Five Great Games That Teach Your Kids How to Handle Money

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If our generation were asked what we wish our parents would’ve taught us while growing up, there would probably be an astounding number of people who would answer “money management”. With your kids, you now have an opportunity to “right some of the wrongs” that you experienced when it comes to the subject of handling money. One of the best ways to pass on this knowledge is to do it in a way that is both memorable and fun. For many children, this would be through playing games. (sponsored post) Continue reading →

Five Easy Educational Games for Long Summer Car Trips

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So, you’re gearing up for a family road trip, eh? You’ve got the iPods. You’ve got the cell phones. You’ve even got a couple of videos to take along. But back when you were growing up, you didn’t have these things to entertain you. No, you and your family had to find ways to pass the time by communicating with one another. It was a positive experience and you’d like for your kids to share it. Plus, just because they’re on summer break doesn’t mean that their brains should be. (sponsored post) Continue reading →

The Great Fire of London 1666 Game Review

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It was a simple and silly mistake that lead to the Great Fire of London in 1666. A baker carelessly left his oven fires burning and unattended. The flames escaped their coals and caught the baker’s house on fire. The fire spread quickly and soon engulfed Pudding Lane. The alarm was raised and the news spread quickly. When the ill tidings reached your ears, you quickly moved your family to safety and then focused on more pressing matters. Specifically, saving as much of your property as possible and doing it in a way that could win you favor in Londoners’ eyes. Truly, the ambitious make use of all opportunities. Continue reading →

Halfling Heist Game Review

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The Cockatrice Corral is known for two things: its outstanding menu that has culinary snobs feinting out of pure joy and the very high probability of anyone stepping through the door getting into a fight. It’s the food that keeps the clientele coming back, despite the very real chance they might leave with fewer teeth thanks to a lucky punch from another tavern patron. For a small band of Halflings, a visit to the Cockatrice Corral means a free meal, but not without risk. Being small has many advantages, but it also means you can be easily stepped on. The things some Halflings do for a really good Snot Goblin Stew… Continue reading →

The Settlers of Catan Game Review

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The small island of Catan is rich with natural resources. There is grass for the sheep, mountains for ore , deep forests for wood, hills for clay bricks, and the fertile soil makes for bountiful wheat harvests. You and your people have sailed across the waters to arrive at this small island with plans to make it your new home, but you are not alone. Others have also arrived with plans to settle this land and make use of its riches. Continue reading →

Ace of Spies Game Review (prepublished version)

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Espionage is a game where betrayal is a given. This makes it a lonely game for all to play, as there are no friends you can trust. The only thing you can depend on are your enemies because you know where they stand. No, it’s your supposed friends you have to be careful for. That nice waitress at the corner cafe and the kindly old man who feeds pigeons in the park could all be agents. The only way to survive is to be quicker, smarter, and more paranoid than everyone else. Welcome to the game, agent. Continue reading →

Scallywags Game Review

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I very much like this game. When I play it with my little geeks, it is an exercise in memorization and watching my children learn the subtle art of risk vs. reward, bluffing & misdirection, and ganging up on Daddy. When I play with casual gamers, it is a fun and relaxed game where we all laugh and roll our eyes at each other as we steal points and make bad decisions. When I play it with my Gamer Geek friends, it turns into a bloodbath and sharp words are exchanged at the table. Three very different game experiences with the same game. Games that can be played with such a wide group with different levels of experience and provide very different but always rewarding game play are rare. Continue reading →

Jail Break Game Review

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Jail is remarkably boring. All you do is sit around all day, perhaps workout, eat some food, and watch some TV. It’s like that everyday and will be the rest of your life unless you do something about it. The right thing to do is work to become a better person and get out of jail early for good behavior. But that will take forever, because you’ve got a lot to work on. Nope, the fastest way out of your cell is to breakout and make a run for it. Of course, you’ll have to avoid the guards, so digging a tunnel is the best way to go. And your High School guidance counselor said you lacked initiative! HA! Take that public education! Continue reading →

Famous Zombies Game Review (prepublished version)

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Zombies are among us and only have one thing on their rotting minds – eat the living. Of course, humanity won’t be going down without a fight, regardless of the odds. And the odds, well, they aren’t good. No matter! You must lead those who would follow you and take out the undead hoard before they get you! Later, when the survivors scramble back to camp, you can drop some names and boast about the more popular undead you took down. Never mind it cost you 10 or so “volunteers” to do so. Continue reading →

Gettalife Game Review

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The choices you make in your life will lead you down the path to new opportunities. This same path could also lead you to a cliff. Thoughtful choices and determination is needed to succeed. An individual who understands that a healthy relationship is just as important (if not more so) than seeking out prosperity will go far. Knowledge and experience are also needed and will serve as invaluable tools. The choices you make will determine what choices are available to you in the future. Here’s hoping you pick the right ones. Continue reading →

Road Trip Dungeons Game Review

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After a deadly virus spreads across the globe, civilization lies in ruin and the roads once used to travel swiftly from one location to another are now dangerous paths to walk. Many avoid travel altogether, preferring to stay safe behind walls that protect them from the outside world that has turned hostile. But there are a few brave and talented individuals who risk the ravaged land and walk the roads in search of adventure. You are one of these individuals. Continue reading →

7 Wonders Game Review

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7 Wonders is a game where players try to lead an ancient civilization from its earliest beginnings to become a world power. Players can develop their civilization as military powerhouse, establish a merchant state, or master science and technology. Over a series of three Ages, players will first develop a collection of resources that are used in later Ages to build structures, train a military, research technologies, and even build a world wonder. The player who has the most developed civilization (i.e. victory points) after the third Age wins the game. Continue reading →