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If you haven't found them the last two years I've made this post, you're missing out. Several small time game companies make cheap games often with a delightfully geeky bent:

• Fluxx ($10) from LooneyLabs
  A self-modifying card game where the rules of the game are the cards played.
  
  
• Icehouse ($35) also from LooneyLabs
  No, not the beer. A Unquestionably cool set of plastic pyramids suitable for playing a variety of games, and designing of your own games.
  
  
• Falling ($10) from Cheapass Games
  Imagine real-time (as opposed to turn based) blackjack on speed.
  
  

All of these games are perfect for sitting in restraunts waiting for food, or other such awkward time slots that normally get wasted.

Games that are fun, nonviolent, and educational... well, I would personally reccomend a lego mindstorms set, though those can get pricey. Along the eyecandy line I can reccomend the Myst series, though if you want something a little less difficult (as far as the puzzles are concerned, Myst: Exile nonwithstanding), take a look at Presto Studio's Journeyman Project line... Not only eyecandy, but it includes quite a few historical/mythological locations (the game is based on time travel) and #2 and later include a handy AI who tends to comment on items of historical significance.

I'm actually reminded of an old game from about '94 that was called 'Heaven and Earth', which was essentially a collection of Puzzles and skill tests, ranging from the simle and fun to the mindbreakingly complex.

Of course... well, Civilization is a good one, a bit dated, though CivII is similarly addictive, and Civilization: Call To Power isn't bad either, and allows LAN games. Call To Power II I have personal issues with, because the interface is kinda tedious, and this series may not get past the non-violent part.

However, don't restrict yourself to computer games. If you feel like expanding into the realms of Card games and so on, I can reccomend a whole series of games. Chrononauts is a very funny and educational game, though it 'follows' a very tounge-in-cheek version of history. Similarly, many things by Cheapass Games can be fun... though you'll have to dig a bit to find something educational. :)

I hope this was helpfull ;)

Well, it'd be nice to see an intellectual sport at the Olympics, were it not for the simple fact that chess is broken. We've got computers beating world champions because chess has a finite number of moves. It can only branch so many times before the game ends. What if we finally figured out exactly how to win a game of chess? Then the whole tournament would boil down to who went first.

Maybe a real intellectual sport should be considered, instead of a brainteaser.

I haven't played Nomic, but there is a card game called Fluxx that also has changing rules.

The rules are pretty simple; the game is more easily played than explained. 4 kinds of cards: Keepers, Actions, Rules, and Goals. When the game begins, there is no goal. The Basic Rules are: Draw 1 card per turn, and Play 1 card per turn. From here on in, however, it starts to get sillier

The Keepers are cards played in front of you, depictions of various nouns: Chocolate, Time, Taxes, Love, Milk, Rocket, etc. Actions are cards such as: Draw 3, Draw 4, Play 2, Play 4, Play All, etc. These modify the basic rule of Draw 1, Play 1. Rules are cards that allow players with certain keepers to get bonuses, or otherwise globally affect the conditions of the game. Finally, Goals are cards that set the winning condition of the game (e.g., the goal of Death and Taxes means that the game is won when there is one player with the Keepers "Death" and "Taxes" in front of him/her.)

Since any player may play any type of card(s) during his/her turn, this leads to a lot of rule/ goal/ action turnover. You may have all the necessary cards to win the game, but by the time it comes to your turn, the goal has changed 3 times, and you're starting from scratch.

This game often goes over well with large groups of people, even those who are not particularly into gaming. It's easily learned, entertaining, not much skill or strategy involved, and not particularly competitive. Yes, someone does "win" at the end of each hand, but the win is as often due to luck as anything else.

Buy a deck. Play. (DISCLAIMER: I don't work for Looney Labs, I don't get monetary kickbacks, blah blah blah

-rv --
gallimaufry - http://www.ultranet.com/~rv/
popplers - http://www.ultranet.com/~rv/weblog

In the 'Under PlayStation 2' category, I've got to go with the wierd non-computer games from Looney Labs . Specifically they're all under the $40 mark.

