Tag Archives: Parent Geek Approved

Parent Geek approved games are fun, social, and educational. They are perfect for families and for playing with friends. Out of all the test groups, the Parent Geeks tend to be the most interested in games that can “grow” with the family and are good investments, finding play time on the table with mixed age and game experience groups.

Transformers Construct-Bots Toy Review

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Ever since the mid 1980’s, I have been fascinated with the Transformers. As a child, I played with them for countless hours, acting out epic wars with my brothers and friends. As a parent, I get to play with the “robots in disguise” with my little geeks. Throughout the years, I have seen many Transformers introduced to the market. Sometimes I like them, but oftentimes dismiss them as garbage. I’m curious to see how the newest bots on the block will fare… Continue reading →

The Upside Game Review

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Winston Churchill said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” In this game of outrageous misfortune, every player is asked to be an opportunist to the extreme. The worst possible situation you can imagine is about to be presented. The goal is simple: flip difficulty into opportunity. Not an easy task. Sometimes finding the upside is an uphill struggle, but well worth the effort. Continue reading →

LightSpeed Game Review

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In the blink of an eye, your world could change. Nothing is for certain. We plan and we scheme, but all it takes is one unknown to throw everything off. But the human mind quickly adapts. New challenges result in new solutions. We overcome obstacles and persevere when everything to the contrary suggests that failure is the only possible outcome. In this game, every choice could lead to disaster or a brilliant opportunity, but victory is never certain. Continue reading →

Pretty Ugly Game Review (prepublished version)

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The pursuit of beauty is often in the opposite direction of truth. We cover wrinkles, hide bulges, and cake ourselves with chemicals in hopes of becoming beautiful to others. Some have made a career out of defining “beauty”. Others have dedicated their lives to obtain it. Both groups quickly learn that what is pleasing to the eye today will be shunned tomorrow, making the pursuit of beauty a pretty ugly experience. Continue reading →

Dark Horse: Rebels & Rogues Game Expansion Review (prepublished version)

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Life in the “Wild West” was tough. There were only two ways to make a living: work the land or cheat the populace. The strong preyed on the weak and the weak banded together to fight the strong. This was a time where fame and infamy were the same thing, and right or wrong was decided at gunpoint. Continue reading →

Worker Placement Game Review (prepublished version)

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You consider yourself an optimistic opportunist. That’s why when the economy took a hit, and lots of highly skilled individuals were out of work, you saw nothing but profit to be gained. You have started your own Temp Business and are now seeking to fulfill lucrative contracts. Of course, so are other entrepreneurs, but a little competition can be healthy, right? Train your employees well and you just might be able to beat your competition to the finish line! Continue reading →

Quartex Game Review

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The human mind sees patterns in everything. We are hardwired to make associations with what we encounter in our daily lives, be it a person, a place, or a thing. This helps us make choices by matching something new to something we already know. In this game, every piece of the puzzle you add will make the “big picture” all the more difficult to observe. Get ready to think hard and see patterns where none yet exist! Continue reading →

Dead Panic Game Review

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You and a few others have managed to make it out of suburbia and into the countryside. The population is less dense here, but there’s still danger. Just because you don’t see zombies doesn’t mean they aren’t lurking behind trees or rocks. You know a place where you can regroup and restock. It belonged to a friend – now dead – who loved to hunt. You’re sure to find supplies there. You pray you don’t find anything else…or anything finds you. Continue reading →

WordSmith Game Review

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To write is to create substance out of nothingness. Painters use colors, sculptures use clay, and writers use words. A writer’s canvas is the mind of the reader and their paint is pure emotion. To be a wordsmith is to be a creator of visions and ideas. A single word or sentence can stir the imagination of an individual and rouse nations to war. And it all begins with a single letter that turns the gears of change and destiny. Continue reading →

Firewall Game Review (prepublished version)

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According to the chatter on the forums and the annoying posts from script kiddies, a computer mainframe went online that was supposedly unhackable. Impossible! Even the toughest armor has a seam that can be exploited. You decide that you are going to make hacker history and be the first to punch a hole in the most secure mainframe to date. Of course, others have the same idea. Let the race begin! Hackers, start your decryption programs! Continue reading →

Monster Café Game Review

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You always dreamed of opening your own place and serving your clientele the very freshest of meals. Finally, after years of hard work, you have realized your dream and opened your very own restaurant! But your dream quickly became a nightmare when all your customers were monsters! Literally! Oh, well. No one said the restaurant business was easy and never forget: the customer is always right, no matter how wrong their order is. Continue reading →

Clubs Game Review

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My parents told me to never step on others to elevate myself or to steal for personal gain. Ironically, that is exactly what you must do in card games. Especially climbing games, where you must out play your opponents using their last play as your springboard. Stealing is also necessary, as taking cards from others is the only way to earn points. Charles Lamb once said, “cards are war, in disguise of a sport.” If that is true (and it is), get ready for a fight with clubs. Continue reading →