(Review) Flights 2 Game Store and Hobbies - Albany (Colonie) , New York

My last stop on a whirlwind trip of game store through most of the Albany area was the oddly named Flights 2 Games Store and Hobbies, and it might be the one I spent the most time in searching around.  

Greeting:  This one is a bit of a journey... starting with a sign of the door.  

The first thing I stepped into was a combination lounge, gaming area, and remote control hobby area.  Messy?  Yes.  Disorganized?  A little. What I've come to expect at any place that sells RC products?  Absolutely.

 I wandered through to an open doorway that led into a little slice of heaven.   Shelves, racks, cases, filled with product that I don't normally see in stores anymore, much of it because the new product was heavily intermixed with stuff from the the last 35 years. D&D 5e down the row from a healthy selection of WotC's Chainmail launch from the early 2000s. Back issues of Scrye, new Magic sets, and ACTUAL POWER NINE CARDS in the display case.  Color me intrigued.

And yes... even though there were other customers the staff was talking to, I was sufficiently acknowledged.

Cleanliness:  Unfiltered stream of consciousness here.  I'm not sure whether the store continually finds bargains in older product to line the shelves, or they've had such an inventory over the years that they've just realized what they had and priced the items accordingly to the modern market.  It's got that slightly cluttered used book store vibe, mixed with a fully functioning CCG shop.

CCGs:  Magic and Riftbound were on the events calendar, but this is the first place in long time that had any variety in more vintage (pre-2000) Magic.  Betas, Power Nines, a few random packs, with a burned Juzum Djinn as a conversation piece. 

And while shelves of binders only indicate that a store has invested in binders... and nine-pocket pages, it's a decent indication of accessible (versus the 2-4 weeks I've experienced at other places for commons.

Board Games:  It's not massive, but there are enough card and board games (and a few vintage ones) to whet most people's appetites.

RPGs:  I was initially a bit depressed to see just D&D and D&D-adjacent titles, but digging deeper into the store, I found the paperback books...

Opposite a decent mix of older and newer gaming.  It was my last stop on my game-store expedition, and I had a three-plus hour drive home, so I didn't go down on my knees to peruse everything... but I probably should have. 

Miniatures:  Beyond the odd amount of Chainmail (priced for collectors, not for clearance... it is 25 years old or so...)  they do stock a good amount of the D&D Wizkids figures, and I did spy some Battletech books... and classic blisters on a spinner rack.  

Other:  The back room with the RPGs and paperbacks, and some vintage stuff hanging on the wall.  I will need to go back and peruse some more.  

Amenities/Events:  The open gaming space sees a pretty active Magic scene, one night for Riftbound, and a healthy dose 

I had a good conversation with the manager, and I realized after the fact, the owner.  They seemed to hit some of the demographics that I rarely see in stores.  In my research, I've discovered they might rub folks the wrong way.  In the grand scheme of things, if I were to rate the complaints on a scale of 1-10 (10 being most heinous), everything is around a 2 or 3, which I heard about every game stores, including the newer, more modern ones. 

That all being said, I did enjoy my visit to Flights 2, do not remember buying anything, but am willing to give them a four-out-of-five-gnomes rating.

Flights certainly doesn't have the "Warhammer Mom" aesthetic, but I'll probably visit this one before the other stores in Albany with the potential of items that hit my demographic... then a quick drive over to Zombie Planet.

The best part about my visit to Albany is that there is a wealth of good game stores in the area, especially for one with over 900,000 people in the region.  Good thing I'll be coming up repeatedly for awhile. 

And, not to bury the biggest question our dear readers still have.  Yes, there is a real cat, and his name is Bob.

Bob

Flights 2 Games and Hobbies is located at 381 Sand Creek Rd, Albany, NY 12205, across the street from Colonie Hight School.

Garden Wars by Grinning Skull Miniatures

 As I'm a fan of all things gnome, I did get an e-mail update from Alternative Armies about Garden Wars from Grinning Skull Miniatures now in stock on their website. 

The figures are suitable for 15 or 25mm, a more intimate set of figs compared to the hunks o' metal that Gnome Wars makes.

It's a good time to mention that Alternative Armies is in the middle of their Spring Mega-Sale, running till May 6th.  Orders automatically get 20% off! 