You'll find more information on their site, but here's a quick rundown:

Fluxx $10

A card game where the rules to the game are the cards you play. Very recursive, hence very geeky. Simple to learn, pointless to master. (It's partially luck based...)

Icehouse $35

A unique set of translucent stacking plastic pyramids you can use to play all sorts of neat games. The signature one is so geeky there's even a graphical version for X windows.

Chrononauts $20

A card game based around time travel. How cool is that? The official release date isn't until October 31st, but I can tell you from first hand experience that the cards are beautiful and the gameplay is solid.

--

In the 'Under PlayStation 2' category, I've got to go with the wierd non-computer games from Looney Labs . Specifically they're all under the $40 mark.

You'll find more information on their site, but here's a quick rundown:

Fluxx $10

A card game where the rules to the game are the cards you play. Very recursive, hence very geeky. Simple to learn, pointless to master. (It's partially luck based...)

Icehouse $35

A unique set of translucent stacking plastic pyramids you can use to play all sorts of neat games. The signature one is so geeky there's even a graphical version for X windows.

Chrononauts $20

A card game based around time travel. How cool is that? The official release date isn't until October 31st, but I can tell you from first hand experience that the cards are beautiful and the gameplay is solid.

--

In the 'Under PlayStation 2' category, I've got to go with the wierd non-computer games from Looney Labs . Specifically they're all under the $40 mark.

You'll find more information on their site, but here's a quick rundown:

Fluxx $10

A card game where the rules to the game are the cards you play. Very recursive, hence very geeky. Simple to learn, pointless to master. (It's partially luck based...)

Icehouse $35

A unique set of translucent stacking plastic pyramids you can use to play all sorts of neat games. The signature one is so geeky there's even a graphical version for X windows.

Chrononauts $20

A card game based around time travel. How cool is that? The official release date isn't until October 31st, but I can tell you from first hand experience that the cards are beautiful and the gameplay is solid.

--

In the 'Under PlayStation 2' category, I've got to go with the wierd non-computer games from Looney Labs . Specifically they're all under the $40 mark.

You'll find more information on their site, but here's a quick rundown:

Fluxx $10

A card game where the rules to the game are the cards you play. Very recursive, hence very geeky. Simple to learn, pointless to master. (It's partially luck based...)

Icehouse $35

A unique set of translucent stacking plastic pyramids you can use to play all sorts of neat games. The signature one is so geeky there's even a graphical version for X windows.

Chrononauts $20

A card game based around time travel. How cool is that? The official release date isn't until October 31st, but I can tell you from first hand experience that the cards are beautiful and the gameplay is solid.

--

In the 'Under PlayStation 2' category, I've got to go with the wierd non-computer games from Looney Labs . Specifically they're all under the $40 mark.

You'll find more information on their site, but here's a quick rundown:

Fluxx $10

A card game where the rules to the game are the cards you play. Very recursive, hence very geeky. Simple to learn, pointless to master. (It's partially luck based...)

Icehouse $35

A unique set of translucent stacking plastic pyramids you can use to play all sorts of neat games. The signature one is so geeky there's even a graphical version for X windows.

Chrononauts $20

A card game based around time travel. How cool is that? The official release date isn't until October 31st, but I can tell you from first hand experience that the cards are beautiful and the gameplay is solid.

--

In the 'Under PlayStation 2' category, I've got to go with the wierd non-computer games from Looney Labs . Specifically they're all under the $40 mark.

You'll find more information on their site, but here's a quick rundown:

Fluxx $10

A card game where the rules to the game are the cards you play. Very recursive, hence very geeky. Simple to learn, pointless to master. (It's partially luck based...)

Icehouse $35

A unique set of translucent stacking plastic pyramids you can use to play all sorts of neat games. The signature one is so geeky there's even a graphical version for X windows.

