Reviews (5)

A Truly Hilarious Look At Toys Like You've Never Before Seen
"Toyfare" is a truly amazing read, and delivers every month. It surely isn't on the level of top-selling magazines such as "People" or "Entertainment Weekly," but it's writing is like none other I've read. Chock full of cheesy pop culture references to Marvel and DC Comics, He-Man, and everything else, "Toyfare" has some seriously funny comedy. If you're not familiar with Marvel and DC lore, you may not get as much of a laugh, but it's truly ingenius, and an underappreciated piece of writing. "Magoo Theatre," (now "Toyfare) is comedy at its best, featuring a skeptical Spider-Man, Homer Simpson-like Hulk, and alcoholic Iron Man. These monthly pieces are gems on their own, only boosted by the comedy bits in the wildly descriptive listings for action figures.

Be forewarned: "Toyfare"'s humor isn't for every one. Its humor can be hard to understand for people not familiar with comic book lore. But it's well worth a look, even just for the "Toyfare Theatre." You'll be surprised for the better.

No fare like ToyFare
I tell ya, there ain't nothin' that pushes my geeky side to the forefront like flippin' through the latest ish of ToyFare. Along with Mad magazine and the Wizard comic book price guide, ToyFare was a major factor in helping me maintain my sanity during those long customer-free stretches at the comics-and-collectibles shop I used to work at. Not only did I stay up-to-date on all the latest toy news thanks to the mag's scads of previews, reviews, the Top 10 hot list, and the quick-reference price guide in the back, I also got quite a few good laughs from the sophomoric and sick humor that seemed to ooze from every page. From single-panel "Big Shots" featuring various action figures saying and/or doing very wrong things to each other, to snide remarks about how the readers should "try to get outta your parents' basement every once in a while" in one of the Toy Preview columns, to the appropriately-titled "Twisted ToyFare Theater"*, it's quite apparent the guys who put this publication together every month really enjoy their work, and have a real passion for the hobby they write about. Which is something I've found lacking in other toy collector periodicals I've perused over the years. Another thing I've found lacking in other toy mags is a willingness to throw a few yuks at themselves and the readership, something ToyFare almost OVERdoes in each issue. Admittedly, there are times when the mag's attempts at humor fall flat, or are just plain lame. But for every clinker that hits the ground with a resounding "thud", there's always a few riotously hilarious moments that more than make up for it.

But before ya dive in for the yuks, lemme give ya fair warnin'. You'll require reasonable running knowledge of just about every popular TV show, movie, comic book, and every pop culture trend that comes down the pike to fully appreciate the many references couched within the endless instances of sick & sophomoric humor. It's kinda like Mystery Science Theater-- some of the references you'll get, while others will go right over your head...

'Late

*Go to http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0967248922/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_1/002-9293896-5850464 for more details on Twisted ToyFare Theater.

Good even if your not into the toys
I found this mag and thought it would be something my boyfriend would like. Now I steal it from him! Toyfare covers old and new toys, news, and a Toyfare Theater that is hillarious. Try it, you'll like it.

goofy fun for your cuddly inner dork
Let's face it -- you may never admit it to anyone, but I'm willing to bet that you've got some toys hidden in your closet that you just can't bear to part with. An action figure or two tucked away, perhaps? Or maybe you're not closeted about it at all, and, in true dork fashion, you've devoted some serious bookshelf space to your collection of toys, widgets, and props. Maybe you've gone a little buckwild on eBay from time to time. No matter. If you dig toys and collectables, the folks at TOY FARE are doing everything they can to make you happy. I'll be honest -- I'm not exactly a big toy fan, but I read this book regularly and laugh heartily. The boys on staff have a good sense of humor and their fingers deep in the cookie jar of the toy industry -- if there's some neato knicky-knack you NEED, they'll let you know. Plenty of good fun for your fun side.

good magazine
It's a magazine about toys, yet it's not for young children. An occasional curse word shows these adults are just kids at heart. The really know what they are talking about. Very comprehensive price guides and an upcoming/preview area. My favorite is the hilarious "Big Shots" and "Twisted Toyfare Theater" with it's imagined conversations between toys. A great magazine for the older bunch who still love toys. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Nice magazine
I bet all of you out there can find in your basement or addict old sports memorabilla from when you were a kid, or from some day when you went out with your friends or family.