Gnome Events for Historicon 2026, July 15-19, Lancaster Pennsylvania

 Yeah, yeah, yeah... It sure took us long enough, but we have a full slate of Gnome Wars games for Historicon!  

And yes, there will be plenty of opportunities to play the (now year-old) Hawaiians!

Thursday NG-3 3PM-7PM

Gnome Wars: Treasure Island

Sat. 8:00 PM, 3 hrs, 8 players

GM: Jim Stanton

Sponsor: Brigade Games, Prize: Gnomes!!

Age of Piracy 28mm, Rules: Gnome Wars!

Standing in the shade of the palm trees on this uncharted island,

looking down at the faded map in his hands, all the rival treasure hunters feel a tad uneasy . Was the map real? The answer to their questions were just a short distance away, somewhere between the fearsome roars and spewing volcano....

FRIDAY  NG-3 11-2

Gnome Wars: Treasure Island

Sat. 11am,  3 hrs, 8 players

GM: Maja Jacobson Sponsor: Brigade Games, Prize: Gnomes!!

Age of Piracy 28mm, Rules: Gnome Wars!

Standing in the shade of the palm trees on this uncharted island,

looking down at the faded map in his hands, all the rival treasure hunters feel a tad uneasy . Was the map real? The answer to their questions were just a short distance away, somewhere between the fearsome roars and spewing volcano....

FRIDAY NG-1 3PM-7PM

Gnome Wars: Surf and Turf

Fri. 3:00 PM, 4 hrs, 8 players

GM:  Mike Lung

Sponsor: Brigade Games, Prize: Gnomes!!

Age of Piracy 28mm, Rules: Gnome Wars!

Captain Alvarado and his band of pirates are trying to evade the

British pirate hunters and sneak onto a deserted island and get their

treasure. The Captain best be on his guard for the British Marines

are hot on his trail. 

FRIDAY NG-2 3PM-7PM

Gnome Wars: High Seas

Friday 3:00 PM, 4 hrs, 8 players

GM: Eric Jacobson

Sponsor: Brigade Games, Prize: Gnomes!!

Age of Piracy 28mm, Rules: Gnome Wars!

The landing parties have headed to shore to get the treasure. The

members of the crew that stayed on the ship must try to keep it

afloat and free from rival crews, natives, pirates, and anything else that floats!  Hoist the black flag and load the cannons!

FRIDAY NG-3 3PM-7PM

Gnome Wars: Treasure Island

Fri 3:00 PM, 4 hrs, 8 players

GM: Jim Stanton 

Sponsor: Brigade Games, Prize: Gnomes!!

Age of Piracy 28mm, Rules: Gnome Wars!

Standing in the shade of the palm trees on this uncharted island,

looking down at the faded map in his hands, all the rival treasure hunters feel a tad uneasy . Was the map real? The answer to their questions were just a short distance away, somewhere between the fearsome roars and spewing volcano....

FRIDAY NG-2 8PM-10PM

THE ANNUAL HISTORICON GNOME JOUST! 

Fri 8:00PM  2 hrs, 25+ players.  

GM: Maja Jacobson

Sponsor: Brigade Games  Prize: Gnomes!

Fantasy 28mm, Rules: To Cry a Joust

It's that most-anticipated time of the year!  The Joust!  Where everyone is equal until the dice bless or curse you!  Rules taught. Quick, easy, FUN!

SATURDAY    

SATURDAY NG-1 11-2PM

Gnome Wars: The Ruins on New Providence

Sat.11am 3 hrs, 6 players

GM: Eric Jacobson 

Sponsor: Brigade Games, Prize: Gnomes!!

Age of Piracy 28mm, Rules: Gnome Wars!

After the attacks of the Great Gnomish Treasure Hunt on Friday, who will finally gain control of the port of New Providence?  And what are those odd drums off in the distance? 

SATURDAY NG-1 5pm-9pm

Gnome Wars: The Ruins on New Providence

Sat. 5:00Pm , 4 hrs, 6 players

GM: Jim Stanton

Sponsor: Brigade Games, Prize: Gnomes!!

Age of Piracy 28mm, Rules: Gnome Wars!

After the attacks of the Great Gnomish Treasure Hunt on Friday, who will finally gain control of the port of New Providence?  And what are those odd drums off in the distance? 

