Parents need to know that this platform adventure has little in the way of offensive content, but that it can be difficult to figure out and remains highly challenging even once the basic game elements have been learned. Players must think hard to figure out what they need to draw -- including bridges, ramps, and boxes to drop on switches -- in order to navigate perilous environments. There is no fighting in the game. Instead, players protect their stick figure hero by drawing circles around enemies and pushing the resulting balls out of their path. However, should Marker Man lose enough health -- by touching enemies, falling, or coming into contact with spikes -- he will disappear and a tombstone will take his place.
Educational value:Players need to come up with imaginative solutions to overcome environmental obstacles. It’s a good workout for the mind.
Positive messages:The theme here is creativity. Players have to use their imaginations to figure out what they need to draw to navigate perilous environments.
Positive role models:Marker Man, a mute stick figure who simply runs and jumps, isn’t much of a role model, but his quest to find his lost dog is noble.
Ease of play:Difficult to figure out without reading the instruction booklet (which, thankfully, is brief and efficient). Remains quite challenging once you know how to play.
Violence:Marker man loses health when he comes in contact with enemies or touches spikes. Should his health fall to zero, he’ll disappear and a tiny tombstone will appear in his place.