How much is it worth ? Is it worth money, or is it a personal memory that is yours to cherish no matter what someone else is willing to pay for it ?

This magazine will help you find out, and the people writing it seem like a nice group of people, check this one out, its pretty good !

Best Regards to All, MC - TheStickRules.Com

The Best Of The Best
Here it is. The best magazine for keeping up on what's hot and what's not, in sports memorabilia. While most dealers and collectors look to Beckett for values, the same look to Sports Collectors Digest (SCD for short), for deals on cards and other memorabilia, and to find out what the current trends are. No matter the sport, if there's memorabilia for it, SCD has probably covered it and one time or another. It's very informative in the history and production of baseball and other sportscards. It's also informative and entertaining. The one thing I really love about SCD is their Customer Service Award program. If you go to SCD, and you see a dealer with the Krause Publications Award emblem, you can count on that dealer for service. This is a publication that anyone can enjoy and benefit from. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Yu-Gi-Oh Mediocre
I got this mostly for the Yu-Gi-Oh, for which I give it three stars or less. The broader interest keeps it at that level. For each type, there was a good article or two, maybe a couple pages. The price list is marginal. I would still go with Beckett's for Yu-Gi-Oh and other specialist magazines for others.

Pick Up Scrye! (if your into everything)
The articles in this publication are top notch. I know a few individuals in the gaming community who contribute to this magazine and they are awesome writers. In addition, the freebies that come sealed and packaged with the magazine are exclusive promotional materials.

But the one flaw with this book is that if you are purchasing this book for information on ONE game, you will only find three or four pages devoted to it. There is so much information regarding the most popular games (CCG, Minatures, etc) but for an individual who is devoted to only one game, its not worth it. There are better choices for your specific game online; all it takes is a few clicks in a search engine.

Only good for the Price Guide
If you need to price your Magic cards, theen this is the book for you.

Otherwise, skip it, as the various articles are poor..

By dabbling here and there with the various card games, they do none well. They do concentrate on Magic, but their information tends to be worthy only of the newly converted Pokemon player.

This is a great magazine
This is a good magazine, which provides current market values of various CCG cards. Everyone I know accepts these prices as "Thee" prices. Maybe you don't need whole subscription because the prices don't change all that much. But then again, new sets are always coming out and if you're a serious trader/player, you need to know when things drop out of demand and if you're getting a good deal. Also, it provides Q/A pages and deck strategies and ideas, which help you better use new cards and types. I would recommend at least one issue of this to and CCG'r out there. ... Read more

Abstract

Written for the enthusiast who truly enjoys the sport of R/C model airplanes. Features on construction and design, comprehensive product evaluations and more.
... Read more

Reviews (2)

NEED MORE TEACHING
AS ALL MAGAZINES THEY BECOME A CATOLOG FOR SELLING.
ITS NICE TO SEE ALL THE NEW STUFF OUT THERE.
BUT WHEN YOU PUT IN MORE TEACHING ITEMS, THATS WHAT THE CUSTOMER IS LOOKING FOR.AND IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ROOM FOR YOUR TEACHING ITEMS JUST ADD A FEW MORE PAGES.
LIKE RC AIRPLANES, HOW TO BUILD ,PUT IN MOTORS, ON AND ON .
THATS WHY I BUY MAGAZINES NOT WHAT YOU CAN SELL ME BUT WHAT YOU CAN TEACH ME.
THANK YOU
CHUCK

The only game in town
If you are a avid R/C airplane person, this is the magazine to get. It is better than Model Aviation that comes with your AMA membership because it has articles and reviews of the latest products available -- Not just sections relating to AMA events/areas of interest. I always like to know about the latest gadgets available and how they relate to existing technology.

However, take all reviews with the understanding that they will never have a negative review (fearful of killing an up and coming manufacturer with a bad review). You have to read between the lines. But, after reading a few reviews you will understand what I mean. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

timing is everything
I ordered this on May 5th for Mother's Day, and was advised that the actual subscription may take 6-8 weeks, but that a card would be mailed to my Mother within 3 days. It was not mailed until June 27th, she still does not believe I was thinking of her on Mother's Day. As of June 30, she still has not received her first magazine either. Allow extra time when ordering if it is for a timely item.

