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  • $30
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The Number Devil (Windows, Mac)

common sense media says

Unique math title covers unconventional concepts.


parents & educators say

What 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.

Educational value: Not applicable.
Positive messages: The Number Devil is a little mouthy--but it works for his character.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on The Number Devil

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

What's the story?

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?

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.

Game themes & details

Game Details
Available on: Windows, Mac
Not available online
Genre: Educational
Developer: Viva-Media
Released on: September 25, 2004
Price: 30
ESRB Rating: E

This review was written by Jinny Gudmundsen
 
 

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turtlekins
teen, 16 years old
 
Amazing!
I learned more from this book than i would ten years in the school system. it's a little confusing for younger kids, but its a great book. Definitly read it!

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About our rating system
ON: Content is 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