A PAX Approaches
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Posted on September 1st, 2009 by
Well this will be my last blog until after I get back from PAX. When I’ve gone to video game conventions in the past, I usually would bring my dad with me because he could help me get around since I’m blind in my left eye, and plus I just like doing things with my family. This year I’m doing something a little different. I’m bringing little brother Jeff and my mom along. I’m glad that I can afford to take them on a vacation at this point in my life. I’ve never been able to do that before, and I might not have that chance again.
GenCon 2009 – Wrap-up Report
Posted on August 26th, 2009 by
While I first think of boardgames and RPGs when I think of GenCon, it is actually so much more. Here are a few of the nifty, cool, or downright odd things I came across as I went about my business. Oh, and since we are a video-game centric site after all, I’ve also included a few comments about the video games being shown off in the main dealer hall.
Saints Row
Posted on August 25th, 2009 by
How about that Saints Row? That good for the shorties, yo?
GenCon 2009 Report – Gamer Boardgames
Posted on August 24th, 2009 by
What is a gamer boardgame? My previous GenCon report covered family boardgames, games that are great to play with younger kids, or informally with friends who drop by for dinner. Gamer games are slightly more complex and tend to last a bit longer (an hour or two).
GenCon 2009 – A Photo Essay
Posted on August 22nd, 2009 by
Two reports down, two to go. No additional posts today, but feel free to head on over to Boardgame News to check out my photo essay on the convention. I’ll be back next week to finish up with coverage of the more advanced boardgames and then wind up with an overview of collectible gaming, video games, and the just plain strange at this year’s GenCon.
GenCon 2009 Report – Family Gaming
Posted on August 21st, 2009 by
In the past few years, GenCon has made a concerted effort to appeal to a broader audience than the stereotypical gamer geek. They have a areas set aside for kids to play boardgames, trips to the local museums and movie showings for gamer spouses, there’s even a giant highway billboard I see every day on the way to and from the convention that advertises GenCon as a family vacation destination. For the most part, I think they are succeeding. Even in the past five years that I have attended, I have noticed a significant shift in both the family-friendly offerings and a much larger family contingent of attendees. As I’m a big boardgaming fan, I managed to find more information on boardgames than can fit in a single article. So today I’ll focus on games and companies that are family-friendly. Next time we’ll cover boardgames that are cut out more suitable for enthusiastic gamers.
GenCon 2009 Report – Role Playing Games
Posted on August 20th, 2009 by
GenCon has come and gone once again in Indianapolis, leaving attendees with a bit less sleep, a bit more crowded game rooms, and a bit lighter in the wallet. However, most can claim to be satiated for the moment. GenCon is four days of concentrated gaming in one of the oldest and largest game-focused conventions in the US. I was able to attend for two days and spent most of my time roaming the large dealer floor, checking out the upcoming games. Started as an offshoot of TSR (the original Dungeons and Dragons company), GenCon has a strong role-playing presence in addition to the large number of boardgame and slightly fewer electronic gaming companies. For today, I’ll focus on the role playing game news that I found most interesting. In future articles, I’ll cover the electronic and the boardgame news from the show.
Bookworm Adventures 2
Posted on August 19th, 2009 by
Bookworm, Popcap.com’s awesome little wordsearch game, is now $2.99 at the Apple App store. If you have an iPhone or Touch, you need this app. I’ve been playing it constantly and my daughter (9) likes it too. But I’m really here to talk about Bookworm Adventures 2, PopCap’s clever little take on word search prowess with vague RPG/Adventure elements.
GamerDad PAX ’09
Posted on August 19th, 2009 by
I have some bad news. I’m not speaking at PAX this year. No panels, no packed halls for my GamerDad speech and no filling in for the ECA’s Hal Halpin to talk games and politics despite the fact that GamePolitics.com continues to snub me (hey, email them about that please). The reason? Two-fold. One: I’ve attended proudly for 3 years running. Two: There’s no need for me to continue. Come in to find out what I mean and read the complete story.
Ask GD – Left 4 Dead and Kids
Posted on August 16th, 2009 by
Even though I’ve written a lot about this one, let me spotlight a new question about it:
I’m a parent of a 14 year old and a seven year old. They’re both boys (if that is applicable – I’m not being sexist) and my oldest wants to play Left 4 Dead. I know it’s M, and I know my youngest isn’t going to be even near it, but is it suitable for my 14 year old? I’m not too keen on violence and blood, but I would rather have him kill zombies than innocent children.
And, if I do get him L4D, is it illegal? Sorry I’m new to these M and AO games? – Krazy Koala
