GamerDad and family 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.
Hire GamerDad / Media Guide

SNK Summer School: HAL 21 (PS Minis)

Next in our look at old SNK pre-Neo-Geo arcade classics that are now available to download on PS3 and PSP as PS Minis is HAL 21. It’s a vertically scrolling classic 2-D shooter that bears more than a passing resemblance to Xevious.

more…

SNK Summer School: Sasuke Vs. Commander (PS Minis)

The third in our look at old SNK pre-Neo-Geo arcade classics that are now available to download on PS3 and PSP as PS Minis is Sasuke Vs. Commander. Ever heard of Satan’s Hollow? It was a single screen shooter similar to Galaga, except the space ships and alien bugs were replaced with a fantasy background and demon enemies. Sasuke Vs. Commander is a lot like that, except it has a Japanese ninja motif.

more…

SNK Summer School: Vanguard (PS Minis)

Next up in our look at old SNK pre-Neo-Geo arcade classics that are now available to download on PS3 and PSP as PS Minis is Vanguard. It’s an old scrolling arcade shooter from the early 80’s.

more…

SNK Summer School: Ozma Wars (PS Minis)

When people see game maker SNK, they usually think of the Neo-Geo. But did you know they were making arcade games long before that? A large batch of their early pre-Neo-Geo arcade games have been recently released on the PS3 and PSP in the form of downloadable PS Minis. So every day for the next week, we’ll take a look at each one! First up is Ozma Wars, a very early arcade shooter.

more…

Game Review: Ben 10 Triple Pack (DS)

Ben 10 is a popular action animated series on Cartoon Network. It stars Ben, a teenage boy who uses a special wristwatch-like device to transform into all sorts of powerful aliens. Ben uses his abilities to stop intergalactic invaders from taking over Earth. Now your young Ben 10 fans can enjoy three adventures in one with the Ben 10 Triple Pack for Nintendo DS. It features Ben 10: Protector of Earth, Ben 10: Alien Force, and Ben 10 Alien Force: Vilgax Attacks all on one cartridge.

more…

Game Review: Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon (360, PS3)

Giant ants, spiders, and other alien bugs are taking over the world, and it’s up to you to stop them. Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon is an over-the-shoulder, third person shooter where you blast all manner of giant creepy-crawlies. It’s available for Xbox 360 and PS3 (360 version reviewed here).

more…

Game Review: Dungeons and Dragons: Daggerdale (PC, XBOX Live)

Nearly every computer RPG owes its roots to the pencil and paper Dungeons and Dragons game. Unfortunately, D&D has not always fared as well when brought into the digital realm. Some versions drew critical acclaim (the Gold Box series, Baldur’s Gate, etc…) but still others were more lackluster. The newest electronic entry, Daggerdale, falls somewhere on the spectrum between the arcade dungeon romp series, Gauntlet, and the more complex (but still a dungeon romp), Diablo series. Targeted at multiplayer gaming, allowing up to four players to play at once, Daggerdale provides a fun Gauntlet type experience along with the joys of “leveling up” one’s character, however it fails to completely grasp the gripping story or depth seen in larger games like Diablo. If you come to the title looking for some lightweight fantasy gaming action, it will serve you well.
more…

Second Opinion: LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean (Wii, Xbox 360, PS3, DS)

In GamerDad’s recent review of LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean, he glowingly relates how the newest installment in the LEGO adventure series just may be the best yet. I wanted to join the chorus and second his recommendation of the title for fans of the LEGO series, fans of Pirates of the Caribbean, or for anyone who is looking for a great two-player cooperative family game.
more…

Game Review: Ms. ‘Splosion Man (Xbox LIVE Arcade)

The scientists have finally captured ‘Splosion Man, the crazy experiment who can explode at will. But during the celebration party, one of the scientists spilled champagne on some wires, and Ms. ‘Splosion Man was born! Now armed with an explosive personality and plenty of girl power, she’ll have to escape the scientists, too, and cause plenty of mayhem and havoc in this sequel to one of the most popular Xbox LIVE Arcade games ever.

more…

The Characters of Cartoon Network: Punch Time Explosion (3DS)

I hate giving games a bad review. I really do. Anyone who’s read my reviews can tell. Even if a game is mediocre, as long as it’s playable I’ll try and look at the good in the game as much as I can. That’s why it pains me to say that Cartoon Network: Punch Time Explosion for 3DS is the worst game I’ve played this year so far. But since I still like a lot of the characters in the game, I’m going to write a blog about them anyway.

more…