It's difficult to say what my favourite "Fandom II" moment is. I think it may have been the day my harpy-ish ex first took me there. It was located next to a pizza place, so far out of the way that making jokes about how out of the way it was would be redundant.

Actually, it may have been convenient for people going to the Univeristy of Ottawa, but they're soul-less anyway, so their opinions are for naught.

In case you haven't been briefed, Fandom II is the greatest game store in the world, or at least Ontario. They've been in existence since Gygax still meant something, and have had more location than EGG has had companies.

Their current location is on Laurier Street, between Elgin and Metcalfe. They occupy the ground level of a building they share with two other enterprises; upstairs is Cyber-Knights, a joint where you can sit down and cause large gaping holes to appear in various parts of your friend's anatomies. Downstairs is a playing area for non-electronic games.

Their stock is simply incredible. You can wander in there and get almost anything in stock, and quite a few things out of stock. This is the store, after all, where I acquired my copy of Wooden Suits & Iron Men.

The product is organized along product lines and hobbies. Wargames fill the front of the store, allowing hours of fun for the nation's military elite, who work just down the road.

Miniatures fill their own aisle, with a variety that works hard to boggle the imagination. Every type of lead and pewter creation under the sun can be found there.

Roleplaying Games sprawl as far as the eye can see (at least until the eye hits a wall). Sections accomodate GURPS, Shadowrun, the XD&D selection, the entire spectrum of WoD games (and Trinity), Cyberpunk... It's futile to list them all. Suffice it to say, no matter what you're looking for, they have it. Or they'll get it for you.

On top of the counter are the CCGs. Fandom II never fell too deeply into the CCG market. They carry the top games, and have a selection of others available for pickup.

Which brings me to behind the counter. Ramon & Randy (They might have last names; they might even be on the store's card. Shame I don't have one with me) are the proprieters and staff of the store. They know their customers well (everytime I enter the store, it's "Justin time". My, that's so funny), including what they like. They'll hold product for you, they'll get product for you, they'll tell you how the product is being received (even if people don't like it).

Above all, they are friendly. My God, but what a concept! Most game stores employees out there aren't quite up on the whole 'retail' concept. They don't quite have a grasp on "treat the customer like a human being, and they will come back. Treat them like garbage, and they won't." I don't want Disneyworld employees selling me my TORG supplements, but neither do I want Surly Stu and his pirate band.

In fact, in retrospect I think FII is one of the few game stores where I don't think using the term "Classy & well done" for style is a misnomer. They are indeed that good. So go there, ya mugs. And tell them Justin sent you.

Style: 4 (Classy and well done)
Substance: 5 (Excellent!)