Review: Civilization Revolution (DS)
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Posted on August 7th, 2008 by
When Caltech student Walter Bright used a stack of punchcards and a mainframe computer to program one of the first turn-based strategy games, little did he know the long legacy of the genre that followed from that initial game of Empire. Over a decade later, Sid Meier created the crowning jewel of the genre, Civilization – chosen by Computer Gaming World in as the best computer game of all time. Fast forward to 2008, and you can now play Civilization in a portable format via your Nintendo DS!
Cary’s Favorite Live Action TV Shows
Posted on August 6th, 2008 by
While recently watching the new X-Files movie, I started thinking about TV shows I’ve enjoyed throughout my life. I usually don’t watch much TV, and when I do, there’s a good chance that it’ll be something animated, not live action. Blame that to lots of little brothers and kids and just the fact that, well, I like cartoons. If I’m going to watch something on TV, it’s going to be as far from reality as possible. Plus, I really don’t watch TV much anyway since most of what I do on it is play video games. However, over the years there have been some live action TV shows that I’ve really enjoyed, and I thought I’d share my memories of them with you.
Order Up!
Posted on August 5th, 2008 by
Another cooking game for the Wii? Yep, only this time there’s a more Western personality and sensibility, a lot more humor, and the difference between cooking with mama in the kitchen and satisfying a horde of hungry restaurant patrons. I’d give the game a solid 4 out of 5 and recommend it for kids 8+ but must warn that the frustration level is high with this one. WhatTheyPlay let me write about it, so here’s the content review. Bon Appetite!
Videogames v. Reading
Posted on August 5th, 2008 by
“Why do you recommend video games when you could be recommending books and reading?”
I’ve gotten this question a few times, mostly from the well-meaning type who maybe tries but probably can’t wrap their head around the attraction of games and gaming. This type is an avid reader and cannot understand why kids seem to be giving up books. Here’s what I tell them:
Ask GamerDad 8/01/08
Posted on August 4th, 2008 by
This week is all about celebrating differences. You ask about the differences between Bioshock and Condemned 2: Bloodshot. And what about Grand Theft Auto IV versus a thieving raccoon? All this and more! Just read on…
Nancy Drew & The Clue Bender Society
Posted on August 4th, 2008 by
Nancy’s DS adventures continue in this simple adventure game for kids around 10 years of age. Once again the ESRB mystifies with their ever-vague “Mild Violence” descriptor but I’m always keen to guess. The game is solid adventure and easy for kids, but way too easy for anyone over 12. Here’s the content review at WhatTheyPlay. Go solve the mystery yourself. I’d give this one a 3 out of 5.
RPGWatch: The Whole Game in My Hand #10
Posted on August 2nd, 2008 by
Late in 2005 some friends at RPGDot came to me with the idea to do summary articles on the state on RPG gaming on the major handhelds. The release of the DS and particularly the PSP had intrigued many RPG fans who were not interested in consoles (wait, that sounds like me!), and so I put together three articles – one for the GBA, one for the DS and the last one for the PSP. The articles were very well received and when RPGWatch launched late in 2006, I was asked to update the state of handheld RPG’s once more. That is how ‘The Whole Game in My Hand’ was born.
It’s Counter-Strike for Kids!
Posted on August 2nd, 2008 by
Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, I found this at the AVClub’s Videocracy. It takes a while to get rolling but eventually we get Counter-Strike for Kids! a clever parody on today’s gamerparent lifestyle! Take it any way you want. Have a great weekend! more…
An Uncomfortable Meeting
Posted on August 1st, 2008 by
My speech finished, I stuffed my papers back into their folder, and that into the black backpack at my feet. A small crowd was gathering in front of the podium, parents thanking me, congratulating me, or maybe nursing a question of some kind. It was a typical PTA meeting on the South Side of Milwaukee when I encountered one of “them.” more…
