 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Elmo's World: Elmo's Big Discoveries
- VSmile
- Price: $20
- Genre: Educational
Common Sense Media says
An excellent title for the VSmile system.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this software makes the VSmile and the VSmile Pocket systems accessible to preschoolers. Its gameplay is simple and it does an excellent job of teaching early learning concepts (such as letters and counting).
What's it about?
In ELMO'S WORLD: ELMO'S BIG DISCOVERIES for the VSmile gaming systems, kids join Elmo in exploring eight educational activities presented in two modes: as Learning Adventures or as games in the Learning Zone. The activities can be played on two levels of difficulty.
The Learning Adventures transport kids to four locations -- a barnyard, a circus, underwater, and a music hall -- where kids play games with Elmo and the silly Mr. Noodle. For example, in the barnyard, an animal is hiding but making a sound; kids are presented with four animals, each with a different colored button underneath. Kids choose the animal that made the sound by pressing the colored button, and then Elmo then teaches kids the beginning letter of the animal's name. The Learning Zone games cover the same concepts but use the VSmile's four colored buttons to create multiple-choice questions.
Is it any good?
This software works so well with preschoolers because Elmo is a great teacher of both game mechanics and educational concepts. Elmo responds to every button pushed on the VSmile controller -- he will move, giggle, dance and do silly stuff. Elmo never makes kids feel they have failed; when they provide a wrong answer, Elmo simply tells them to try again. A "Help" button triggers Elmo to more fully explain how to find the correct answer.
Elmo's high squeaky voice is sometimes hard to understand and his lip-syncing is off. And unlike the L-Max games (VSmile's competition), when this game is played on the VSmile Pocket while plugged into a TV, the handheld controller does not show a picture. Showing a picture on the handheld makes it easier for a child to figure out which button to push. But this game is still an excellent way to introduce preschoolers to educational activities in a gaming setting.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how kids can use the "Help" button when they don't know the answer to a question. Also, they could talk about Elmo. Is it easier to learn from a familiar character? What makes him so much fun?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
not for kids
bad game. elmo shoots characters with a gun, there is blood and gore, use of drugs, and constant swearing
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Elmo has gone hardcore
Elmo teaches kids strong cursing and in level 3 he takes a machine gun and kills everyone in his sight. Discovers a beer bottle and cigars in one level and you have to smoke them
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
GOD MODE VIOLENCE
Elmo Is very Violent. When You enter a code you unlock God Mode where Elmo shoots fire. I'm 54 years old and that Elmo videogame scars me deep inside.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
violent game
they say words like d*** and b****
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Platforms: | VSmile |
| Available online? | Not available online |
| Genre: | Educational |
| Developer: | VTech Electronics |
| Release date: | December 31, 2005 |
| Price: | $20 |
| ESRB rating: | EC |
Contact us to give us more feedback on our learning ratings.
Review It
Tell us what you think about our new Learning Ratings. We value your feedback.
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already played it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