Fun to do as a team with the whole family!
The puzzles in this book are my absolute favorite kind of logic game! It can be a mind-bending experience to follow the logical deduction of some of the better ones.
My preferred way of doing them is to have each member of the team write out the charts on a seperate piece of paper and work by themselves until someone is stuck. Then everyone works together to finish up.
A great way to encourage a love of word problems in children.
These puzzles are great for all ages!

The Best in the History of Logical Magazine's
This magazine is the best LOGIC Magazine ever! It has logic problems that make you think more than you think you can! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

BEWARE THE PAIZO PUBLISHING
I come from Europe. I learned that if you subscribe to Dungeon from Paizo, you take an extra adventure. Well, I have subscribed myself in August 2003, they charged my credit card $100 (thats what they charge the Europian readers) and they have send me nothing. I want to notice that I have subscribed to Paizo and not to Amazon.com. I have send many emails to them, but they don't reply at all. Then I have learned that they have done this to many other people around the world. So, I have lost my money, but at least I want to tell all of you to be careful, if you subscribe to Paizo's magazines.

Sorry, Dungeon
In the past, during second edition AD&D's publication or during the first year of third edition D&D, I would have given this product a solid five stars, never questioning if that was the right amount of stars or if it was too high. However, within the last year or so, Dungeon was sold by WoTC and bought by a company that appears determined to prevent the magazine from being useful. They have combined it with Polyhedron magazine which is either blatently useless to me, as a DM for third edition D&D, or appears to be a Dragon-lite.

They decided to go to a monthly publication, and once I would have celebrated over this; however, with their new publication schedule it appears that on their old bimonthly schedule they actually produced more adventures (and longer ones) than their combined two-month output nowadays. I bought one magazine, in the last year, which contained only one adventure. I was then informed inside the magazine that those who subscribed had gotten two adventures. Thanks for making sure those of us who choose to support our local gaming and comic book stores get punished, Dungeon.

I know that I am not the only dissatisfied customer as so many of their mail messages for a few months were from people who had the same complaints I do. They appear not to care about these complaints which were raised repeatedly. I have basically given up on this product, though I will occasionally give it a buy to determine if I should go back to picking it up regularly.

What is truly strange is that Dragon, alternatively, appears to have become a much better product within the last year. If you have the money to spare, I'd recommend picking up Dragon magazine rather than Dungeon.

Not Sure If Adventures Are Play Tested Before Publication
I used to get Dungeon mag, but found that many published adventures was either too easy or too advanced for suggested player charecter levels. Of course it is not hard to figure out what levels is more apprpriate for the adventure, but the publishers should require the material that they published to be play tested first and maybe pre-generated characters that was used for play testing (some games allow for alot of magic and magic items while others do not and that also determines the levels needed to play an adventure). I give 3 stars as this downfall can be worked around, but it is not worthy of me giving a full 5 stars to because of what I said above.

For every DM
Dungeon magazine is full of all kinds of usefull information and module ideas. Even if you don't end up using one of the published adventures word for word, it is still a useful resource for ideas. You can find all kinds of innovative traps and encounters within the pages that will challenge whatever level players you may toss them at. I highly recommend it!

Very Very Kewl
I am not a big fan of pre published adventures, however I have always picked up a copy once in awhile incase I have DM's block. Now I have especially gotten them because of the Polyhedron Mag on the flipside of Dungeon. Which have been really really kewl. To date my favorate have been a Pulp Heroes rules, the preview of D20 Modern Shadow Chasers, and Mecha Crusade. Basically Polyhedron every two months brings you a new d20 setting or mini-game of some sort, most of which have been fairly good. It really gives more bang for your Dungeon buck, because you can use the new rules for ideas for your D&D game, or a new campaign entirely. Kewl stuff. The adventures in Dungeon are top notch, and especially with the new 3rd Edition adventures all have been pretty good. To be honest, I personally would rather have a subscription to Dungeon, than Dragon magizine... but you can't do wrong with both! ... Read more

Reviews (9)

The only gaming mag for me
I've been an (on and off) reader of CGM since some of the early days, when they were still called "Computer Games Strategy Plus" and before 3D games really came abroad. And, stating that, I use CGM as the basis of comparison for all other gaming magazines. I've always been impressed by their open, honest opinion of games; not afraid to point out a stinker regardless of hype. Even if I don't agree with a particular review, I consider their point of view on the subject and still get something out of it. And I, at least, find their writing to be humourous and enjoyable. I could now talk about what it is I don't like about other magazines, but instead I shall say that CGM is by far my favourite. So if you're ready for something new, give it a shot. It's not the same old fodder.

