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....

Shut Up, Cat! Game Review (prepublished version)

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English humorist, satirist, and author of fantasy novels, best known for his Discworld series, Terry Pratchett said, “In ancient times cats were worshipped as gods; they have not forgotten this.” If you have ever owned a cat or even been around one for any length of time, you know that these four-legged domesticated pets have an air of superiority and a level of confidence that far outweighs their abilities. To say they are willful creatures is a gross understatement to extreme extremes. That said, they are also lovable and compassionate. In this game, the family’s beloved cat makes a lot of noise when the rest of the family attempts to sleep. Good luck trying to change the cat’s mind that it’s quiet time. Continue reading →

Jump Gate (Fourth Edition) Game Review

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Business magnate and investor Elon Musk, best known for Tesla and SpaceX, said, “I think we are at the dawn of a new era in commercial space exploration.” Yes, soon, you can expect trucks, traffic jams, and giant floating billboard signs in space. In this game, a recent technological breakthrough allows humans to travel great distances in seconds, allowing for quick jumps to neighboring galaxies long thought unreachable. Such a wonder allows us to explore distant reaches of space like it was our backyard. And explore we do, not only with a great sense of wonder but for a need for profit. After all, owning a spaceship that can bend the fabric of space isn’t cheap, people. Continue reading →

Triple Scoops Game Review

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I scream! You scream! We all scream for ice cream! This frozen dairy goodness has been associated with good times and hot days for time immemorial and for a good reason. We live in a golden age with so many flavors and toppings that everyone can find something they love. In this game,  you’ll take on the role of an ice cream shop employee who has to meet the demands of the many customers filing through your front door. Don’t freeze up and get scooping! Continue reading →

Maximum Apocalypse: Wasted Wilds Game Review

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British adventurer, writer, television presenter, and businessman, Bear Grylls, said, “Survival can be summed up in three words – never give up. That’s the heart of it, really. Just keep trying.” In this game, players are survivors in a world that has turned cold, dark, and dangerous. They survive only by working together and towards a common goal, but even teamwork is not enough to guarantee success. Players must be innovative, take risks, and push to meet their objectives with the constant threat of disaster looming. Which, as it turns out, is a hell of a lot of fun! Continue reading →

Armor Up Game Review

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There is a dragon at the gates! The village is burning! The King is demanding all the knights rush out and fight the dreaded beast! There is no time to plan. You only have a few minutes to get to the armory and grab whatever is at hand. Good thing you know your way around a sword and shield, but being rushed never feels good. Having only minutes to decide, you grab your gear and pray it’s enough to take down the giant monster burning your beloved kingdom. Continue reading →

Maul Peak Game Review

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The land is awakening. News has reached the ears of the Grizzar that the kingdoms south of their snowy realm are being attacked by giant beasts never seen before. They take these stories as a warning but have no fear. Their use of magic and attunement to the spirit realm has always kept them safe in the past. But something is different. The snow doesn’t fall as it once did, and noises echo in the mountains that none recognize. The Grizzar begin to fear that the stories of fanciful creatures might not be tall tales after all. Taking staff and axe in hand, they face whatever must come with a warrior’s heart. Continue reading →

Cryptozoology for Beginners Game Review

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A spiritual teacher who introduced American Buddhism, including the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism, Zen, Vedanta, and Mysticism, Frederick Lenz, said, “Our field trips are an opportunity for you to enter into the world of mystical power.” While that might have been the case with Mr. Lenz, in this game, you’ll be taking a field trip to spot cryptids, creatures believed to live out in the wild but are widely unrecognized as being “real” by the larger scientific community. Not to be dissuaded, you and your fellow students hop aboard the bus, cameras ready and notebooks open to capture your thoughts. Good luck to you, cryptid-watcher! Just be careful not to get too close. Bigfoots can be grouchy. Continue reading →

Let’s Call the Exorcist Game Review

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American musician, best known as the co-founder, bassist, and primary songwriter of the heavy metal band Mötley Crüe, Nikki Sixx said, “If you don’t deal with your demons, they will deal with you, and it’s gonna hurt.” In this game, you will be possessed by mischievous demons or one of the many innocents who bump into trouble. However, in this game of hidden identities and switching roles, your effort to clear the way for the “good guys” could be an effort for the wrong party. Continue reading →

Living Well is the Best Revenge Game Review

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English poet, orator, and priest of the Church of England, George Herbert, is credited with saying “Living well is the best revenge.” Then again, English historian, writer, and member of parliament Edward Gibbon said, “Revenge is profitable, gratitude is expensive.” In this game, players will be taking on the role of children being treated poorly by other children. Demoralized, teased, and made to feel bad. Childhood can be hell. But in this game, hell is what you bring back and visit upon those who have wronged you. So don’t take it on the chin! Pay back the wrongs you suffered in the darkly comedic dice-rolling game. Continue reading →

Herbaceous Sprouts Game Review

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A community garden is a shared place of peace and growth where anyone can try to plant seeds and turn the earth. In this game, you will share a community garden with friends and family, each wanting to plant sprouts and flowers to create a rich and beautiful garden full of life and color. Unfortunately, there is only so much space to be had. Get your gardening tools at the ready and collect your seed packets! You have limited time and space to plant something extraordinary and win the game. Continue reading →

Skulk Hollow Game Review

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The world was once populated by towering creations that shaped the land. Mountains and valleys, lakes and rivers. These are the visible evidence of their works and their Power. Long have these ancient creatures slept – known as Guardians by some and legendary monsters by most. And in legend and myth, these monolithic nightmares might have remained if it weren’t for the rumblings in the earth and the sitings of unnatural things in the wilderness. Now a Kingdom prepares to battle an ancient Guardian to survive, and a long-dormant creature of nature awakens to find a new enemy. Which side wins is up to you. Continue reading →

Avatar: The Last Airbender Fire Nation Rising Game Review

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The Fire Nation continues to raid neighboring kingdoms and lands aggressively. Those who stand against this onslaught are quickly put down. A small group of heroes, led by the legendary Avatar, fight the Fire Nation on multiple fronts. But this is not a battle you can win alone. You must work with others, plan your strategy, and execute your tactics cooperatively. Do it right, and you’ll stay one step ahead of the Fire Nation, restoring Balance. Do it wrong, and Ruin will undoubtedly come to the world. Continue reading →