Tools for this page
Print

I Spy Challenger

(2006, Educational Handheld - Puzzle, Rated E, Play it on: Leapster)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 6.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    I Spy books translate well on the Leapster.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 6 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Kids solve puzzles. The game also teaches visual discrimination, rhyming, vocabulary, word-object association, and reading
  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of I Spy Challenger was written by Jinny Gudmundsen

Parents need to know that there is more going on here than just solving visual puzzles. These games teach kids visual discrimination, rhyming, vocabulary, word-object association, and reading. Because three of the four games are timed, kids need to be old enough to handle the pressure that the timed gameplay creates.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about which of the four games they like to play most. Parents also may want to talk about the time element. Does pressure make the game more fun -- or is it too much?
Did this review help you decide?
Do you play it? Review It!

More on I Spy Challenger

What’s the Story?

I SPY CHALLENGER for the Leapster system is a video game based on the popular I Spy children's books by Jean Marzollo and Walter Wick. The software offers four educational games, each of which will get kids thinking -- and reading -- without realizing it. Riddle Race stays true to the book format: While kids perceive that they are simply hunting for objects in a picture, this visual puzzle game actually teaches visual discrimination, rhyming, vocabulary, word-object association, and reading.

In Match Attack, kids play a Space Invaders-type game involving matching like items. Kids line up an object at the bottom of the screen with a like object scrolling by on the top and then shoot it up to match it. In Oops Hoops, kids pick up and sort objects based on attributes, such as color, shape, size or function. In Grid Grab, they search grids of objects to find designated patterns of objects.

Close

Is It Any Good?

Overall, I Spy Challenger makes an excellent addition to any Leapster library. Kids will enjoy the fun games -- and they're sure to learn something along the way.

Close

Publisher’s Details

Released on 05/18/2006, price $24.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Do you play it? Review It!

  • What did you think about I Spy Challenger?
  •  I think this game is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Tech Tip

    How to help them think more ... and want less.Making the Sale

    How to help them think more ... and want less.

  • Must See TV

    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Issue Spotlight

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    Our video game experts weigh in.

  • Download This

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name