Bad reviews
Their magazine tries to be funny - but it fails miserably so. Besides, they did not honor the 9.99 offer for the magazine. They charged me the full $19.99 - which I wouldnt mind paying as long as they write quality reviews. This magazine is pointless.

Solid magazine
I found this magazine in a subscription catalog years ago and have been subscribing to it ever since. The magazine is simple and covers all the latest games and major hardware in its previews, reviews, and hardware sections. The previews/reviews themselves are well-written and a good read; the regular editorials are usually funny/interesting. Cover stories and featured articles are very in-depth and have much to offer.

One minor gripe: Some game reviews appear later in CGM than other mags, but I believe I saw once in a previous issue's FAQ section that while other mags may use beta or incomplete versions of games for their reviews, CGM uses the final build of each game, therefore a reason for why they're later. Cannot verify this though..

Overall a very solid mag with an affordable price; worth a subscription.

EEehhh
I have to admit that I owned both PC Gamer and Computer Games Magazine. I would chose PC Gamer over it any day of the week. The reason? Well, their reviews are just pretty stupid. They aren't funny, to begin with, but they also really aren't as "professional" as PCG. They aren't funny at all, which is one of the reasons why I stick with PCG, but also, their reviews are unfair. I have seen two terrible things occur with CGM. To begin, they did a review on Civilization 3. It got five stars (which I think is a terrible way to rate games! Every POINT counts!), and the pros were everything, and the cons were nothing! I could say a lot of cons about Civ3. The large maps are too taxing on smaller systems, there is no multiplayer (unless you buy the expansion), etc. Just because there was a lot of hype about the game DOES NOT mean that you can give games PERFECT SCORES. NO GAME is perfect.

Lastly, I saw a game review (don't remember exactly what it was called) that bugged me. It was an online racing game. They said that the game was laggy and buggy, and also had only circular tracks. They were completely wrong. Firstly, PCG gave it a rating of 80, while CGM gave it two starts. Secondly, my best friend has the game and said it was completely false. I can prove this because when I played it I played a very complex track.

To conclude, this mag is dirt mixed in sugar water compared to PCG. This is almost worthless compared to the hailing king!

Pleasantly Surprising
I've found Computer Games Magazine to be a great alternative to other, bigger publications. PC Gamer is probably the hands-down big boy on the block. However, I've grown weary of the dumbed-down writing and inside jokes.

Computer Games Magazine offers a more intelligent alternative. The reviews and editorials are well-written and (I'm shocked to say this) thought-provoking. What it lacks in flashy graphics and sidebars it more than makes up for in content. Screenshots are not all that important to me. If they were so pertinent, I'd buy games based on the screenshots on the retail box! The writing is much more important to me.

The only real weakness I see with the magazine is that it gets the bigger reviews a little bit later than magazines like PC Gamer. The demos on the CD are not always all that great either. However, the reviews, I've found, are spot on. They don't appear to play favorites; when you're spending money on a game it's nice to know you've seen an honest review that leaves you informed as opposed to just dazzled. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Old School
I subscribed to this magazine for a number of years in high school, and pick up issues of interest, such as their buyer's guides, from the news stand ever once in a while.

Car Action is the premiere magazine in the RC Car category. Covering everything from the cutting edge, sponsored racers, to "Readers' Rides", this magazine will keep you up to date and fuel your passion for RC Cars. Even the advertising can be informative, as you get to see what is available in the market.

Although I haven't picked on up personally in sometime now, I have to make an old school recommendation to all RC Car enthusiasts. Pick up an issue of RC Car action, and see for yourself.