(Gamma World) Not a Test #111 - We're Not Great

The De Facto Explorers have discovered a facility that used to manufactured energy cells in the Glow Zone wilderness across the Big River.   After resting awhile with their Hopper allies, a massive explosion has just occurred in the petrified forest above the Hopper warren.

=============================================================== 

Lathar Bracken: A pure-strain human from River Bend.  He's got the muscle, the face, and a mount for most encounters.  Lathar's trusty beast of burden, No Name, travels wherever he does.   Looking for trouble in all the right places. The two-time champion of the Fair-Town Queen's Joust.  Recently married Thunnelda Haycock.

Sneaky Pete: A mutated weasel scout.  Pete's telepathy and night vision take a backseat when he whips out his electrical powers.  Apparently addicted to his newly uncovered yellow powder found at "The Pool House"

Sonny Helianthus: a nearly 10' tall sentient sunflower artifact examiner with four arms, and trusted Restorationist ties. Knowledgeable,  but not a good one with device repairs or upgrades.   Sonny may have just detonated an atomic device in the petrified woods.

Slitheran Wurmtail (aka Squiggles): a mutated earthworm scout, in impromptu power armor, looking for trouble in all the wrong places,  and finding it often.   He  has been subject to genetic testing and developed super-human strength, a more human body, and a thick coat of shaggy white hair.  Recently gave birth to a pile of baby worms. 

Luna of the Restorationists:  Recent recruit of the Restorationists, who had uncovered artifacts across the River.  An attaché, an intern, another set of snooping eyes against the Explorer's methods. 

================================================================ 

The air outside was full of an abrasive smoke.  Within a large swath, the petrified trees appeared to have vanished.  A puffy cloud of the obvious explosion seemed to climb higher above them.

Inside the Hopper warren, it was utter disaster, and at best, sheer chaos. Squiggles was practicing with Rex Thumper, the Hopper drum circle, when the ground shakes.

"Alright boys, we're making the earth move!"

When parts of the ceiling fall onto them, they grabbed their drums and scurried out of their part of the burrow.   In the dust and darkness, there were other Hoppers panicking around them.  The good news, was that most of the drum circle emerged filthy but safe, except for the missing Clover-Mask, a laid-back Hopper who was well-liked for providing snacks during practice.  

Squiggles immediately tried to burrow into the collapsed tunnel and eventually unearthed the breathing face of Clover-Mask.

"Squiggles, man!  What happened?"

"We brought the house down."

"Righteous!  Theses tunnels have held up for generations, man, generations.... Squiggles?  I can't feel my legs."

He pulled out the Hopper, its legs mangled, dragging him to somewhere more safe. 

"Man... in my bag, the red weeds... just put some in my mouth... I'll be okay... I'm just gonna close my eyes, man..."

Squiggles obeyed, getting his friend comfortable, before taking a deep breath before helping the other Hoppers possibly trapped. 

Pete was hiding in an unused chamber with a bowl of his much-needed curry powder, when parts of the warren began collapsing.  He grabbed his pack and went flush against the wall. In his part of the warren, there was a sense of panic. The weasel, put a bandana around his mouth and stumbled through the dust in his drug-induced haze to the outside.... 

Sonny, Lathar, and No-Name staggered through the wasteland the bomb had left.  It was concentrated in circle 100 meters in every direction.  There was a narrow sliver of petrified trees remaining before the main road they had originally travelled on, just enough to block the view of the facility off in the distance.  

A few of the Hopper patrols, hunters, and gatherers, saw the explosion and started arriving on the scene, as well, as a dirt-covered weasel. 

Pete:  "What did you do?"

Lathar: "For once I'm not responsible for any of this!"

Sonny: "I agree, I have no idea what just occurred."

Pete went back into the warren to help with rescue efforts, leaving the duo to venture deeper in the blast zone, Lathar riding atop No-Name to keep a similar perspective as the 10' tall sunflower.  

Sonny was concerned.  His glow-badge detected nothing.  Near the center of the blast, large glassy growths of minerals covered the ground covered ten square meters. 

By the time Pete returned into the warren to assist, the Hoppers were pulling out bodies, rather than survivors.  No one said anything to Pete or Squiggles' faces, but there was a growing consensus that whatever horrible thing had occurred, it was easy to blame their visitors.   

