In the age of internet vendors, it's nice to know that there are still some hard-core brick and mortar game stores. This one is my favorite in the Bay Area, Gamescape carries a variety of items, from jigsaw puzzles and casual games (like Twister and Rubix Cube) to hard core board, tabletop and card games. I know that when I got to Gamescape, I can find something for myself or a gift for a friend. read more

So great to see how conscientiously they have adapted to these crazy times; this place is a local business worthy of community support. I recommend thinking of Gamescape first before shopping on Amazon. You'll get your item the same day and the prices are pretty much on par. read more

Be careful when you shop for gifts at Gamescape! They do not do cash or credit refunds, only store credit. Not a good place to Christmas shop. I was never informed at the time of purchase they only do store credits. When I asked Jordan, the owner, why they do not give refunds I was told because "we could have sold your purchase as a Christmas present." I purchased my Christmas gift from Gamescape on 12/21/2020!!! It is establishments like this that turn people off to shopping local. read more

Gamescape-North is one of the best jack-of-all-trade tabletop game stores. The store sells board games including mainstream, classical, children, and die-hard gamers. Puzzles, Magic: The Gathering, Warhammer, and role-playing books are sold here, too. Clean, well-stock, big, and spacious for a game store. Gamescape-North can add more shelves to sell more goods; however, it loses the openness and may feel like a Wal-Mart such that there are items on the aisles. There are tables at the back of the store for in-store gaming. Prices are suggested retail price. Gamescape-North has a loyalty program where customers can receive a $10 gift certificate for every $100.00 spent. I didn't find the used game section. However, there is a new release section. read more

I've waited too long to review this place. Gamescape North, not related to the store in San Francisco, is a magical place. They have products for children and adults alike. They carry puzzles, board games, LARPing weapons, RPG books, comic books, tools for making your own war-gaming landscapes, as well as dice and small knick-knacks. The atmosphere is professional, yet personable and friendly. If you have a question, the associates are always warm and quick to answer your queries. Every Thursday is 'Board Game Night', meaning that from 6 pm to 10 (sometimes 11), you can pick out a game from the back shelf and set it up to play with friends. Or by yourself. Or with new people! There is always a full house on these nights, and these fine folks are willing to give out their own tips or try a new game with others. Sometimes, people even bring cupcakes and cookies to share. There are also events like Pizza & Painting Hobby Night, where you get to socialize while also painting your mini's. While board games can be a bit pricey nowadays, that's just how the industry is. There are some affordable options, but many of the popular games range from $40-$80. The game itself is almost always worth it, and the experience you have playing tabletop games with friends is priceless. Plus if you're a semi-frequent shopper, you can hold an account with them and you get a $10 gift card for every $200 that you spend in the store. I've gotten two so far! I guess you can tell how much I like this store. read more

This is what game stores used to be like. They have every role playing, almost every wargame, miniatures, paints, Osprey books, etc. My girlfriend can go to the Baubles and Beads store for beads, I go to the game store, we meet at Yet Wah's for some almond pressed duck --- everybody wins! Its like one stop shopping. Today, I bought some WW2 miniatures, an osprey book about their uniforms, some faux snow and a few tins o' paint. Gamescape has the Geek Card which allows you a 10% discount for every $200 you spend. They will also give you a 10% off teacher discount if you use your purchase in the classroom. They also support their games and often sponsor games at local game conventions. I played in their Legends of the West game at Kublacon 07 and had a blast. The staff is friendly, knows their stuff and are great guys. The female troll at Games o' Berkeley should take lessons. read more

Something that's lost too much these days is exploring new games. Party games that can be turned into drinking games, kick your brother's butt games, challenge your favorite uncle to games - games! There are old favorites, but there are great new ones out there to be discovered all the time. These guys helped me find Hex Hex and Bang! (both of which I highly recommend) The trick is, you need to find someone who loves games. Friends are good, drinking buddies are even better. The folks who work in this store? The best. They're nerdy but they're socially skilled nerds, and they love games. They love games and it shows in every aspect of this store - check it out! No matter what you do (or don't) find, something will catch your eye and you'll love it. read more

