Update: MilSims have apparently closed down and owe a lost of customers money. Best to steer clear for a while.

Here’s the problem. You read my board game reviews and think to yourself: “This Adam guy sure knows his board games. I want to be more like him, but how!? When I go to the games section of KMart or Big W all I see is Pictionary, Simpsons Monopoly and Guess Who! Whatever shall I do?”

Listen, you are smarter that your average Kmart shopper. You have moved on and put Cluedo behind you. KMart doesn’t want you to change, though. They want you to remain comfortable in your little world, bringing out copies of Taboo when you notice that your Alf-themed party is starting to suck.

If you want real games you will probably have to venture out a little further. You have to be careful, however. I have seen many a potential board gamer be turned away from the hobby (lifestyle?) by walking into the wrong shop.

Try to avoid places like Mind Games, Games World and The Games Shop. They are usually the first contact point for new games because they usually operate out of shopping centres. They are chain stores and can afford the higher rent. Their stock is pretty decent and the sale people are usually great but their prices are ridiculous. Don’t get me wrong, they’re not bad shops. I had a great chat with the people in Mind Games Albury a little while ago. The problem is that you can get games for significantly less elsewhere.

A good online retailer is Games Paradise. Their stock is great and their prices aren’t too bad. They offer free shipping for orders of $125 of more and a flat rate of $8.75 if under. They generally ship fairly promptly, however their claims of express shipping don’t really hold water when I’ve had orders take a week to ship, despite being in stock.

All About Games is another good place to check out. Good prices and shipping rates determined by the size of the order. I haven’t used these guys before but I have heard good things from others.

I’ve saved the best for last. This shop is so good that I’m really only including the others out of politeness. MilSims Games have the best stock and the best prices I’ve seen. Their website is very easy to use, shows stock availability and has the option for users to leave reviews and ratings of the games. They have a flat shipping rate of $5.50 to anywhere in the country and a sale almost every second game. Seriously, I cannot recommend these guys enough.

Here’s a quick price comparison of one of my favourite games, Agricola:

Mind Games: $128

The Games Shop: $125

Games World: $110

Games Paradise: $100

All About Games: $82.50

MilSims: $82.50

Seriously, that’s a spread of almost $50 over a single game! I still rate MilSims as the best, although it looks like All About Games is worth a look as well. I think MilSims just edges it out due to their shipping rates.

You have no excuse not to own good games now. Stay tuned as I review more games for you to add to your collection. Remember, if I tell you to buy a game, you buy it. Otherwise little monkeys will peck out your eyes.