Welcome to GamerDad: Gaming with Children. My name is Andrew S. Bub - the GamerDad - and I've been writing about videogames, movies, and children for over 15 years now. After working as a magazine journalist, I switched gears to write about how media violence affects children, educating parents about them, and working closely with magazines, newspapers, major retailers and even politicians. GamerDad is an internationally recognized expert in this field. Games, movies and media are fun, kids and families love them, they aren't going away. So join me in cutting through the hype and lets have a real conversation about the things that matter: Video Games, Violent Media, and their supposed effect on children and families.
Welcome to GamerDad: Gaming with Children. My name is Andrew S. Bub - the GamerDad - and I've been writing about videogames, movies, and children for over 15 years now. After working as a magazine journalist, I switched gears to write about how media violence affects children, educating parents about them, and working closely with magazines, newspapers, major retailers and even politicians. GamerDad is an internationally recognized expert in this field. Games, movies and media are fun, kids and families love them, they aren't going away. So join me in cutting through the hype and lets have a real conversation about the things that matter: Video Games, Violent Media, and their supposed effect on children and families.
Adventure Time: The Secret of the Nameless Kingdom (PS3, 360, 3DS)
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Posted on December 10th, 2014 by
Adventure Time is one of Cartoon Network’s most popular shows, and I’ve reviewed many games based on the franchise, both on tablets and consoles. Their newest console adventure was recently released, and in the game, Princess Bubblegum has sent Finn and his stretchy magical dog pal Jake to the Nameless Kingdom to investigate some trouble. The three princesses of the Nameless Kingdom have gone missing, presumably trapped in maze-like dungeons, and so it’s up to Finn and Jake to set out and rescue them. Adventure Time: The Secret of the Nameless Kingdom is a top-down viewed action adventure game very similar to classic Zelda titles, and it is available on PS3, Xbox 360, and 3DS (reviewed on PS3 here).
Reader Review: Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions (360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, PC)
Posted on December 8th, 2014 by
My good friend Leroy loves the Geometry Wars games. In fact, I think he told me one time that Geometry Wars was one of the main reasons why he bought an Xbox 360! And he’s really good at it, too! I bet he could beat anyone one of you reading this at that game. Or at least hold his own for a long time. Anyway, because he likes the games so much, I thought he’d be perfect to review the new Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions game. It’s available for 360, Xbox One, PC, PS3, and PS4, but reviewed on 360 here.
The Penguins of Madagascar (3DS, Wii U, Wii)
Posted on December 5th, 2014 by
I love the penguins in the Madagascar movies. In fact, they’re the only reasons why I watched all three films. Apparently, I’m not the only one who likes those penguins, because a few years ago they were in a cartoon series on Nickelodeon, and now they have their own feature length movie in theaters. And now you can join in the adventures of Skipper, Kowalski, Rico, and Private as they embark on a mission for their favorite Cheesy Dibbles snacks, and rescue other penguins in the process. The Penguins of Madagascar video game is based on the new movie, and is available for all current Nintendo consoles, but reviewed on 3DS here.
Cary’s Favorite Prime Time Cartoons
Posted on December 4th, 2014 by
Last month I wrote a blog about my favorite Saturday morning cartoons. Then I followed it up with a blog about my favorite weekday afternoon cartoons. So now I’m going to conclude this little ‘series’ by talking about my favorite prime time TV cartoons!
Grand Theft Auto V Strategy Guide (Book)
Posted on December 3rd, 2014 by
Grand Theft Auto V was one of last year’s best-selling titles for adult gamers. And this year it was released for the new PS4 and Xbox One consoles with added content. So if you want a guide with all the extra stuff, BradyGames has you covered with the new Grand Theft Auto Strategy Guide expanded for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Click to check out snippets of what’s inside.
Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal (3DS)
Posted on December 1st, 2014 by
One day, Sonic the Hedgehog’s friend Amy was exploring some ruins. That’s when she came across Lyric, an evil cybernetic snake who is searching for shards of a powerful crystal so he can take over the world. Amy fought him with all her might, but he ended up hypnotizing her and kidnapped her so she could help him find the crystals. Now it’s up to Sonic and his friends to save Amy and stop Lyric’s sinister plan. Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal for the 3DS is a 2-D platforming adventure. And it’s totally different than the Wii U version. The Sonic Boom games are also based on the new computer animated series airing now on Cartoon Network.
Unplugged: Holiday Guide 2014
Posted on November 28th, 2014 by
Give the gift of face to face time with a boardgame. It’s time once again for me to preach to the masses on the greatness of boardgaming. Nothing beats the social aspect of in-person gaming with friends. Last year’s run-down of recommended boardgames was a great success. Here again are some great examples of boardgames to get you and your family gaming. You might not find all these titles at your local mega-mart but many can be found online or in a friendly local game store. Those new to the world of boardgaming may find a bit of a sticker shock as some games are pricier than new release video games, but good boardgames will provide many more hours of entertainment than most video games. Boardgames are also relatively timeless so they can be pulled out years from now and provide the same level of enjoyment. In that vein, feel free to delve into some past year’s guides for 2012, 2010, or 2009. For each game I’ve provided the number of players, retail price, and expected time for one game. Note that often these games can be found for 20-40% less than the MSRP.
Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric (Wii U)
Posted on November 28th, 2014 by
One day, Sonic the Hedgehog and his friends were being chased by the villainous Dr. Eggman and Metal Sonic. To escape, they hid in some ancient ruins, and unwittingly freed an evil cybernetic snake named Lyric from his 1,000 year slumber. Now Sonic, Tails, Amy, and Knuckles must work together to stop Lyric from taking over the world! Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric is based on the new computer animated Sonic cartoon airing on Cartoon Network.
Skylanders Balloon to Appear at this Year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!
Posted on November 26th, 2014 by
The best-selling Skylanders video game and toy line has made over 2 billion in sales and is about to make another milestone as well. There will be a Skylanders balloon featured at this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! The Skylander that’ll be in balloon form is Eruptor, a fire-based warrior who came from the depths of a volcano. Skylanders is a pretty big deal here at GamerDad, so I wanted to make sure fans will know so you can tune in Thanksgiving morning. I’m only disappointed that Spyro the Dragon wasn’t picked to be the Skylanders balloon instead. Oh yes, and there will be a new Pikachu balloon as well. Click here to see a bigger picture of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade ad. Happy Thanksgiving!
Planes: Fire and Rescue (3DS)
Posted on November 25th, 2014 by
Planes: Fire & Rescue is based on the Disney film of the same name. Help Dusty Crophopper and his airplane and helicopter friends as they use teamwork and bravery to put our fires and rescue others at Piston Park. The game is available for 3DS, Wii U, and Wii, but reviewed on 3DS here.