Boo-ya!
How you like me now? Yeah, that's right! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The Best is Getting Better!!!
Casino Player is a monthly subscription magazine that tries to be all things to all casino enthusiasts, and usually succeeds. From the mathematic and probability computations for the video poker fan by guru Bob Dancer, to Jean Scott's wonderful column The Frugal Gambler, which gives first-timers and seasoned players alike excellent information on how to get comps (which are freebees---sort of---that the casinos give their customers.), this outstanding publication delivers first-rate information for travelers to Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Tunica to use to make their stays more enjoyable and profitable. Recently, Casino Player has seen fit to substantially overhaul their content, adding more first-rate columnists such as Basil Nestor (who deals with gaming's colorful and illustrious history), and adding more coverage to new areas of the country as gaming (not gambling; the correct term these days is gaming) continues to expand into new markets such as Southern California and the Upper Midwest. The results show a decided improvement in both the magazine's content and range of coverage, though not without some sacrifices along the way. Unfortunately, two of the magazine's best columns have recently been lost in the shuffle: The Aggrivated Gambler, a forum for dealing with unpleasant casino experiences and how to cut through red tape, written by the very fine writer Melissa Fine; and Mystery Tourist, a nonbylined column which explores the offerings of a different resort every month under the guise of anonymity. However, the new additions more than make up for the losses. Hopefully, now that coverage is being reapportioned, more attention can be given to such oft-neglected (Las Vegas) gems such as the Monte Carlo, Luxor, Treasure Island (or TI, as it is now called) and the Stratosphere; a lovely profile of local Coast Properties fave the Orleans just appeared in last month's issue, so perhaps steps are being taken in that direction. In any case, whether you are an experienced or neophyte gamer, you will want to subscribe to the new and improved Casino Player ASAP. With all their recent upgrades, there's no doubt that the best gaming magazine in the industry is certainly getting better!!!

Dave's Review
Great magazine. Shows not only the high end of gaming, but where to go and how to get your money's worth.

Good for basic advice
I've subscibed to both Casino Player and Slot Player magazines for a year. Much of the information is rehashed between the two magazines and the information provided in both is rather basic for subjects like players clubs, video poker strategy, and money management. Occasionally, I'll come across more advanced probability computations that are interesting, but imbalanced with the rest of the magazine's material and the overall feel is a hodge-podge of seminars strewn around various issues. Most article information you can find on the internet for free. However, I completely distrust the hotel reviews because: 1) There's usually a paid advertisement for the hotel on the same page as the review, 2) The magazines never have anything really bad to say about the hotel/casinos. I do like the industry news, hotel rennovations, and latest machine advertisements just so I know what's out there.

A Must for Gamblers
I've read Casino player Mag for the last three years. I travel to Vegas and Reno three to four times a year and this Mag has provided lots of helpful tips on gambling, entertainment, dining and what's new in Vegas and Reno. Though I don't go to Atlantic City or other gambling Mecca's, Casino Player DOES cover them and provides the same type of helpful info that they provide for Vegas. The stories from gamblers and interviews of Casino management add to the players knowledge of how this world works. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Worth it?
I have been a gamer for almost 7years. In that time I have seen a number of price hikes. When I first started gaming, I subscribed to White Dwarf. It was a great source of rule updates and entertainment. Battle reports are fun to read and I always enjoyed looking at the Golden Deamon winners. They include modeling hints but they will only help if you already have some experience. There is also a lot of fluff. Back then it was $50 AND you got around $20 of free figures. Now it is $50 and you only get the magazine. The quality of the content has gone up slightly but the binding on some of my last editions fell apart after two days. The only truly useful thing in WD is the rules and its best to get those in a Chapter Approved. The magazine is wonderful and gets at least 4stars but the deal has gone downhill. I love Warhammer and WD but you really need to decide if it is worth it.

