Not just for kids! (Give me back my GAMES you little......)

A fresh new Games, an erasable pen, some peace and quiet,
and I am in blissful heaven. Since April 1977 I have been
subscribed to Games, except the unfortunate hiatus in the
80's when Games Magazine was out of business. I was 11 years
old when I first received the magazine; and I have kept the
subscription up ever since. Now my 13 year old daughter
pounces on it and makes off with it if I don't find it first.

The content is well organized; with definitive categories and
recurring themes. A section of pencil puzzles printed on
regular paper bound in the midsection of the magazine features
a regular assortment of puzzles, including word games, logic,
mazes, and new twists on old favorites such as crosswords,
as well as novel and imaginative puzzles. The glossy section
features game reviews as well as a feature article, showcasing
some aspect of the gaming world, from carnival games to board
game tournaments to game collecting. Written in a lightly
irreverent style, it's fun reading; both entertaining and,
well, educational, if we stretch the definition a bit.

The problem solving skills kids can practice with this magazine
are eclipsed by the fun factor. With the video game culture
encouraging shorter attention spans and instant gratification,
this magazine fosters the intangible yet invaluable thinking
skills that cannot be taught; only learned.

A favorite recurring feature is the hidden contest, which
leads the reader to examine every square inch of the
magazine in hopes of scoring, at the very least, one of
the elusive and coveted Games T-shirts. Other contests, with
various themes and formats, require a myriad of arcane
problem resolution skills; there's something in this
magazine for everyone. Several skill levels are always
available, so the youngest in the house can work the easier
puzzles, then the adults can solve the harder ones.

Don't confuse this high quality magazine with the weekly pulp
"puzzle" magazines sold on the bottom shelf of any magazine
rack. The puzzles in Games Magazine are elegantly constructed
and witty. Once you've completed all the puzzles, found the
hidden contest (or determined there isn't one that month!),
there are still the highly entertaining articles to read. In
conclusion, I assure you this will become the most coveted
magazine in your house.