Chrononauts $20

A card game based around time travel. How cool is that? The official release date isn't until October 31st, but I can tell you from first hand experience that the cards are beautiful and the gameplay is solid.

--

• Fluxx is a self-modifying card game that never takes itself to seriously for only $8.95
• Aquarius, a beautiful dominoes derivative almost any age can enjoy for $9.95
• Proton is a PocketBoardGame for two people that is not only a neat game, but inherently portable. Perfect for all those times you spend waiting and a steal at $4.95
• Icehouse sets are great for playing more than a dozen different games. Not only are the new plastic pieces cool looking but the games are all unique and fun. From twists like being turnless to dynamic game boards the variety and sheer neato factor make this a gaurenteed winner at $34.95 (if you can't handle the extra cost, you can get a fun, do-it-yourself set for just $2.00! Be forewarned that they don't norally stack like the plastic ones.)
• They also sell nifty t-shirts, a few neat books, some cute buttons, and a stash of other weird stuff. (some of it is even free!)

They also review other small game companies offerings at their Contagious Dreams site.

It's where I'm doing more than half my Christmas shopping.

Enjoy!

--

• Fluxx is a self-modifying card game that never takes itself to seriously for only $8.95
• Aquarius, a beautiful dominoes derivative almost any age can enjoy for $9.95
• Proton is a PocketBoardGame for two people that is not only a neat game, but inherently portable. Perfect for all those times you spend waiting and a steal at $4.95
• Icehouse sets are great for playing more than a dozen different games. Not only are the new plastic pieces cool looking but the games are all unique and fun. From twists like being turnless to dynamic game boards the variety and sheer neato factor make this a gaurenteed winner at $34.95 (if you can't handle the extra cost, you can get a fun, do-it-yourself set for just $2.00! Be forewarned that they don't norally stack like the plastic ones.)
• They also sell nifty t-shirts, a few neat books, some cute buttons, and a stash of other weird stuff. (some of it is even free!)

They also review other small game companies offerings at their Contagious Dreams site.

It's where I'm doing more than half my Christmas shopping.

Enjoy!

--

• Fluxx is a self-modifying card game that never takes itself to seriously for only $8.95
• Aquarius, a beautiful dominoes derivative almost any age can enjoy for $9.95
• Proton is a PocketBoardGame for two people that is not only a neat game, but inherently portable. Perfect for all those times you spend waiting and a steal at $4.95
• Icehouse sets are great for playing more than a dozen different games. Not only are the new plastic pieces cool looking but the games are all unique and fun. From twists like being turnless to dynamic game boards the variety and sheer neato factor make this a gaurenteed winner at $34.95 (if you can't handle the extra cost, you can get a fun, do-it-yourself set for just $2.00! Be forewarned that they don't norally stack like the plastic ones.)
• They also sell nifty t-shirts, a few neat books, some cute buttons, and a stash of other weird stuff. (some of it is even free!)

They also review other small game companies offerings at their Contagious Dreams site.

It's where I'm doing more than half my Christmas shopping.

Enjoy!

--

• Fluxx is a self-modifying card game that never takes itself to seriously for only $8.95
• Aquarius, a beautiful dominoes derivative almost any age can enjoy for $9.95
• Proton is a PocketBoardGame for two people that is not only a neat game, but inherently portable. Perfect for all those times you spend waiting and a steal at $4.95
• Icehouse sets are great for playing more than a dozen different games. Not only are the new plastic pieces cool looking but the games are all unique and fun. From twists like being turnless to dynamic game boards the variety and sheer neato factor make this a gaurenteed winner at $34.95 (if you can't handle the extra cost, you can get a fun, do-it-yourself set for just $2.00! Be forewarned that they don't norally stack like the plastic ones.)
• They also sell nifty t-shirts, a few neat books, some cute buttons, and a stash of other weird stuff. (some of it is even free!)

They also review other small game companies offerings at their Contagious Dreams site.

