DimensionM

Review

Common Sense Media says

Educational action game puts algebra into missions.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Learning1
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that DimensionM is a sci-fi adventure game with math questions tied into the storyline. There is some mild violence in the form of shooting pesky robots who are hindering your progress. This online math game has been used to supplement math curriculum in schools. It has been the source of tournaments and competitions throughout the country, letting students realize that math can be fun and exciting. When used in classroom curricula, teachers can see the progress of individual students and monitor their performance on math questions.

  • Positive messages4
    The message in this game can be summarized in three words -- math is cool. The game is similar to many of the high-action PC games available on the market today, but it incorporates random math questions, which can vary from adding or subtracting fractions to identifying the x- and y-coordinates on a grid. By presenting the educational aspect in a high-energy, "cool-looking" game, it's able to display a message that learning doesn't have to be boring.
  • Positive role models2
    Players are guided through most of the game with impersonal on-screen text describing their missions and objectives, instead of presenting a large cast of heroes or character. The player is the hero in this game, and can work with others online to complete the challenges more efficiently.
  • Ease of play3
    There are options for elementary, middle, and high school levels of difficulty. The core gameplay itself -- solving missions and seeking out targeted objects -- is basic enough for most players with any math knowledge to be able to navigate. Players receive a score card in the game and can adjust their difficulty setting if the math questions prove to be too tough.
  • Violence2
    Players use a fantastical weapon (rather than a gun) to shoot pesky robots that simply disappear when hit.
  • Sex0
    Not applicable.
  • Language0
    Not applicable.
  • Consumerism0
    Not applicable.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
  • Privacy & safety4
    Minor privacy and safety concerns. Players can engage in online multiplayer sessions, allowing them to work together to solve as many math problems and complete as many missions as possible. There are also sporadic tournaments in which players compete online amongst the rest of the country at a chance to earn the highest score. It's possible for players to chat with each other; however, there are filters to prevent profanity from entering the game.
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What kids can learn

1

Kids can learn how basic algebra and arithmetic can be relevant in the real world. DimensionM is designed to reinforce math concepts that players have already learned in school. For example, kids can learn how to figure out their current location on a map by figuring out how to decipher the x- and y-coordinates. The concept of this game is not to teach these mathematical skills, but to help kids learn that there can be practical applications for these concepts. Kids navigate a mysterious sci-fi world filled with sometimes disconnected math questions.

Subjects
  • Arts
  • Hobbies
  • Language & Reading
  • Math
    addition, algebra, equations
  • Science
  • Social Studies
Skills
  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Creativity
  • Emotional Development
  • Health & Fitness
  • Responsibility & Ethics
  • Self-Direction
  • Tech Skills
  • Thinking & Reasoning
    applying information, problem solving, thinking critically
See more details

What's it about?

DIMENSIONM puts players in the role of an agent who is sent on a mission to find a missing person. The story is filled with intrigue and encourages players to keep pushing forward to learn more details about the unraveling mystery. The story is a key point of focus for the game, and it's one that is not overly complex. Math exercises show up through the course of the game. Some of these exercises tie into the story, and at those times it really excels because it shows players how those intangible numbers and equations they see in the classroom can be used in a more interactive environment.

Is it any good?

 

DimensionM employs a very creative way of including math comprehension and testing in a non-threatening way. That is, this game could just as easily be described as an action game as it is a "math game." While the graphics don't rival other multi-million-dollar productions available to the commercial market, it is certainly a much more engaging, fun experience than reading a textbook or studying flash cards. The online multiplayer and frequent inclusion of tournaments inspire healthy competition and cooperation. Players have an incentive to solve as many questions as they can, and to do it more quickly than their friends.

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about how video games can be used as teaching tools. What have you learned from playing other games?

  • Where can you use math skills in real life? Have you used them in other math games?

  • What is your favorite school subject?

This review was written by Mark Raby

What kids can learn

1

Kids can learn how basic algebra and arithmetic can be relevant in the real world. DimensionM is designed to reinforce math concepts that players have already learned in school. For example, kids can learn how to figure out their current location on a map by figuring out how to decipher the x- and y-coordinates. The concept of this game is not to teach these mathematical skills, but to help kids learn that there can be practical applications for these concepts. Kids navigate a mysterious sci-fi world filled with sometimes disconnected math questions.

Subjects
  • Arts:
  • Hobbies:
  • Language & Reading:
  • Math: addition, algebra, equations
  • Science:
  • Social Studies:
Skills
  • Collaboration:
  • Communication:
  • Creativity:
  • Emotional Development:
  • Health & Fitness:
  • Responsibility & Ethics:
  • Self-Direction:
  • Tech Skills:
  • Thinking & Reasoning: applying information, problem solving, thinking critically

What's it about?

DIMENSIONM puts players in the role of an agent who is sent on a mission to find a missing person. The story is filled with intrigue and encourages players to keep pushing forward to learn more details about the unraveling mystery. The story is a key point of focus for the game, and it's one that is not overly complex. Math exercises show up through the course of the game. Some of these exercises tie into the story, and at those times it really excels because it shows players how those intangible numbers and equations they see in the classroom can be used in a more interactive environment.

How kids will learn

Kids answer a series of math questions, some of which relate to the underlying story within the game. They progress through the game by traversing various environments and shooting enemies, which require them to think critically and use spatial recognition skills. To pass certain points in the game, kids will be presented with a series of math questions, which range from basic arithmetic challenges to word problems and geometry puzzles.

How parents can help

  • Encourage kids to play other math games like SET or 21.
  • Let your kids help you to plan a trip by using real maps, figuring out mileage and the time it will take to travel.
This review was written by Mark Raby
Adult
July 18, 2011
AGE
6
 
This is a good site!!
Nice post!!!!
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This review was written by Mark Raby
Platforms:Windows, Mac
Available online?Available online
Genre:Educational
Developer:Tabula Digita
Release date:June 25, 2007
Price:Free
ESRB rating:NR
This review was written by Mark Raby

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

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