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.
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Cary vs. Summer Movies

The summer season is known for having many blockbuster movies. And since summer is nearly over, I figured I’d write a blog about all the summer movies I’ve seen this year in theaters. Enjoy!

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Game Review: BlazBlue: Continuum Shift (PS3, 360)

Last year’s newcomer in the 2-D fighter arena, BlazBlue, proved to be a big hit. Now fans can enjoy the sequel, Continuum Shift, on 360 and PS3 (360 version reviewed here). It’s definitely a must-have for fans of the series with more characters and gameplay modes.

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Some Thoughts about Endless Ocean: Blue World (Wii)

Having spent most of the winter and spring away from home, I am rather a Johnny come lately type for any video game releases in the first half of 2010. However, I’ve had some of the summer to catch up and wanted to post a few thoughts I had on a somewhat different title, Endless Ocean: Blue World. This Wii game is a sequel to Endless Ocean. Like the original, you play as a scuba diver and get to explore various pretty underwater areas using the Wii controls. I’m not going to re-review the entire game (you can go check out GamerDad’s reviews for the original game and the sequel if you need) but I wanted to comment on a few aspects of the series that make them somewhat unique.

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Import Game Review: Taiko no Tatsujin DS: Dororon! Youkai Daikessen!!

Recently I imported a new Japanese DS game. Not sure what it translates to, probably “Cary is a weirdo.” Taiko no Tatsujin is a music and rhythm game where you hit a Taiko drum in time with the beat. A Taiko drum is a large Japanese drum. You’ve probably seen one and never realized it. They look like giant barrels tipped on their sides. There’s no chance this game will ever come to the US, so here’s my import review of the third Taiko no Tatsujin game to appear on the Nintendo DS!

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Game Review: Legend of Kay (DS)

In a mystical land based on Asian folklore, cats, rabbits, frogs, and pandas all live together in harmony. They all follow an ancient tradition called The Way which teaches respect and settling differences non-violently. But one day, a group of strong gorillas and cunning rats use their might to take over the land. Now it’s up to young Kay the cat to save his people and their homes.

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Game Review: Maestro! Green Groove (DSiWare)

Maestro! Green Groove is a downloadable DSiWare title that combines 2-D platform jumping with music and rhythm gameplay. The story is told through charming cutscenes. When the talented music-making birds Maestro and Bella fall in love, the jealous spider Staccato cast a spell which removes music from the entire world! Now it’s up to Maestro to bring back the music and rescue Bella.

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Game Review: Pac-Man Pizza Parlor (PC)

The story goes that the creator of Pac-Man got the idea for the game by looking at a pizza with a slice cut out. So for his 30th Anniversary, Pac-Man is going back to his original roots with Pac-Man Pizza Parlor, a new downloadable PC title that mixes gameplay elements from Pac-Man and causal time management challenges like Diner Dash.

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Parental Apathy-or-Permissiveness?

BEN WROTE: (Regarding a post from a reader named Jared) I don’t know of any parent (that actually knows what the big M on the box means) who would let there kid play that. I’m 14 and my parents are unwilling to let borrow halo 3 from a friend even though I have call of duty modern warefare 2.

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Sam & Max Season 3: The Devil’s Toybox: Episode 4: Beyond the Alley of the Dolls (PC, PS3, iPad)

Sam & Max aren’t your regular police force…they’re the Freelance Police. Sam is a no-nonsense dog detective and his pal Max is a hyperkinetic rabbity thing. For more than 20 years they’ve been serving their brand of justice on the pages of underground comic books, on a Saturday morning cartoon, and in some popular computer adventure games. Now they’re ready for their third season of crazy madcap episodic point and click adventures! (PC version reviewed here)

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Game Review: Little League Baseball World Series 2010 (360, PS3)

You know what’s strange? I find baseball a very boring sport to watch both on TV and live. But whenever one of my little brothers or cousins ever had a Little League game, I would never pass up the chance to go watch them play. The kids were always more entertaining than the pros. It was great seeing my little brothers out there on the field having fun and learning valuable lessons on teamwork without too much pressure to win (or make money). And now you can enjoy all the fun of Little League with Little League Baseball World Series  2010 on the Xbox 360 and PS3 (360 version reviewed here).

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