SkimIt
Publisher: UbiSoft
Genre: Video GamesAdventure
Release Date: 11/06/2012
Platform(s): Nintendo DS
Online Enabled: No
ESRB Rating: E
ESRB Explanation: For Comic Mischief
Price: 29.99
Common Sense Says: Popular virtual world now on handheld; has good role models.
Common Sense Rates It:
Parents need to know
Parents need to know that Poptropica Adventures is a handheld adventure game based on Poptropica, the popular virtual world for kids. While this version is played offline, players will still encounter some of the familiar faces and locations from the online version. There is some comic mischief, such as character stealing or hiding items belonging to other characters. Poptropica Adventures retains the positive, kid-friendly vibe of the Poptropica virtual world.
- Families can talk about how this game is based on a popular virtual world called Poptropica. Why do you think the developers made this game?
- Do you like playing games on the Nintendo DS? Why or why not?
What's the story?
POPTROPICA ADVENTURES plays like a slimmed-down version of Poptropica with similar look and feel. Players can travel to three of the islands (Super Power, Astro-Knights, and Mythology) and explore them by walking and jumping on the scenery. The goal is to complete quests by talking to characters, find items, and complete mini-game puzzles. In exchange, kids receive new avatar outfits and artifacts to display in a museum.
Is it any good?
While the Poptropica virtual world targets kids aged 6-15, Poptropica Adventures definitely skews towards the younger side of that demographic, even though parents might be required to help kids complete some of the dexterity-based mini-games and jumping challenges. Older kids and experienced gamers likely won't find the game challenging enough. Poptropica Adventures should be enough to hold the attention of a child in the 7-10 year age range for a few hours, but ultimately it just feels like a brief diversion from the virtual world on which it's based.
How to play
Playbility: The gameplay is simple. The controls, which emphasize jumping, can be awkward and a little tricky. Some dexterity is required for the mini-games.
The Good Stuff
Messages: The game encourages cooperation and helping others. Players assist characters in a variety of ways, such as finding lost items and delivering messages, and receive rewards in return.
Role Models: Kids meet a variety of helpful, friendly characters. Even the "villains" aren't truly evil, and ultimately see the error of their ways.
Ease of play: The gameplay is simple. The controls, which emphasize jumping, can be awkward and a little tricky. Some dexterity is required for the mini-games.
What to watch out for
Violence & scariness: One mini-game involves racing another character, who shoots projectiles that must be dodged and if you don't, you get knocked back further in the race. However, your character has no reaction of getting hurt.
Sexy stuff: Not an issue
Language: Not an issue
Consumerism: This game based on Poptropica, the popular virtual world for kids.
Drinking, drugs & smoking: Not an issue
