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....

Guards of Atlantis Game Review (prepublished version)

Those who follow the ways of magic look at technology as a blight that ruins the natural order of things. Those who favor technology see those who use magic as unnatural and cursed. Both factions fear and hate each other. Their bitter rivalry will now end, once and for all. Continue reading

Set Dice Game Review

Dutch graphic artist, M.C. Escher, said “We adore chaos because we love to produce order.” Which is to say, as we seek order in our own lives, we also seek out those pockets of disorder to tackle. Balancing our checkbooks is a good example. In this game, random outcomes will challenge players to find order betwixt the chaotic results of rolling dice. Continue reading

Squirrel or Die Game Review

American actress, producer, and designer, Sarah Jessica Parker, said “A squirrel is just a rat with a cuter outfit!” Feelings towards squirrels tend to be polarized and can shift rapidly. For example, a person can admire a squirrel in the wilderness and then be hellbent on destroying them if they find out they are in their house. Such is the dangerous life of a squirrel that you now get to live. Continue reading

The Manhattan Project: Chain Reaction (prepublished version)

Your nation’s greatest fear has been realized. Reports have come in that suggest neighboring countries are making weapons capable of total destruction. Without losing another moment, the highest powers in the land charge the workforce to make weapons. Mining operations and factories appear overnight, scientists refine formulas, and the labor force marches to the beat of war. Continue reading

Stinker Game Review

American writer and illustrator, Dr. Seuss, said “I like nonsense; it wakes up the brain cells.” Which is to say, when we are confronted with a puzzle or situation where we are forced to think differently then what we are used to, our mental state expands. We grow through creative activities that challenge us to ponder, question, and conclude in new ways. In this game, answers will com easy to a creative mind. Continue reading

Parkies Game Review

American technology entrepreneur and academic, Vivek Wadhwa, said “The truth is that entrepreneurship is more like a roller coaster ride than a cruise.” Meaningful words in the context of this game where players will take on the responsibility of creating an amusement park, then attracting parkgoers to make money. Each new ride is a gamble, but there are multiple ways to make a profit in this business. Continue reading

Karma Game Review

American film actor, director, and producer, John Wayne, said “Life is tough. It’s tougher if you’re stupid.” I believe this quote perfectly captures the essence of Karma. If we walk through life with thoughtful purpose and measured actions, we tend to succeed. If we rush ahead without thinking and give little count to those around us, failure in all things is almost certain. In this game, what you play will return to you for better or for worse. Continue reading

MOD X Game Review

Dutch Chess Grandmaster, mathematician, and author, Max Euwe, said “Strategy requires thought, tactics require observation.” In this game, a player will need to be observant and think logically beginning with their first move to their very last. This is not a game for rash thinkers, but nor is a game that requires a great effort. Victory comes to those who look for opportunities to excel. Continue reading

3 Seeds Game Review

German theologian, philosopher and mystic, Meister Eckhart said, “What we plant in the soil of contemplation, we shall reap in the harvest of action.” In this game, a player must consider where to put their time, energy, and finances. If done correctly, they will reap points to win the game when the harvest is taken in. The key is to know the difference between effort spent and effort wasted. Continue reading

Kings of Israel Game Review

It has been said that absolute power corrupts absolutely. The Kings that rule the lands of Israel poison the people who follow them, resulting in corruption of the mind and the spirit. You are a Prophet sent to deliver these people from evil, but the road you must walk is not an easy one. Continue reading

Conquest of the Stars Game Review

Space might be the final frontier, but it’s also a battleground. The need to explore and find new worlds is accompanied by the strong desire to own and control whatever is found. Spaceships built for exploration are accompanied by spaceships built for war. In this game, you can only keep what you take by force. Continue reading

Mage Wars Academy Game Review

Students of the arcane learn two important lessons while at the academy. First, magic is powerful. Second, only the powerful deserve to wield it. It’s the day before graduation and the top Mages must take their final exam. The test is simple: survive. You have worked and studied hard. It’s time to test what you know. Failure is not an option. Continue reading