Low lights, loud music? Choice is yours to make

Susanna Tjokro, Contributor, Jakarta

Game centers (a.k.a LAN shops) are now the "in" place to be in Jakarta, from modest game centers to fancy ones replete with amenities. Every gamer has their own preferences in choosing a LAN (Local Area Network) shop.

Each game center offers Counter Strike, the most popular game of all. However, every LAN shop tries to set itself apart from the rest. Here are some popular game centers across town that you may want to visit:

Aztec 7; Jl. Metro Duta Niaga Blok BA II, Second Floor, No. 43; Tel: 7667340; Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 a.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 a.m.; Note: No Smoking

Nestled in the upscale Pondok Indah area, this is definitely one of the hottest game centers in Jakarta. It has two sister centers, Lunar 7 and Palladium.

This place is always packed, particularly at the weekend, when you are lucky if you can find an empty seat. Gamers flood this place every day. Sometimes the never-ending waiting list can turn people off. The good news is that you can borrow comic books to kill the time.

Although it is called Aztec 7, you won't see any connection with "Aztec" culture, except for the cement sculptures of Aztec tribal heads. The place has 55 computers with 17-inch screens.

Nexia, Empire Earth, Alien vs Predator 2, Wolfenstein and Ghost Reckon are among the latest games offered here. Serious Sam, Black and White, Age of Empire, Star Craft are joining the crowd too.

Non-members are charged Rp 3,000 for 30 minutes, while members are only required to pay Rp 2,500 for the same time slot.

"Believe it or not, I love its computers, crowd and even its comfortable big chairs!" raved one client.

Cyber Gen; Ratu Plaza, Jl. Jend. Sudirman 9, Fourth Floor, No. 40; Tel: 72798277; Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily; Note: No Smoking

This is one of the places where you can meet some big clans, such as [BIG] and [GF]. Cyber Gen is one of the most vibrant hangouts among gamers in Jakarta.

If you like playing under a dim light, you will love this place. The lighting has helped transform the room into an inviting and sophisticated LAN shop. It has 42 PCs with 17-inch screens. Age of the Kings, Nexia, Alien vs Predator 2, Star Craft and Age of Conquerors are just to name a few games here.

While you wait your turn, check out their collection of game magazines, from which you can either buy or borrow. After, or before, conquering your enemies in the virtual world, you can also browse the web here.

Cyber Game and Bum Zone (Ratu Plaza) share the same server. So, if you play at Bum Zone, while your friend plays at Cyber Gen, you can still play against each other.

A 30-minutes virtual experience will cost you Rp 2,000 but at the weekend the rental fee surges to Rp 3,000.

"I love Cyber Gen because most gamers who play here are experts!" said one loyal client called "Joel", as he played at the center.

Bum Zone; Gajah Mada Plaza, Second Floor (next to Disc Tarra); Tel: 63852115; Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily; Note: No smoking

Bum Zone is a very well-known name among gamers. It has a sister center at Ratu Plaza, but this one is bigger. Bum Zone at Ratu Plaza has 30 PCs, while the one at Gajah Mada has 38 computers with 17-inch monitors. For some players the bright lighting poses a problem, while others praise it.

You can also browse the web and check your e-mails here. Nexia, The Kingdom of the Winds, Deathmatch Classic and Star Craft, Brood War are among the games offered here.

From Monday to Friday, gaming will cost you Rp 2,000 per 30 minutes, while at the weekend the price is Rp 500 higher. Members pay Rp 20,000 for five and a half hours of usage.

Next Game; Plaza Senayan, Jl. Asia Afrika, Millenium Bowling Alley, Second Floor; Tel: 5725312; Hours: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily; Note: No smoking

It has sister centers at Pondok Indah Mall and Melawai area. This is also one of the biggest and hottest LAN shops in Jakarta. The room is illuminated by a warm glow. Some players like its laid-back atmosphere. The center has 76 neatly arranged computers each with a 17-inch monitor.

The game center also offer various activities to kill boredom such as bowling, watching movies. Or, you may choose to shop at Plaza Senayan.

Age of Empires II, Red Alert 2, Star Craft, Diablo, Opposing Force and Operation Flashpoint join the ranks here. The popular Nexia isn't available though. An hour of gaming, which is the minimum usage, will cost you Rp 7,000.

"In some LAN shops, you won't find many eateries nearby. Here's different. There are so many eateries downstairs, that's why I like playing here," said one gamer.

Obelix's; Jl. Cemara Raya Blok A1, No. 1A, Kalimalang, Bekasi; Tel: 88954724; Hours: 9 a.m. onward; Note: No smoking (unless after 12 a.m.)

Located in a residential area, the two-storey game center has always been a favorite hangout. On the first floor you can browse the web, while upstairs you can play your favorite games.

Obelix's has 10 computers downstairs and 20 PCs upstairs. If you want to play the game downstairs, you must put the headset on, so you won't disturb other clients.

It is one of the few centers that offers many games such as Demon Star, Star Craft, Colin McRae Rally 2 and Team Fortress 1.5.

Most LAN shops don't offer the Harry Potter game, but at Obelix's, you too can be a Potter for a while. Since it sometimes opens until 6 a.m., you can play to your heart's content here. For half an hour's gaming, it will set you back Rp 2,000. Obelix's also gives a happy hour session from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Friday, when you can play for just Rp 1,500 for 30 minutes.

"This is my favorite game center. It's close to my house and I can stay here until sunrise," explained Hasan.