Gamefly

[catinthehat]

Is anyone in here familiar with this service?? I'm not a huge gamer myself, but the idea of the service sounds pretty awesome so I was looking into some subscriptions as holiday gifts. Figured I'd get some opinions on it first-- anyone use this service or know much about it??

 

[Salty-]

I have used GameFly for almost 2 years.

What specific questions do you have?

 

[catinthehat]

oh nothing specific-- just wanted to get some general opinions from people who use it. with the holidays coming up and all, I figured it'd be a cool gift idea that will also help me stay away from the crowded malls! You enjoy it I assume since you are a 2 year user? What kind of plan do you think is best to get as a gift?

 

[Salty-]

GameFly comes in two flavors initially. A one game plan is $14.95 and a two game plan is $21.95 per month. If you are a member in good standing, they will offer a 3 or 4 game plan ($28.95 and $35.95 respectively) later.

If you've ever used Netflix, then you know how to use a online rental service.

You choose a list of games and place them in a queue. You can keep the games for as long/short as you want. When a game is a returned, GameFly ships the next game in your queue.

Nearly all games that I've wanted have been available and the ones that weren't were only a few days (at most) wait. The availibility will show next to the game.

You have the option to keep (buy) games that you rent. This is a good deal if you like the game. Sometimes there can be a $10-$15 savings off new games. Shipping of the case and manual is either free or a nominal charge of like $2. The case and manual are opened (obviously) but are in pristine condition when you get them.

Downsides:

GameFly is out of the Los Angeles area. I live in Utah, so games shipped on Monday usually get to me on Wednesday (sometimes Thursday). Midwest/ East Coasters can expect longer times. Since GameFly doesn't ship another game until one is returned, the turn-around time for a game could be slow.

GameFly DOES have a service called FastReturn that works with the USPS. Basically, when you send a game back, the USPS will scan the barcode information on the prepaid return envelope and notify GameFly that a game is on its way. GameFly will then send out aonther game whilst a game is in the mail coming back to them. This can cut down the turn-around time.

However, not all Post Offices have this technology and there are reports that some USPS employees don't scan even if they have scanners :brick: .

Hope this helps.

Happy gaming!

 

[Salty-]

New post-
I guess I need to slow down when I read others responses. I didn't really address your direct questions.

I've used it for 2 years and am generally happy with the service. As mentioned, the turn-around time is the only downer.
The local Blockbuster type stores offer similar plans in which I could return and pick up a game that day but their selection is horrid at best. I'm a little particular on wanting to find a game that I am interested in. For those that weren't, then maybe a local Blockbuster plan is not a bad idea. (But be prepared for only finding bottom-tier games)

I choose the 3 game-plan (offered later) and this seems to be a happy mix for me since I game a little more than the average. I have a Playstation 2, GameCube, GameBoy Advance, Xbox, and Xbox 360 so I can have games out for multiple systems out at a time.

It's hard to tell you how to spend your money especially since this will be a recurring monthly charge; but with the 2 options available for you right now, the 2 game option is what I'd recommend. The 1 game option really isn't worth it.

 

[catinthehat]

Wow! WHat can I say?! Thank you-- this was a huge help! Again, since I am not a huge gamer, putting it in regular terms was really great-- very much appreciated!

The fast return thing sounds like a great idea-- it's always good to speed things up whenever possible. And hopefully, they'll be working with more post offices so it can be available nationwide.

So since I am doing it as gifts, am I able to just do it for say, 3 or 6 months (then they can continue should they want to)? Kind of like a test run-- which actually is what this whole service seems to be about-- testing out everything. It seems like the right idea to test a game before you spend all that money on it (since games are so expensive)-- plus, that option there is to buy it (and at a discounted rate) is even better.

Sounds like a winner---I think I will do it-- think I should?

 

[Salty-]

Man - I didn't even know they had gift cards.

http://www.gamefly.com/giftcert/giftbuy.asp

The only concern if you bought the service was who was going to manage it? But looks like this is the easy way. You pay - they manage. All is well.

Should you do the service? If I got this as a gift, I'd be thrilled. Those on your list should be thrilled too.

"Clark, that's the gift that keeps on giving the whole year." - Cousin Eddie

 

[catinthehat]

Exactly! I wouldn't even know what to do if I had to manage it-- so it's great that I can just be the "sugardaddy" and let them take it from there. Plus, I like that idea of it being a gift "that keeps on giving" -- everytime they order, they'll have a pleasnt little thought of lil ol me

Glad to hear you like my idea-- takes a lot of my chest. Maybe if you're a good boy, Santa will bring you something similar Actually, I feel like I should almost get you a little subscription for being so helpful! No, but in all honesty, you've been very insightful. I'll let you know how it all turns out!

 

[catinthehat]

Just wanted to let you know I got it-- went very smoothly. Now I am just excited to give them the gifts! I think I may give a few early just so I can see the reactions! Thanks again for all your help!