This shop features a wide variety of games to suite all ages. Their friendly staff are always ready and willing to make suggestions on fun games to bring home. They have given me solid recommendations of games to try based on past games I've purchased. read more

I come here alot to get games to play with friends, family, or to give as gifts. When I come in somebody always asks if they can help me find anything. I always ask them for reccomendations because I've found them consistantly knowledgable and eager to help. They always base their reccomendations around the person I'm shopping for (What games they already like, etc...) and you end up with game ideas that are real winners. Also, they stock alot of awesome fine art Jiggsaw puzzles. (i have a jiggsaw puzzle addiction) All-in-all, it's a great operation. Their wide selection of games and puzzles pair nicely with knowledgeable staff who really seem to like what they do. read more

The young man who helped me was helpful but had a slight attitude that I could not understand. But the store is loaded with great games and miniatures. Glad to see table top gaming is still thriving. read more

Great selection of games, and a great staff that know a ton about games and can help make purchases. They go out of their way to accomodate customers -- I had an issue with a purchase and they did everything they could to make it right. Buyer beware: once you open a purchased game, it cannot be returned under ANY CIRCUMSTANCE! So definitely play anything you're considering spending $40 on. Not every game with a 5-star review on Amazon is a winner, as I learned the hard way. Luckily, Gamescape has a big library of open-box games in the back, and weekly game nights with the local community, so you can try out many games before you buy them. Great place to expand your knowledge of table-top gaming in all its myriad forms! read more

I've come by here on a pretty regular basis (about every other weekend or so) and I have to say this is one of the better game stores out there. Clean, has a damn good selection of RPG, board, and miniatures gaming. They also have a good selection of the Osprey military history books, space for gaming, etc, etc. Very good about doing custom orders. The only two real issues is that they don't do used game purchase anymore and they've done some "reorganization" that I'm not a fan of. Otherwise...it is about the only good game store short of hitting Gamescape in SF or Endgame in Oakland. read more

Why the perfect rating? Fantastic selection (great games and variety). Knowledgeable, interested staff, a great community of like minded gamers. And, it get's better: owners who were willing to spend two hours teaching our family to play one of the board games. Thanks Gamescape! I don't think I'll ever go anywhere else. read more

This is a true FLGS as they are called (Friendly Local Game Store). What makes this place such a gem is the staff. So knowledgeable, helpful, and courteous. I have purchased a number of games and game systems here as well as attending a few game events. Not only is a there a huge selection of board games, card games, miniatures, collectible games, paints, Euro games, and dice but there are also poker tables and puzzles. They also support small and local game designers. Ever trip there is a a joy. In fact, I am going to give them a call right now about an upcoming game! read more

Great local game store! Thursday night boardgame nights seem like a fun way to try out games and meet people. I bought Settlers of Catan there. Best game ever. Buy local! read more

After meeting with Darren and Andre I can honestly say that all my points of concern were addressed. Darren and Andre not only listened well to my concerns but provided an excellent space and time to hear my concerns thoroughly. Our discussion was positive, and paved the way for growth not only for the business but for ourselves as human beings. Darren and Andre explained to me that at gamescape they actively try to shape an environment in the store that meets the needs of all different kinds of people and is perhaps one of the biggest challenges they take on as a business and as community leaders. This challenge is a big one no doubt... Just as in a classroom all people need to be able to learn at gamescape everyone needs to enjoy their time. Minimizing the potential for problems to arise in the store through policy and policing, as well as providing a place for people to be themselves and have a great time is a tough task indeed, especially since gamescape keeps its doors open to the general public of downtown San Rafael as well as attracting attention and gamers from all over the Bay Area! There is certainly a lot of different people that gamescape has to shape their environment to!! Darren and Andre assured me that it is their goal to continue to learn from their experiences in the store and from input from their customers and attendees so that they can continue to meet this challenge of having a positive environment that works for all who attend their events. They also spoke openly of wishing that more customers and regular attendees would voice their opinions as it is their only way of knowing for sure if they are doing a good job! In short Darren and Andre were happy to hear what I had to say! I encourage anyone who has a problem to approach the management at gamescape with their issue, as it will be resolved in a progressive manner. Darren and Andre have shown me that they know what it means to be good business owners, community members and most importantly what it means to be good people. Thank you Darren and Andre for hearing me out and taking the time to address my concerns and for that I am happy to update my review and let it be known that Darren and Andre (and hopefully their staff ;-) ) are willing to listen and continue to offer a place for people to do what is arguably most valuable and important to do in life... To have fun! Cheers gamescape north! May you see at least another 20 years of business in the glory that is Marin County and the Bay Area. read more

