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.
A Neighborly Welcome
3 Comments
Posted on May 5th, 2013 by
In about a month I’ll be moving to a new town. Oh don’t worry about me, I’ve done this before so I know what to expect. Once I get there, a raccoon will try to sell me a house. My neighbors will be critters like talking ducks and frogs. I’ll be buying my clothes from a pair of porcupine sisters and spending my Saturday nights listening to a singing dog. No I’m not insane; I’m just talking about Animal Crossing. The next installment will be on the 3DS and will be called Animal Crossing: New Leaf. Apparently, someone knows I’ll be moving there around June 9th, so they sent me a typical welcoming present (thanks Andrew). Click here to find out what it is!
Legend of the River King (3DS Virtual Console)
Posted on May 3rd, 2013 by
Game maker Natsume is best known for their Harvest Moon series of farming simulations that have been around ever since the Super Nintendo! They’ve had a few other hit titles, too, like the fantasy farming Rune Factory games. Another one of their less prolific series is Legend of the River King. Now you can enjoy the very first game in the River King saga via Nintendo’s 3DS eShop Virtual Console service. The original was released for Game Boy and Game Boy Color, and it’s more than just a fishing game. It’s probably the world’s first fishing RPG!
Mr. Runner 2: The Masks (iPad)
Posted on May 1st, 2013 by
Continuously running games seem to be racing rampantly on the screens of iOS devices everywhere, and now one more joins their ranks with Mr. Runner 2: The Masks (iPad version reviewed here). Fun, cartoony graphics and a dash of humor help this one stand out, though.
Piano Genius (iPad)
Posted on April 29th, 2013 by
Music and rhythm video games have allowed virtual performers to play electronic versions of all sorts of instruments. Guitars, microphones, maracas, even Japanese Taiko drums! Now there’s one that lets you play piano! But you don’t have to worry about a Baby Grand taking up room in your house, as Piano Genius is available to download on iOS devices (iPad version reviewed here).
Reader Review: Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity (3DS)
Posted on April 26th, 2013 by
The Mystery Dungeon series of games have a long running history in Japan and even here in the US, too! Also called Rogue-likes (because they’re a lot like an old PC title by the same name), these games have you exploring randomly generated dungeon mazes with tricks, traps, and enemies every step of the way. It’s your job to nab as many useful treasures as you can and make it to the exit alive so you can keep your stash. Many Mystery Dungeon titles use popular characters from other games, like Torneko and Yangus from Dragon Quest, Pokemon, and even an old Namco arcade game called The Tower of Druaga! My brother Jeff loved The Nightmare of Druaga so much as a kid that he even asked for a birthday cake of it (I do have a picture of that). So since Jeff loves Mystery Dungeon games AND Pokemon, I thought he’d be a perfect fit for this review.
Anima: Ark of Sinners Advance (iPad)
Posted on April 24th, 2013 by
Anima Beyond Fantasy is a series of popular role-playing books, miniature war tabletop figures, and card games (although I’ve never heard of any of it). And now it’s a video game with Ark of Sinners Advance. Play as female warrior Celia, who wakes up in an empty city with no memory as to how she got there. She only knows she must search for her friend Nemo, and along the way she’ll have to uncover the mysteries of this desolate city in this 2-D platform hack and slash game for iPad.
Monster High: Skulltimate Roller Maze (Wii, DS, 3DS)
Posted on April 22nd, 2013 by
Monster High is a popular doll toy line for girls, and now your kids can race as their favorite Monster High students on roller skates. Choose from over a dozen characters and race on a variety of spooky tracks in circuit and relay events (3DS version reviewed here).
BattleBlock Theater (360)
Posted on April 19th, 2013 by
One of the best, most highest rated Xbox LIVE arcade games of all time is Castle Crashers. It’s a cartoony side scrolling four player co-op brawler with medieval themes. Now Behemoth, makers of Castle Crashers (and also Alien Hominid HD), have FINALLY released their third Xbox LIVE game: BattleBlock Theater! Was it worth the wait? Read on to find out!
Angry Birds Cheese Nips
Posted on April 17th, 2013 by
It may be a little silly for me to post this, but I just love this weird stuff. Now you can get Angry Birds Cheese Nips in stores!
BioShock Infinite Signature Series Strategy Guide (Book)
Posted on April 15th, 2013 by
Even though the BioShock game series isn’t my cup of tea, I do have to admit they have loads of unique atmosphere. Now BradyGames has you covered with a strategy guide for the newest in the BioShock series: BioShock Infinite. Is it worth getting even though we have the Internet now? Read on to find out!
