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....

Application Crunch Game Review

Application Crunch is a good game that is going to be a hit for parents and families, a surprise to game elitists who will gladly acknowledge its creativity, and a fun and worthwhile way to educate the next generation of college going geeks. Fun, interesting, engaging, and balanced, this game delivers an excellent lesson in personal time management, goal setting, and achievement wrapped up in an enjoyable game. Simply outstanding and very impressive. Continue reading

The Game of Life zAPPed Edition Game Review

This perennial classic has had a number of facelifts in an attempt to make it a continued hit at family game tables. This newest version enters the 21st century by giving the game board a new coat of paint and introduces the Apple iPad as the center of focus. Gone is the classic spinner, replaced by a virtual spinner now on the iPad. But it doesn’t stop there. Continue reading

Deception Dice Game Review

I like Deception Dice for two reasons. First, it is easy and fast to teach, but provides an engaging game experience. Second, it is a game that gamers and non-gamers can all play as equals without any prior game knowledge or experience needed. Games that challenge me and are fun to play with mixed groups always makes me smile as it allows me to share my hobby with others who might not want to play games, normally. Continue reading

Shadow Days Game Review (prepublished version)

Based on the easy game play, the outstanding art, the fantasy theme, and the unlimited replay, this game is going to be a hit, not only with my little geeks, but also with my Gamer Geek crowd. The game has it all and I predict it will be a popular request at my gaming table for a long time to come. Which is fine, because I love playing it. Continue reading

Subtilla Game Review

The vast ocean rolls and swells from horizon to horizon. Navigating these waters are ships of war and they are on the hunt. Somewhere just out of sight is the enemy. Once they are spotted, torpedoes and guns are loaded; made ready to fire when ordered. As the ships approach, the admirals of the fleet know that skill and skill alone will win the day. Continue reading

Wind Power Game Review

Wind Power is a great game. Simple, elegant, challenging, and sometimes impossible. Depending on the players you are engaged with, the wind paths will be very uniform or a crazy and twisted mess. This is part of the fun and the magic of the game. You need to view the game at the 1 foot level and the 50 feet level all at once. The short and long-term gains will add up and will let a player be offensive and defensive at the same time. Do check out this wonderful card game that will blow your mind and leave you winded. Continue reading

Geek Organization: Out With the Old, In With the New

Last year, I was having a personal geek problem. To my shame, my game collection was in total disarray. I couldn’t easily find the games I wanted to play, I had games all over the floor, and I had a hard time getting into the room where my games were kept. I decided “enough was enough” and started addressing the problem by getting organized and cleaning up the clutter. Continue reading

Stars Game Review

Stars was a real surprise to me. The game becomes more and more difficult as it progresses and more entertaining in the process. Simply outstanding and highly recommended, Stars is one game that’ll keep you thinking well after it has been put away. Continue reading

Jab: Realtime Boxing Game Review

Jab: Realtime Boxing is a wonderful game to experience. The first time you play it, you’ll be tempted to simply play cards quickly. This is a rookie move and expected. But after playing against another player who has experience, you’ll quickly realize that a well placed jab is worth 10 wild upper-cuts. Continue reading

Don’t Forget the Comic Books

I cannot stress enough how important reading is! If you can get your little geeks interested in reading early, you will be doing them a tremendous favor. Their reading skills will be ahead of their class, their motivation to learn will increase, and their confidence will be off the scale. Comics are a great way to get your little geeks interested in reading and explore new and interesting stories with dynamic characters and interesting plots! Continue reading

Scholastic Gamification: Using Video Games to Teach

I am, and most likely always will be, a huge fan of gamification. The concept of building dynamic game mechanics into every day activities is a wonderful idea. A new web-based company is hoping to bring gamification to your household and teach your little geeks math in the guise of video games and prizes. Not a bad idea! Continue reading

Cartoona Game Review (prepublished version)

Cartoona is one of those games I wish I had growing up. It is challenging and open to creativity, encouraging the players to act freely. I very much like how the game uses important geek skills in a light way, making the game a fun and easy one to play, but it also establishes the base on which more complicated games will eventually be played. Continue reading