About Cyrus

Editor in Chief, Owner/Operator, Board Game Fanatic, Father of Three, and Nice Guy, Cyrus has always enjoyed board, card, miniature, role playing, and video games, but didn't get back into the hobby seriously until early 2000. Once he did, however, he was hooked. He now plays board games with anyone and everyone he can, but enjoys playing with his children the most. Video games continue to be of real interest, but not as much as dice and little miniatures. As he carefully navigates the ins and outs of parenting, he does his very best to bestow what wisdom he has and help nurture his children's young minds. It is his hope and ambition to raise three strong, honorable men who will one day go on to do great things and buy their Mom and Dad a lobster dinner. Cyrus goes by the handle fathergeek on Board Game Geek. You can also check him out on CyrusKirby.com. Yes, he has a URL that is his name. His ego knows no bounds, apparently....

Animal Poker Game Review

American Rock musician Tom Sholz said, “Sometimes I actually start to think human life is just as cheap to corporate America as animal life, so long as there are big profits to be made.” In this game, players will compete to climb the corporate ladder by stepping on the backs of others to reach the highest office in the company: the CEO. Along the way, they’ll have to outplay and outwit every other player attempting to get the big promotion, along with competing directly with the current CEO. If you want to win in this game, you best be ready to fight like a highly ambitious animal with a deep desire for stock options and a healthy 401K. Continue reading

Fish & Katz Game Review

I am currently a cat owner. I have had the pleasure of having dogs as pets, and I can confidently say that these two animal companions are different in a few key ways and similar in most others. Case in point, I have never met a dog or a cat that wasn’t eager to eat whatever I had. Dogs are more upfront about their intent and interest, with them begging at the table. Cats are much more subtle, feigning disinterest and then suddenly pouncing on unattended food. I am not ashamed that I have been bested more than once by my cats as they stole a bit of chicken or took off with a cracker. They are super crafty. In this game, you must be as quick and nimble as a cat to ensure the delicious fish you want doesn’t get into the wrong paws. Continue reading

Gudnak Game Review

Chinese military general, strategist, philosopher, and writer who lived during the Eastern Zhou period (771–256 BC), Sun Tzu, said, “Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.” In this game, you control an army of a single faction focused on war for its own purposes. You build your forces and bring them to the field, combining groups to push hard against your enemy’s stronghold and control the land. But beware. While you may have built your army from scratch, know that your opponent has also done so. Ultimately, victory won’t go to the stronger army but to the more innovative player. Continue reading

Foros Game Review

Some of my earliest memories as a child include playing with blocks. I would build them into castles, forts, mountains, and walls, screaming with delight when they fell or yelling angrily if one of my little brothers knocked it over. I’m pretty sure I got in a fight in preschool over blocks, too. Even today, I still play with blocks through Legos and games where wooden cubes are used to build, record, and control. In this game, blocks return us to a simpler time of creative play and problem-solving. Continue reading

Pocket Samurai Game Review

The life of a Samurai was one of stark contrast. One aspect of their life was the arts and a ridge code of honor focused on enriching and deepening one’s life. The other aspect was the sword, a brutal weapon designed to cut people down, take life, and cause suffering. The Samurai walked this path of duality, a living symbol of honor and horror. In this game, you must move purposefully and strike fast before your opponent takes your life. But strike with purpose and principle. Failure to do so will result in wasted effort and, perhaps, life. Continue reading

Snatch It! Game Review

American writer, humorist, and essayist Mark Twain said, “If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And If it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest first.” A valid approach to avoiding procrastination and focusing on what is critical. In this game, the critical action of the day is to eat your fill as the frog. The pond is busy but small, meaning you’ll have to be clever and quick to get your fill. Jump to the sky, flick that tongue, and hope to catch as much as possible before your opponents steal your lunch. Continue reading

Stealing Scenes: Action! Game Review

In this game of movie magic, each player takes on the role of a would-be Hollywood Star! There are few opportunities to highlight your talent, meaning you have to act quickly to get the director’s attention. Competition, as you can imagine, is fierce. Being a pretty face in a city of pretty people isn’t enough. You must bring your talent and energy, play it big, and don’t look back! Success is given only to those with skill and dedication to do all they can to get the part. Continue reading

Trekking the World Game Review

The Buddha said, “It is better to travel well than to arrive.” Or, if you like, the journey itself is the true purpose rather than the destination. In this game of traveling the globe, exploring exotic locations, and experiencing all our little planet has to offer, the players will focus first and foremost on their journey. By foot, boat, plane, train, or automobile, they will see sites that deepen their understanding of nature and our place on our planet. Continue reading

KubeLord of Frogs Game Review

The origins of the children’s game Leapfrog can be traced back to the late 16th century. It’s still played today and is an excellent example of a game that has withstood the waves of time and popularity. And yet, this game – while still played at its most basic and traditional level on playgrounds worldwide – is subject to updates and derivatives of its own. Case in point, this game takes the basics and adds a new twist that creates a game that is both familiar and challenging to play. What is old is new again, it would seem, as games hop through time and onto your gaming tables. Continue reading

Witches of the Revolution Game Review

People traveled to America for the promise of freedom from religious and political persecution. Of the many thousands who made the journey, hidden among them were witches, practitioners of magic, and guardians of secrets. In small villages and remote towns, their Covens grew. When the call to battle came, and every citizen of the new land was asked to take up arms against England and King George III, the witches and their Covens answered the call. The revolution began, and even witches played a part in the war to come from the shadows.  Continue reading

Quest Adventure Cards Game Review

American author and television host Marcus Sakey said, “For me, the best moments in storytelling are the ones where I feel I’m discovering something.” In this game, the epic adventure played out with cards in front of the players is both a record of a journey taken by all the players and the intent of a specific quest of one player. As the game unfolds, more stories are told, some with victories and some with pitfalls. Ultimately, the best stories are those with twists and turns that always lead to adventure. Continue reading