If the Hoppers had actually known what occurred, the Explorers would be, at best, banished, at worst, executed. Right now, everything was a state of shock, and Sonny wasn't providing any information.

Luna was finally found in a trapped burrow, intact, but in complete shock. 

Day 18 - Paranoia has enraptured the Hoppers, the leadership's paws forced.  

The Explorers were thanked for their gifts, but they were given one final day to vacate the warrens, they would be allowed access to the energy cell facility through the large door in the warren, but they would be locking it behind them.  

The Explorers did not argue, thanking them for their hospitality.  The big question was, were they willing to cut their losses and report back home, or did they want one last foray into the mines for the alleged treasure stash?  

GM Notes:  It was noted early on this session, that Sonny's weapon of mass destruction villain arc, was hinted in the Return to the Lost City game at Historicon, which is a potential future timeline. 

Next: #112 - How Squiggles Got His Bongo

Happy Easter 2026!

(Gnome Wars) Ulundi Undone

 When I was up last weekend to see the girls, I brought their Easter baskets and thought long and hard on how to run an Easter game of any size.  The only table in the entire home is a small round one, so I figured to use the chick erasers and have the Germans attempt form square to hold off the attacking Chicka Zulus.  

It was a glorious failure.  Even giving the Germans bonuses for staying in square, the Zulus whittled down the one edge in almost a turn with spears (which needed a 6 on a d6).  

It wasn't even fair.  On a larger round table, the Germans would have a few rounds to cripple the Chicka Zulus.  

And since the girls got to play the Chicka Zulus, they had fun, which was all that mattered.

(Review) Zombie Planet Comics and Games, Albany, New York

 In my attempt to hit multiple stores in Albany before I drove home to Pennsylvania, I need to make one logistical adjustment to plan:  Zombie Planet Comics and Games closed at 5pm, and it was already 4:15pm where I was at. 

Greeting:  My latest pet peeve, and thus the box on my internal checklist. The staff was handling customers when I walked in, and I don't expect some muscle memory response when the door opens.  I was greeted by an employee after the customers were taken care of, as they walked past me in the role-playing section.  ✅

Cleanliness:  The ground floor is chock full of product, floor to ceiling with full shelves and somewhat tight spaces for a man of sizable girth.  That being said, everything was organized and dust-free.

CCGs:  Magic, Lorcana, Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh! Star Wars Unlimited, and Riftbound and one of the healthiest and concentrated spots for supplies.  

Board Games:  A great assortment of board and card games taking up more of the back of the store.

RPGs: This is hit hard, because it appeared to be the largest and most diverse selection of RPGs I've seen in a long while.   Although I was pressed for time, I forced myself to peruse the titles and realize that this might be the first time I've seen a number of these games in their physical form.  The biggest thing that made me grin? Multiple copies of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Transdimensional Adventures Redux Edition Hardcovers, from the recently fulfilled Kickstarter.  I had finally seen the GM screen at another store and snagged that up quickly, and I almost plopped down a credit card on the spot here.  

Miniatures:  A massive display of Games Workshop on the right wall, but the true treasure were in the back left of the store.  D&D minis, of course, but a beyond healthy display of figures and boxed sets: Star Wars Legion, Team Yankee, Heroscape, Battletech, even a number of the Song of Fire and Ice boxed sets.  Heck, I thought I was having a fever dream when I found Wargames Atlantic boxed sets, plus a small selection of discount minis! 

Comics:  I'll leave this spot empty, because I never got to go upstairs where the comics are!  

Other:  GW/Warhammer/Citadel and Army Painter paints and accessories. Solid dice selection.  The one thing here that made me smile?  Zap-a-Gap!  

Events:  No gaming on site, although it seems like they coordinate all tournaments, pre-releases, and the sort with Fortress of Gaming, which is more of an open-space games cafe, less than five minutes away.  Every event seems to have a great turnout.

In my visit to Albany, Zombie Planet Comics and Games is the most complete comic/game store in the area, and that's with me never making it to the comics section upstairs!  On the Gaming with the Gnomies Five-Gnome scale, they earn four and half gnomes!  

There's a very good chance that after subsequent visits, I may bump this up the half-gnome to the elite status they may deserve, but I need more than twenty minutes to soak in all in.

Zombie Planet Comics and Games is located at 1238 Central Ave, Albany, NY12205