It's where I'm doing more than half my Christmas shopping.

Enjoy!

--

• Fluxx is a self-modifying card game that never takes itself to seriously for only $8.95
• Aquarius, a beautiful dominoes derivative almost any age can enjoy for $9.95
• Proton is a PocketBoardGame for two people that is not only a neat game, but inherently portable. Perfect for all those times you spend waiting and a steal at $4.95
• Icehouse sets are great for playing more than a dozen different games. Not only are the new plastic pieces cool looking but the games are all unique and fun. From twists like being turnless to dynamic game boards the variety and sheer neato factor make this a gaurenteed winner at $34.95 (if you can't handle the extra cost, you can get a fun, do-it-yourself set for just $2.00! Be forewarned that they don't norally stack like the plastic ones.)
• They also sell nifty t-shirts, a few neat books, some cute buttons, and a stash of other weird stuff. (some of it is even free!)

They also review other small game companies offerings at their Contagious Dreams site.

It's where I'm doing more than half my Christmas shopping.

Enjoy!

--

• Fluxx is a self-modifying card game that never takes itself to seriously for only $8.95
• Aquarius, a beautiful dominoes derivative almost any age can enjoy for $9.95
• Proton is a PocketBoardGame for two people that is not only a neat game, but inherently portable. Perfect for all those times you spend waiting and a steal at $4.95
• Icehouse sets are great for playing more than a dozen different games. Not only are the new plastic pieces cool looking but the games are all unique and fun. From twists like being turnless to dynamic game boards the variety and sheer neato factor make this a gaurenteed winner at $34.95 (if you can't handle the extra cost, you can get a fun, do-it-yourself set for just $2.00! Be forewarned that they don't norally stack like the plastic ones.)
• They also sell nifty t-shirts, a few neat books, some cute buttons, and a stash of other weird stuff. (some of it is even free!)

They also review other small game companies offerings at their Contagious Dreams site.

It's where I'm doing more than half my Christmas shopping.

Enjoy!

--

• Fluxx is a self-modifying card game that never takes itself to seriously for only $8.95
• Aquarius, a beautiful dominoes derivative almost any age can enjoy for $9.95
• Proton is a PocketBoardGame for two people that is not only a neat game, but inherently portable. Perfect for all those times you spend waiting and a steal at $4.95
• Icehouse sets are great for playing more than a dozen different games. Not only are the new plastic pieces cool looking but the games are all unique and fun. From twists like being turnless to dynamic game boards the variety and sheer neato factor make this a gaurenteed winner at $34.95 (if you can't handle the extra cost, you can get a fun, do-it-yourself set for just $2.00! Be forewarned that they don't norally stack like the plastic ones.)
• They also sell nifty t-shirts, a few neat books, some cute buttons, and a stash of other weird stuff. (some of it is even free!)

They also review other small game companies offerings at their Contagious Dreams site.

It's where I'm doing more than half my Christmas shopping.

Enjoy!

--

• Fluxx is a self-modifying card game that never takes itself to seriously for only $8.95
• Aquarius, a beautiful dominoes derivative almost any age can enjoy for $9.95
• Proton is a PocketBoardGame for two people that is not only a neat game, but inherently portable. Perfect for all those times you spend waiting and a steal at $4.95
• Icehouse sets are great for playing more than a dozen different games. Not only are the new plastic pieces cool looking but the games are all unique and fun. From twists like being turnless to dynamic game boards the variety and sheer neato factor make this a gaurenteed winner at $34.95 (if you can't handle the extra cost, you can get a fun, do-it-yourself set for just $2.00! Be forewarned that they don't norally stack like the plastic ones.)
• They also sell nifty t-shirts, a few neat books, some cute buttons, and a stash of other weird stuff. (some of it is even free!)

They also review other small game companies offerings at their Contagious Dreams site.

It's where I'm doing more than half my Christmas shopping.

Enjoy!

--