Sat, Feb 28, 2009 - Page 16 News List

Taipei’s underground gaming heaven

A strip of stores in Taipei City Mall sells video games, manga, gundam robot kits and other staples of geek culture

By Catherine Shu  /  STAFF REPORTE

The smaller Media Toy (美迪亞) is one of the few stores here that sell Blythe dolls; its current selection includes the newly-released Friendly Freckles (NT$3,050) to the older and rarer Cherry Blossom (NT$9,050). Fans of the anime series Maria-sama ga Miteru can find a limited edition 16.5cm-tall PVC figure of character Shimako Todo by Hobby Japan for NT$1,380 in Toy People. The shop also carries several Figma toys for NT$599 to NT$980; the action figures feature switchable faceplates and other accessories.

Hot Dog Toyz has plenty of eye candy for urban vinyl fans. The chain store sells items from the popular series Bearbrick by Medicom Toy and C.i.Boys from Red Magic in its Taipei City Mall location. Other toys include petite Blythe dolls and full sets of gashapon toys.

Fans of Japanese mooks, or magazine/book combinations, should make a beeline to the aptly named Mag Freak (雜誌瘋), which stocks almost every Japanese periodical available, ranging from fashion magazines like the cult favorite Russh to hobby guides like Dolly Dolly. Prices are slightly higher than at Eslite, Page One or Kinokuniya, but you have a better chance of finding a sought-after back issue at Mag Freak.

There are plenty of inexpensive restaurants and cafes in the mall to head to with your shiny new mook in hand, but fans of anime might be happiest at Jours de Soleil (陽光庭園). The restaurant opened last summer, replacing Fatimaid, a maid-themed cafe that still has a location in Datong District (大同區). Jours de Soleil offers cheaply-priced tea and coffee drinks, pastries and a set meal menu that is heavy on rice, pasta and cheese casserole dishes. An observer commented that Jours de Soleil does not live up to Fatimaid, which featured waitresses decked out in full Victorian maid regalia demurely serving up coffee. The friendly servers at Jours de Soleil wear anime-inspired cosplay outfits, however, and judging by the number of guest books filled with effusive compliments and swirly heart doodles, the restaurant has managed to build up its own fan base.

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