couple games or playing a couple of hours at The Score over the rest of the month could take you the rest of the way, or perhaps just buying one game...and that isn't even accounting for the double ScorePoints earned, which add significant extra value to the actual upfront dollars saved.
Q. Is there any application fee to sign up?
A. Yes, there's a $5 one-time fee to sign up for a membership, which is about to go up in June, but by using a trial membership card (or by having a membership already) you'll avoid that fee as long as your membership doesn't lapse for more than 30 days.
Q. This is too good to be true!
A. That's not a question...but we know.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Debriefing "Teh Wurst Advertizing EVAR"
A variety of Williamson County families will get a postcard from The Score this week. This postcard is definitely not your regular ad!
Titled "Teh Wurst AdVertizing EVAR," this postcard was created by The Score to show we don't take ourselves too seriously. Or perhaps seriously at all! :)
A lot of people by now have discovered our superior trade-in values for used games and systems, and better prices for new and used games over other area retailers. And even more people have discovered The Arena, whether through a birthday party, group event, or just coming in and playing.
But there's no reason every single person in Williamson County shouldn't know The Score. And that's where this latest ad comes in.
Underneath the humor of the poorly-written, thrown-together postcard ad is a coupon for a two-week trial membership to The Score. If someone adds their GameStop 'Edge' card or Game Crazy 'MVP' card, and gives it to us along with their postcard, this 2-week trial membership turns into a full month (valued at $29.99 plus tax).
What can you do with a Score Membership again?
- 10% additional trade-in value on The Score's already better trade-in offers on used video game software and hardware
- Double ScorePoints earned
- Play games at The Score for half price
- Rent games at The Score for half price
- Big discounts on Score tournaments and leagues
- Pre-order new games at The Score for wholesale prices (generally $5-$10 less than regular retail price)
- Reserve space at The Score of Cool Springs ahead of time! Make sure you have a place to play when you want to game.
So, needless to say, the value is there. Make sure you don't miss your postcard this week, and bring it in BEFORE MAY 24 to claim your free trial membership at The Score!
Titled "Teh Wurst AdVertizing EVAR," this postcard was created by The Score to show we don't take ourselves too seriously. Or perhaps seriously at all! :)
A lot of people by now have discovered our superior trade-in values for used games and systems, and better prices for new and used games over other area retailers. And even more people have discovered The Arena, whether through a birthday party, group event, or just coming in and playing.
But there's no reason every single person in Williamson County shouldn't know The Score. And that's where this latest ad comes in.
Underneath the humor of the poorly-written, thrown-together postcard ad is a coupon for a two-week trial membership to The Score. If someone adds their GameStop 'Edge' card or Game Crazy 'MVP' card, and gives it to us along with their postcard, this 2-week trial membership turns into a full month (valued at $29.99 plus tax).
What can you do with a Score Membership again?
- 10% additional trade-in value on The Score's already better trade-in offers on used video game software and hardware
- Double ScorePoints earned
- Play games at The Score for half price
- Rent games at The Score for half price
- Big discounts on Score tournaments and leagues
- Pre-order new games at The Score for wholesale prices (generally $5-$10 less than regular retail price)
- Reserve space at The Score of Cool Springs ahead of time! Make sure you have a place to play when you want to game.
So, needless to say, the value is there. Make sure you don't miss your postcard this week, and bring it in BEFORE MAY 24 to claim your free trial membership at The Score!
Friday, May 8, 2009
This Weekend @ The Score
LEFT 4 DEAD SCORE RECORDS: Come in The Score and play Left 4 Dead's brand new Survival Mode, which has completely changed (and improved) the game. We will have some brand new opportunities to set Score Records, and plus, it's just a blast.
FRIDAY, MAY 8: Trade in any NES, SNES, or N64 game and play for free for an hour. Trade in any two of these games and play for free the whole day.
SATURDAY, MAY 9:
--> "KLOUDS" FOCUS GROUP: Be one of the first 10 people in the door starting at 1 PM and try out "Klouds," a brand new game from Part 12 Studios. Play the game, answer a couple of questions about the game, and walk away with 5 ScorePoints for your trouble. Oh, you'll also get your name in the game's credits, and the person with the highest score at 3 PM will get a prize. A very cool opportunity that shouldn't be missed.
--> $5 MYSTERY TOURNAMENT: At 7 PM on Saturday, The Score will host a "mystery" tournament in a game which will not be announced until right before the tournament begins. The prize? A brand new copy of Godfather 2 for the Xbox 360.
SUNDAY, MAY 10: Trade in any used Gameboy, Gameboy Advance, or Nintendo DS game and be entered in a drawing for a brand new copy of the highly-rated Henry Hatsworth and the Puzzling Adventure for the Nintendo DS.
FRIDAY, MAY 8: Trade in any NES, SNES, or N64 game and play for free for an hour. Trade in any two of these games and play for free the whole day.
SATURDAY, MAY 9:
--> "KLOUDS" FOCUS GROUP: Be one of the first 10 people in the door starting at 1 PM and try out "Klouds," a brand new game from Part 12 Studios. Play the game, answer a couple of questions about the game, and walk away with 5 ScorePoints for your trouble. Oh, you'll also get your name in the game's credits, and the person with the highest score at 3 PM will get a prize. A very cool opportunity that shouldn't be missed.
--> $5 MYSTERY TOURNAMENT: At 7 PM on Saturday, The Score will host a "mystery" tournament in a game which will not be announced until right before the tournament begins. The prize? A brand new copy of Godfather 2 for the Xbox 360.
SUNDAY, MAY 10: Trade in any used Gameboy, Gameboy Advance, or Nintendo DS game and be entered in a drawing for a brand new copy of the highly-rated Henry Hatsworth and the Puzzling Adventure for the Nintendo DS.
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