I had very high expectations (after reading Yelp reviews) for this local game store. Unfortunately they reached none of them. The store itself was filthy and the carpet looked like it had not been washed in years. The games that I looked at were overpriced compared to what I found online. I believe in supporting local businesses but I did not feel welcomed by staff. I guess they don't need or want my business or money. I ended up going online and saving myself money. The clerk was not very friendly so I left disappointed because I wanted to spend $300 on games for my nephew. I highly recommend looking at other game stores or going online to purchase games. read more

stopped by this morning for first time. picking up a gift for kids buddies bday. d&d campaign book and figurines. guy was super helpful and friendly. brought back memories of 40 years ago when i played d&d. will definitely swing by this place again. read more

Gamescape North not only has a crazy amazing range of products, from euro-games to RPGs to table-tops to puzzles and kids' games, but the friendliest and most helpful staff in any game store I've visited. They continue to welcome customers into their store with a warmth usually reserved for family. Thursday night game nights have become a staple for me. I cannot find a better place for games or gamers. read more

We are so lucky to have such a nice well-stocked game store in our local area! They have all the modern and classic board games, card games, RPGs and trading card games as well as miniatures, puzzles and so much more. The staff are always friendly and cheerful! :) They have regularly scheduled events at the store and have really helped to support/establish the gaming community in the north bay. I love to stop by on Thursdays for their weekly board game night. read more

A great shop for games of all sorts in and of itself, but also with an incredibly helpful and friendly staff. A welcoming and dynamic community of gamers orbits the store, stop in on one of the event nights. If you are looking for a game for someone else, go on in and ask for help, they'll be able to guide you to a great cho The store is packed with games of all sorts (the classic traditional American mass market games, card games, abstracts and thematic games, roleplaying and miniatures), and has an area for playing games. ice. Highly recommended, my favorite store of any sort read more

I love this stores ambiance. They have a TON of games of all different types and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Game nights are clearly posted and easy to attend. I always feel welcomed here and it's definitely the type of local store that I enjoy going to. Check it out next time you're in San Rafael. read more

wow, what a flashback I had stopping in here. I was kind of a dork the first half of high school and was really into games...dungeons and dragons, the whole bit. I loved stores like this but hadn't been in one in years. I noticed some kids learning to play d&d in the back of the shop and ended up talking with the guy at the counter about it. I had assumed that old school games had declined in popularity with the rise of computers, but it turns out that stuff is more popular than ever. it was nice to hear that kids are still drawn to these games that promote imagination and social interaction rather than prowess with a gamepad. god, I sound like an old fart! cool store though. read more

I love this place. Nice gregarious people and a comfortable atmosphere. Much more approachable than Gamescape in San Francisco. Those guys can be snooty. read more

Any time I need a game, either box set, card, TTRPG I go here. I love their selection of dice and reference books, and their staff is knowledgeable and always able to recommend a new game based on my and my family's preferences. I know they host events often and am hoping to find time to check out their Adventurer's League or open RPG night. read more

Great place for Dungeon and Dragons type. Staff is friendly. Great place to find unique and interesting gifts. Great place to wander around to see what you might find, e.g., collectibles, figurines, German board games, strategy games, educational games. Nice to see there are cool and interesting things that don't involve an electronic game system staring at a screen -- where you have to be present with someone in person interacting and talking. That being said it's a good place for nerdy types, like me. read more

A recent victim of my friends attempts to get me to play some games I would never in a million years have contemplated playing before (LOTR table top, Magic, etc.), I've become a semi-regular at Gamescape in SR, and you really couldn't ask for a better place. The staff is top notch and helpful beyond belief, and the store itself is packed with just about anything you might need. read more

Awesome. New owners are helpful, enthusiastic and competent. Continues to be the best in the north bay.

