Author Archives: Cyrus

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....

Heroes and Treasure Role-Playing Game Review (prepublished version)

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German-American developmental psychologist and psychoanalyst, Erik Erikson, said “The playing adult steps side-ward into another reality; the playing child advances forward to new stages of mastery.” Role-playing games challenge people to create concrete solutions from abstract ideas. Imagination in such games is an invaluable tool. Children have an incredible imagination, and now thanks to this game, they have an opportunity to explore new worlds with their family. Continue reading →

GROWL Game Review (prepublished version)

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The woods surrounding the village are dark, deep, and old. Children are taught not to go near it and only the bravest (or the most foolish) adults venture into its depths. The wood hides something that stays in the shadows, but not any longer. There have been animal attacks in the village and rumors are starting to be whispered from ear to ear that a werewolf is responsible. Villagers no longer trust one another and everyone is a possible enemy. Continue reading →

No Escape Game Review (prepublished version)

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The Titan space station was considered a modern marvel. A place for brave men and women to live in safety as they traveled through the darkness of space. Sadly, budget restraints required some “creative thinking” when it came to building the station. Corners were cut, loopholes were found, and some safety inspections were ignored. Now the inhabitants of the station are running for their lives, looking for a way off before they crash into the planet or explode. Did I mention only one player will survive? Yeah, they could only afford one escape pod… Continue reading →

Voodoo Game Review

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One of America’s most quoted writers of inspirational maxims, William Arthur Ward,  said, “Change, like sunshine, can be a friend or a foe, a blessing or a curse, a dawn or a dusk.” In this game, change will occur regardless of how a person feels about it. Expect to take on some strange new character traits as you and your friends attempt to outlast and out best each other as you hurl curses with little regard of its impact. You can always break your own curse, but expect the results to be less than beneficial. Sometimes it’s better to be cursed and unlucky if you want to win. Continue reading →

On Their Merry Way Game Review (prepublished version)

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Robin Hood and his Merry Men have a job to do. They must steal from the rich so they can provide for the poor. This is a surprisingly easy task, as Merchants tend to be tired after traveling for days carrying heavy loads and easily fall for traps. Guards are always a nuisance, but not a threat. To help make things more interesting, Robin Hood will reward one member of his gang of thieves a great prize if they can bring in the most profit. Let the games begin. Continue reading →

Element Game Review

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Mahavira, and revered holy figure in Jainism, said “The most important principle of the environment is that you are not the only element.” In this game, players will be moving their wise sages across a board, controlling the elements in an attempt to master their environment. However, such mastery does not come easy and requires attention to their surroundings. Change is constant, but not without structured order. Continue reading →

Dungeon Brawl Game Review (prepublished version)

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You have survived the terrors of the dungeon and defeated the final boss. Before you lies a treasure pile just waiting to be plundered. But wait. Why should you share this with your so-called friends? Didn’t you deliver the final stroke that killed the dragon? Wasn’t it you who made sure the rest of the party survived? You should have the majority of the treasure! Now to convince the others… Continue reading →

Village Pillage Game Review (prepublished version)

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There was a time when you looked out your window and were content to see the small cottages and your fellow villagers passing by. But that time has come and gone. Now you dream of your village being the center of trade, commerce, and a military power. Very ambitions, indeed. A feat that might very well be possible – easy even – if it weren’t for the other nearby villages who had the same idea. Continue reading →

Dragon Keepers Game Review (prepublished version)

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Dragons are sacred beasts. They embody magic, strength, and benevolence. Tribes of warriors and mystics have dedicated their lives to protect these beasts from those who would harm them. You are such an individual and you have trained your whole life to be the sword and shield for these magical creatures. Your greatest allies are other Keepers who have sworn to protect the dragons and the dragons themselves. Continue reading →

The Cohort Game Review

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Australian moral philosopher, Peter Singer, said “Ancient recipients of instant news probably couldn’t do very much about it, for instance. Xerxes would still need three months to get his army together, and he might not get home for years.” In this game, each player will be putting together a Roman Legion as quickly as possible and on very short notice. Shortcuts will be necessary, which means that complications will arise. Building an army is a lot more difficult than leading one into battle! Continue reading →

Cursed Court Game Review

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Retired United States Army general, Stanley A. McChrystal, said, “Anyone in a position of power is either corrupt or assumed to be corrupt, and the assumption of corruption is as bad as the reality of it.” Power can be held by one individual but wielded by another through deceit. After all, the corrupt can be easy to persuade if given the right leverage. Welcome to court, a den of backstabbing vipers. You’ll fit right in. Continue reading →