Authoritative Source for Warhammer and Similar Wargames
I became familiar with the world of Warhammer 40,000 when my 9 year old son started building and playing with the models. He's subsequently subscribed to the magazine. The sheer amount of detail and supporting information available to games hobbyists through this magazine is overwhelming. It includes tips on building and painting models and scenery, battle strategy, rules clarifications, wargame related fiction, profiles of prominent wargame experts, and tons of information on game-related events. The primary focus is on Games Workshop produced games, including Warhammer, Warhammer 40000, Mordheim, and Lord of the Rings. All is presented in a very attractive, photo-rich glossy package. Obviously, much of the 'zine will be meaningless to those who aren't already serious gamers, but for those who are, it's a very attractive, readable, and enjoyable supplement to the game itself. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Awesome!
This magazine is gorgeous. The quality and artistry of the work they show is always the best that can be found, and they illustrate how woodworking can be more than just "making sawdust". This is for craftspeople who really care about their work. It's like fine woodworking with more information about the actual artists and a bit less about the mechanics. The West Coast woodcraft scene at its best - this magazine always inspires me.

You don't have to like it all
I'm a current subscriber to Woodwork. I own almost every issue
since it was first published, and I've read most of them cover
to cover. I have subscribed to and read many issues of FWW, Wood,
Shopnotes, & WoodSmith. I've also read many of the other woodwork
magazines on the market. For me, Woodwork stands alone!

Yes, Woodwork leans toward an environmental consciousness and
reminds us that wood is a precious, potentially non-renewable
resource. Is that bad?
And, they interview and highlight studio woodworkers
almost as frequently as they do traditional craftsman.
Sometimes I like what I see, sometimes not.
But, through Woodwork, I've "met" some of the best craftspeople alive.

Each month highlights one particular artisan -- sometimes it's
a traditional craftsman, sometimes a Studio Artist -- and an
in-depth interview is provided. There's usually a sidebar where
the featured individual teaches how they do what they do. It's
like having being tutored by a master without the cost.

Occassionally, a contributor's style is too ethereal for me.
But, mainly the writing is solid, educational, and personal.

Most important, Woodwork doesn't repeat the same stuff on a
regular cycle. When you look at other magazines over time, they
will run through the same topic repeatedly -- either once a year
or once every two years. Woodwork is always new and fresh. Maybe
it's not always something I'm interested in, but it's rarely
disappointing and never simply a rehash.

Not 'A Magazine for All Woodworkers'.
I used to call this 'Liberal Woodworking' because their politics comes through so strong. Woodworking is one thing, politics is another - I prefer to keep them separate.

But I think I've figured it out - this is an art magazine pretending to be a woodworking magazine. It's for artists who work in wood. Viewed that way, it starts to make sense.

But if you don't have feel comfortable with the art scene, you'll be happier with their competition. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Not as good as it used to be.
I've been reading Inquest for many years now and I've always liked it but about 2 years ago they seriously cut down on the number of pages in each issue and the price of individual issues (not subsription) is way too high to justify this. Plus there is an INSANE amount of ads dwelling within the pages (okay when they alert you to something new tho).

But it's a great magazine for gamers to pick up as it's got a bit of everything in it, plus a sense of humor and after a few issues familiarity sets in and you may feel more at ease in the world of gaming if your new to the hobby.

Too bad they have a MASSIVE Magic: The Gathering bias tho. I mean the game itself is wicked bad but Inquest's devotion to it leaves many smaller games straggling behind. But, then again, Magic IS the biggest selling CCG.

Each month Inquest includes 1 or 2 cards for a CCG (usually Magic but sometimes others) and occasionally a poster. If you're serious about gaming then no doubt you already buy Inquest but if you're new then I wouldn't waste a second in getting that subsription.

Inquest rocks!
Inquest, while not being the best gaming magazine out there, is a one stop look at all your gaming needs. It has almost everything. And although it's not the most accurate(i.e. Magic decks and cards are often off, the price guide isn't the best and some of the computer game strategies are extremely rudimentary), it does have a lot. It is also very funny and entertaining. So instead of having to have a subscription to several other magazines, you only need to subscribe to one. And a very amusing one at that. I give it five stars because I've been into that magazine since 1998.

Overall gaming magazine
Inquest is a great magazine if you dabble in various games, like RPGS, TCGs, and Minatures. Somewhat irreverant, it does give you a general feel for the gaming industry as a whole. It also has a regular price guide for Magic cards.

However, by trying to encompass EVERy thing in the Gamer's Universe, it does not of it excellently, just some well and others pathetically. It has historically been off-the-mark when it comes to creating new Magic decks or ranking the power of various Magic cards.

Caveat Emptor. ... Read more