Jungle Ascent Game Review (prepublished version)

It is said a mighty and long-lost civilization of great wealth and power took all their treasure and knowledge and put it on a very high shelf where no other civilization could reach it. And there is stayed while all the smaller and less advanced civilizations looked up and wanted it much like a 3-year-old wants a cookie. Centuries later, brave explorers have found the proverbial shelf on which the treasure was placed. It was located on the very top of the Cliff of Frab, which was located in the deepest part of the most remote jungle of the world. Now, standing below the cliff, a team of explorers looks up and begins to ascend its dizzying heights. In their hearts they know that only one can claim the treasure, and so, they race to the top and let nothing stand in their way! Continue reading

Monopoly Millionaire Game Review

Personal jets, mansions (yes, plural), decadent parties around the world, and all the other exciting opportunities available to a millionaire are up for grabs. The goal of this game is to attempt to be the first player to be worth a millionaire dollars! Easy? Not so much. Along the way, you’ll host your own parties, give gifts, and of course, pay others for the privilege of renting their properties. Turns out, it costs money to make money. It’s all in fun, but in the end, the one who spent the wisest is the one who will win the game. Continue reading

Take It or Leave It Game Review

As the dice tumble and change, so too does the fortunes of the players. A single roll of the dice might provide much opportunity or nothing of value. With the use of cards that can shift the dice and change the outcome, all the players must race to collect the dice values and colors they need before they are altered and made useless. This is a game of timing, of judging how much risk is acceptable so as to make big points, and getting what you can before someone else does! Get in, get out, take it, or leave it! Continue reading

Tell Tale Fairy Tales Game Review

Dr. Seuss (real name Theodor Seuss Geisel, 1904 – 1991), an American writer, poet, and illustrator best known for his many children’s books, once said, “Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living. It’s a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life’s realities.” So very true. Best of all, it is also a geek skill and one that is available to everyone at a very early age. In this game, imagination is key as the players use random fairy tale story elements (characters, setting, plot, and theme) to create imaginative stories of their own or as a group. The playing area is your table top, but there are no boundaries to where this game can go. Continue reading

Fantasy Sports: The Geek Game for Sports Geeks

Each year, millions of people play fantasy football. These obsessive players spend hours pouring over stats, projections, and injury reports in hopes to put together the best possible combination of football players that can give them the highest number of fantasy points each week. What many of them don’t realize is that they are just like the millions of geeks who sit down and play games at the table. Player stats vs. character stats? They are the same! Jocks and geeks unite! Continue reading

Abacan Game Review

In this abstract game, every move counts and counts and counts again. Keep track of the beads and determine your odds of success as you quickly shift one to three beads from one side to another. Be smart, be careful, and be sure that the beads you move will not leave you well outside the winner’s circle when the game ends. Continue reading

Rhapsody Premier (Plus) Product Review

Over the years, due to the availability of cheap digital storage, I have been able to do away with the clutter of DVD boxes in my living room and CD cases in the car. Additionally, I can access my music and movie collection anywhere in the house, with no more looking for physical media. That said, my families collection is far too large to put it all on our portable media devices, and my employer frowns upon storing music on the company drives. Continue reading

Speedeebee Game Review

Challenge your mind and your vocabulary as you quickly attempt to match random letters with random challenges! Speed of thought and tongue will win the day, but don’t mess up! One mistake or suffering from analysis paralysis can quickly cost you points. In this fast paced game, every turn counts and will keep you on your toes and your mind racing. Continue reading

How to Teach Kids the Basics of Investing

The earlier you start talking about the value of money, the deeper the lesson will sink in. Although it might sound silly to talk Wall Street with a child who still watches Sesame Street. However, it is important that children learn the benefits, drawbacks, and strategies involved in making investments for their future, as well as the basic types of investment options that are out there. Too often focus is spent on how to spend responsibly and not enough on how to save intelligently. (sponsored post) Continue reading

Geek Family Blogging and Bonding

One of the challenges that sometimes comes with being a parent is that you find yourself looking for ways to spend quality time with your children and family; things to do that will be entertaining, meaningful, and beneficial for everyone. If you’ve been thinking about doing something that is innovative and technologically savvy, why not do a family blog? (sponsored post) Continue reading

Among the Stars Game Review (prepublished version)

Not too long ago, space was a battleground. Many fought and died among the stars. That time has passed and peace has been declared by all the warring races. In an effort to keep the peace and establish meaningful relationships built on trust and trade, the new governing body known as the Alliance has ordered all space-faring civilizations to build space stations to be a beacon of peace and friendship in the darkness of space. You have been hand-selected to represent your race and construct such a space station. You have limited time and resources, but you must succeed for the betterment of all. Continue reading