July 1st, 2008 by Daniel Duncan

So yesterday I drop by the local Gamestop to scope the place out. I had heard the games were starting to come to life in an ‘indian-in-the-cupboard’ fashion, so my curiosity bested me. Unfortunately, nothing strange occurred during my "visit", unless you count the awkward stares of two gothic men and a woman that–I swear it!–looked like she wanted to eat me. That was rather odd considering I’m naught but skin and bones–finely toned though, I might add not really .

Despite the utter disappointment of the lifeless game cases and the eerie atmosphere, I managed to somehow gain enough courage to approach the front counter and ask a relatively simple question: "Is Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, Viva Pinata: Trouble in Paradise, and Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise up for reservation yet?" Now these are gothic people, mind you. Asking someone of their dark nature to reserve the likes of Viva Pinata was a dangerous task at the least. Who knows what weapons of mass destruction lie in wait beyond the boundaries of that counter!

With fists clenched and my pair of ‘Turbo Talon Trotting’ sneakers tight and secure upon my feet, I was prepared for anything. Fortunately though, my plans of cowardly heroic actions were deemed unnecessary. With a grin upon his face, he answered the question in a kindly fashion "Yes we do". Thus, my guard was dropped, my wallet whipped out, and the minimum reservation transaction was paid.

Now whether they were simply in a kind mood that day or were, perhaps, afraid of me at that particular moment due to my forced ‘Banjo snarl face’ (don’t try this at home) I’ll never know. But in short, I saw no game cases come to life (sad face), didn’t get eaten, escaped a probable beating from ‘the goths’, and walked away a happy man with Banjo and both Viva Pinatas reserved and secured. If you want to reserve them yourselves, head to your local Gamestop. Minimum reservation is $5.00 per game.

*Note: The above story is false and not true in anyway…except for the hungry, maneating carnivore

*Note 2: Banjo and both Vivas really are up for reserve.