Thinkrolls
Thinkrolls gallery
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Thinkrolls is a preschool-friendly physics platformer that is delightfully fun for all ages. There are no instructions, so kids have to think critically and employ physics logic to figure out how to solve each level. Parents can set up accounts for up to six players, customizing the challenge level for each kid. If kids get stuck, they can just hit the restart circle to start over. The game's ultimate reward comes from completing the level successfully rather than from acquiring points (or penalties), so kids are free to experiment and learn.What kids can learn
With balls that show an impressive variety of personality and challenges that get kids thinking without overwhelming them with difficulty, Thinkrolls manages to be really fun and truly educational.
Kids explore physics hands-on. The activities get progressively more challenging as kids complete one and unlock the next.
Help isn't available -- by design -- so kids will think critically, try something, sometimes fail, and then try again. No reading is required, and up to six kids can keep profiles on one device.
What's it about?
Kids start by choosing a ball, or Thinkroll, from several spunky choices. They then work their way through the game, which has a dozen or so levels for each chapter, rolling the ball along the path and getting through various obstacles. For example, Chapter One introduces a cookie that's in the way; how do you get rid of it? Eat it, of course! Higher levels are harder, combining skills learned earlier in the game and having kids look several moves ahead. Kids have to figure out how to get past the obstacles on their own without getting stuck, but each level can be replayed once they figure out how.
Is it any good?
With seven chapters, each introducing a different physics concept through familiar objects and including about a dozen levels, there's quite a bit in THINKROLLS to keep kids challenged. And since up to six players can have a customized profile on the device, the whole family can take on these fun and charming challenges. As they play, kids get to unlock new characters and choose which one they'd like to roll through each level, which is just another incentive to keep on working through the levels. There's no failure -- kids get as many chances as they need with no penalty or lost points (because there are no points!). Each level builds on the one before it, allowing kids time to master one concept before introducing a new challenge. The full-of-personality Thinkroll characters will appeal to kids of all ages and interests, challenging them with thought-provoking fun.
Families can talk about...
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Families can talk about what's happening in each chapter to help kids make connections if they're stuck. What would happen if that balloon hit those spikes? What would happen if that rock hit that weak spot on the block?
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Kids will need to rely on real-world experiences to have the background knowledge to solve the puzzles, so be sure they have time to climb, play with (and pop) balloons, throw rocks, bounce on soft things, and ride in elevators.
