An oldie but a goodie, still going strong after 10 years. Carcassonne, in one form or another, deserves a place on every Parent Geek’s shelf. But is there enough to scratch the gamer geek itch? READ ON! Continue reading
Double Double Dominoes, by Calliope Games, is a light abstract game where the players use dominoes to match numbers and score points. Players cannot only score on their turn, but also their opponent’s, which means the players at the table must be watching and communicating during the game at all times. Place a domino on the board and you could score points for yourself and for more than one of your opponents! Continue reading
In Dark Horse, by Knight Works, the players take on the roles of opportunists that are looking to carve their own little piece of paradise out of the Old West. There is great fortune to be had but only a few know how to get it. Even fewer know how to keep it. Opportunity and treachery are around every corner and knowing when and where to focus attention is going to be the real test. Wield your influence wisely, reveal little, and watch your opponents carefully. Continue reading
A children’s game about marriage and relationships? Not exactly. Samarkand: Routes to Riches is a “train game” in camel’s clothing, with low complexity and short playing time. A good choice for younger school-aged children with enough to keep adult gamers interested. Expand your trading routes across the Orient…at least it’s not the Mediterranean! Continue reading
Games like this always make me happy as they keep me engaged. I also enjoy the game for its simple but necessary risk taking. A player can always elect to take the “safe path”, but this is not going to win any games. There is just enough need to take some risk to make the game feel a bit tense without feeling stressful. If you are looking for a fun family game that plays fast, challenges, and entertains, do give Ugh! a try. Continue reading
Zip Zap, by Gamewright, is a fast-paced card game where the players are attempting to discard their hand as quickly as possible. There is no turn order and each player needs to pay attention to the table, to the other players, and their own cards at all times. Match colors and discard numbers in sequential order whenever possible, but watch out for the Zap! In a blink of an eye, your winning streak could come to a crashing halt! Continue reading
Ultimate Driver 300 Deluxe is a card game that puts the player in the driving seat and sets them down the track on a high-speed race where only one player can be the winner. The game is entertaining without being taxing, is fun without feeling like work, and allows players to be social and play at the same time. The game is very straightforward, but it made me smile, allowed me to have fun with my little geeks, and I would gladly play it again for these reasons. Continue reading
A king and kingdom is nothing without a castle. From the high walls, lords and ladies look out upon the land they rule and at the people they protect. But for some lordlings, the walls that surround their holdings is not enough. The truly ambitious seek to expand their territory and control. Their walls of power and of stone begin to stretch and travel outward, encompassing more and more land. It falls to you, the Lord’s castellan, to build such a castle. A challenge made all the more difficult by your rivals competing for your lord’s favor. Continue reading
King for a Day was a wonderful surprise. When I first reviewed the rules and looked at the cards, I figured the game would be light enough to play with just about everyone but not terribly loved by the Gamer Geek crowd. How wrong I was! Turns out everyone, from Child Geek to Gamer Geek, enjoyed the game and was ready for more. The game moves fast and feels exciting from the very first card to the very last! Continue reading
While I cannot endorse Even Pretty Girls Fart to another parent, I have no problem suggesting it to a little geek. Reading is more than just a means to educate oneself. It is also meant to entertain. This book certainly does that based on the chuckles I hear from the other room whenever my little geeks read the book. Put it in front of an adult, and they simply don’t understand the story or its intent. Put it in front of a little geek, and they all but applaud. Continue reading
If you enjoy action/dexterity games where memorization and color matching are needed, I highly suggest you give Bop It! XT a try. If you are not that kind of person, feel free to dislike Bop It! XT as I am pretty sure the feeling is mutual. This game likes making you feel bad. Continue reading
Star Wars Fighter Pods, spanning all six films and the animated Clone Wars, is comprised of sets of micro-sized miniatures and plastic “pods” that open to hold one miniature within. From a toy perspective, clearly they are a hit with the little geeks. From the Parent Geek perspective, I greatly appreciate the time and attention put into the miniatures and the wide variety of characters included. Continue reading
