I must be on a gaming kick this week, because I've got another one to talk about. This one is called Star Command, and it's essentially a Star Trek-influenced RPG simulator for iPhone and iPad. You start off by designing a Captain avatar and a small ship, then you build different types of rooms on the ship and staff each one with…
Most gamers need no introduction to Bastion, being one of the most critically-acclaimed games of the last few years and all. In case you haven't heard of it though, it's an adventure game where you play as The Kid, who wakes up after some kind of catastrophic event and must navigate through a series of floating ruins, fighting monsters along the way.…
Lately I've been addicted to an awesome little game for iOS called Ridiculous Fishing. It's gorgeous, the music is great, and there are no in-app purchases (IAP) to unlock items. Everything is unlocked as you earn in-game money. The basic mechanics are simple: tap the screen to cast your line, tilt your device to move the hook around and avoid hitting any…
I don't consider myself a gamer, but growing up in the late 90s with a PC in the house, I was exposed to some pretty great games. Age of Empires is one of the few that stuck. And now it's coming back. Due out April 19 on Steam for the PC, Age of Empires II has been re-mastered for an HD world,…
Chess, traditionally played between two people, is an ancient and treasured pastime. That doesn't mean we can't mix it up a bit, though. Enter the 3-Man Chess set, which introduces some fascinating mechanics and strategy, even making it feasible for two players to form an alliance and crush the third player before inevitably turning on one another. Pick the set up for…
I love the following things: LEGO Lord of the Rings Macs I might just be $30 lighter by the time this weekend rolls around, as LEGO Lord of the Rings has shipped for the Mac. With 80 playable characters, multiplayer mode and a super creepy-looking LEGO Gollum, this app looks like a must-have.
The Wii U marks Nintendo's entry in the new generation of consoles, ahead of rivals Microsoft and Sony. The new system is powered by the Wii U GamePad, a controller with a 6.2-inch display in the center. (Thankfully, a more traditional controller is also available.) The console itself looks like a beefed-up Wii, with full 1080p video output, 2 GB RAM and…
EA is back with its flagship sports game, Madden NFL. This year, the game is built on a whole new engine, offering better graphics and better usability designed to mimic a nationally-televised game. Some have been complaining that EA's changes to Franchise Mode were unfounded, our money is on this game being yet another great title in a long line of hits.…
The MaKey MaKey is basically a USB keyboard and mouse controller. You plug one end of your alligator clips and jumper wires into the circuit board and then connect the other end to a conductive surface. Then use your imagination to build all sorts of remote controls in order to interact with your computer. It's fun for kids of all ages. The…
Only one game for the iPad has ever really snuck itself into my free time, and that was Plants vs. Zombies. That is, until now. Kingdom Rush has a similar feel to PvZ in that you set up your defensive strategy before the level starts, and then keep maintaining it and fighting off the attackers. It's a lot of fun, very cartoon-y,…
This game is awesome. I'm a big fan of games where you sit down with a handful of friends or family, everyone has their beverage of choice (usually hot tea at our house), and you play a good-paced, interesting, strategy game. Settlers of Catan has been the long-time favorite in the Blanc household. Lately we've been having fun with Ticket to Ride…
At most, I am a casual gamer. But every now and then an iOS game comes along that is just the right amount of fun. Mage Gauntlet happened to be one of those games. The graphics are a classic 16-bit, the gameplay is challenging and engaging, and the plot isn't all that bad either. And the game itself is only $2.99 in…
It doesn't matter if we're with my family or my wife's family, when we get together we play board games. The Settlers of Catan is a favorite on my side, and Ticket to Ride is the favorite on Anna's side. (A new favorite that hasn't been introduced to the in-laws just yet is Power Grid.) Ticket to Ride takes about 2 hours…
Ever since that weekend in the 5th grade when I binged on Super Mario Brothers I have spent very little time playing video games. But thoughtful, and artistic puzzle games like Machinarium have always caught my eye. I played through Machinarium when it first came out for Mac a while ago — it has a wonderful soundtrack, the artwork is beautiful, and…
The best way to describe Power Grid is to say it's like an amalgamation of The Settlers of Catan and Ticket To Ride. Power Grid is a strategy game that requires time and attention. It's like Settlers because you build cities and collect resources. It's like Ticket to Ride because you connect those cities across a map and you have to think…
The board game for people who like Outer Space, buildings things, and blowing things up. You and your opponents create your ships, man them, equip them with guns and shields, and then traverse the wild and unpredictable limits of deep space. Tons of fun, tuns of adventure, and if you're lucky, no tears of sadness at your busted up space ship.