The Number Devil (E)

Unique math title covers unconventional concepts.

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details

Publisher: Viva-Media
Genre: Computer Software - Educational
Release Date: 09/25/2004
ESRB Rating: E
Price: $30

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that the interaction between Robert and the Number Devil can be edgy at times. The math content varies in difficulty, making it an uncomfortable fit for some children because some of the math may be too hard or too easy.

Families can talk about real-life applications for the math concepts covered in the game. Is it easier to learn math through games? Why or why not?

Message
Violence
Sex
Language

Message

Social Behavior:

The Number Devil is a little mouthy--but it works for his character.

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Educational Value:

Violence

Sex

Language

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Jinny Gudmundsen

THE NUMBER DEVIL presents a mathematical adventure that explores concepts such as infinite numbers, prime numbers, fractions, decimals, powers, and square roots. Robert, a boy who thinks "mathematics is child abuse," narrates the story. His opinion of math changes after he's visited in his dreams for 10 nights by the Number Devil, a mouthy but charismatic character.

The Number Devil introduces math concepts in clever and unusual ways: For example, to explain permutations, the Number Devil shifts Robert's whining classmates around to show the different possibilities. Players end each night by exploring a related math game. Following the permutations lesson, the game is to construct a racetrack by using four-color cubes placed in four possible positions and then racing a car.

Is it any good?

Some of the games are better than others, and a few have difficult controls. But overall, kid-testers found the games to be interesting and fun to play. The combination of Robert's pluck and the Number Devil's edgy demeanor creates an engaging dynamic.

However, the math content varies in difficulty, making it an uncomfortable fit for some children. It's too difficult for kids struggling with math, even though the presentation is novel and jazzy. And for math whizzes, the content may seem like cotton candy -- sweet at the beginning, but unfulfilling at the end. However, for kids who think math is boring, here's a chance to put some fun and creativity back into a topic that is far from linear.