A great place to go and find games to play on a table rather than a screen. This place opens up so many types of play. You'll find tons of games that you won't find anywhere else - engaging strategy games that are interesting for adults and kids to play together. I agree with previous postings - incredibly friendly and approachable staff. They have made some recommendations that we've enjoyed immensely. And while I am a fan of the more "geeky" games (being a geek myself), we've loved the random fun in games like Quirkle and Hive. Also, the board game nights on Thursday nights rock - we've learned about some new games there too. Try before you buy and all that. Highly recommend for finding great gifts for yours and others that other people won't know where to find. read more

Great store. Took my 8 year old son and the staff we're great. When he asked "what would I like?", the staff took out a game and played with home to show it to him for 15 minutes. Class act. read more

I feel rather lucky to have a game store like this so close to home. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable and helpful on a range of games and subjects. Their passion for games is obvious when you talk to them, and they are eager to help you find what you need. I am also impressed by the range of games available here. Whether you're into deep strategy or just some lighthearted fun, they've probably got something to hit the spot. The only thing that keeps this from being 5/5? I'd love to see even more D&D related items! read more

Really friendly salespeople, lots of great games and stuff to check out!

I wish I lived closer to Gamescape, but even at a good 40 miles away from me, there is no other game store I've been to worth the time. Their selection is varied and comprehensive. To say they are "well stocked" is an understatement as they have something for everyone. In today's market, when you cruise the Toys R Us aisle and see how little they carry anymore, that means this place is even the better option for family and social gamers as well, not just the hardcore miniature and RPG crews. I can't think of anything I've gone there to look for they didn't have except for one expansion set that they ordered in for me immediately. I've been super happy with the service I've received (and the change made for those pesky San Rafael parking meters) here. Great stop for game fans! read more

It is a great group of folks that run and work in that place. There is a stigma that is all too often very well deserved of gamers of being arrogant and mean; kinda like Comic Book Guy of the Simpsons. However, this store entirely breaks that mold. Everybody there is friendly and more than willing to spend as much time as it takes to find the game you are looking for, give suggestions for the kind of game you are looking for, explain rules, give tips and patiently answer any questions you may have. They are a tiny bit over-priced, about 25% over on average from what you could get online. The rent for being a brick and mortar store on fourth street has to be outrageous and I think thats where the price gets reflected, however, with the level of customer service you get, in my opinion it is well worth the marginal increase. Having expert gamers willing to rules interpret and lawyer for you makes it well worth it as well. Additonally, they provide a much needed service of safe/fun activities for the community at large with various gamedays and tournaments. Hands down, one of Marin's best and finest. read more

Excellent selection, Great staff. The community base and atmosphere are as good as it gets. I have been lucky enough to have been a part of the communities of many different game stores and clubs across the country through my years, this is one of the best you could join. The owners sincerely care about delivering a good experience and a good product for you to enjoy, the staff is always friendly and knowledgeable. Their selection is broad and they can steer you to the right game, miniature, puzzle, curio, along with an activity night that suits your desires. read more

Great game store! They don't carry all of that junk that Toys R Us stocks. And the lighting is so much easier on the eyes. The staff is really friendly & and always eager to help you find the right game for you and your family. I hope that Gamescape is around for a long, long, long time. This is the kind of small business that I like to support because they really are great. read more

I really liked this store! They had great puzzles and games that I'd never heard of. I just wish we lived closer so that I could take the kids. read more

This is such a fun store! They have games for everyone, young, old, in between. We always find something new that we hadn't heard of. It's a regular stop at Christmas time, and we enjoy browsing throughout the year. They're very knowledgeable, helpful, and somehow know exactly what to recommend. read more

Always helpful, good selection of kids games and most the time they have wrapping paper for gifts, too!

Excellently stocked game store with a knowledgable and friendly staff. Great selection of board and family games for an audience ranging from new gamers to board game geeks. read more