Parents' Guide to Deck 'Em!

Though not as deep as most battle card games, this boxing one does have a simple approach that some non-pugilists will appreciate. In Deck 'Em!, you're an up-and-coming boxer looking for your shot at the title. But rather than pressing buttosn to throw punches or duck, this has you using simple touch controls -- and, well, rudimentary math -- to beat your opponents. For example, if you throw a punch or use a block card ranked 5 points on a challenger card ranked 5 or lower, you take them out and, in the case of the block card, keep the card to use again. But if they're ranked 6 or above, you subtract the 5 points from their rank, allowing them to do the remaining amount as damage on you, while also losing the card. Thankfully, you can get a quick fix of health...assuming, of course, that a health card comes up (it's all random).

Now, while this game's simplicity may engage some players for a while, it won't work on serious boxing fans, who'll want more depth, and the same is true for serious card battle fans. Still others (like some parents) won't like the idea that their junior welterweights (i.e., their kids) can gamble on the outcome, even if it is only virtual money. But if you (or your kid) is old enough, and looking for something a bit strategic, it might be fun to go a few rounds with Deck 'Em!