 | 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. |
World of Goo
- Nintendo Wii, Windows, Mac
- Price: $19.99
- Genre: Puzzle
Common Sense Media says
Brilliant physics-based puzzler turns player into engineer.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that World of Goo contains little in the way of potentially offensive content. Its narrative -- which focuses on semi-intelligent balls of goo being used by a corporation to develop products such as beauty cream and a kind of drink -- contains concepts geared for older players, but there is never anything graphic or scary. However, the puzzle-based play, while intuitive and simple at first, quickly becomes difficult enough that it may frustrate some children. In other words, it's safe for kids to play, but they might not get as much out of it as older tweens, teens, and adult players.
What's it about?
Available for PC and through WiiWare (Nintendo's downloadable game service for the Wii console), WORLD OF GOO is composed of a series of physics-based puzzles that involve building bridges, towers, scaffolds, and other structures out of the game's titular material. The general goal is to move the goop toward pneumatic pipes strategically positioned within two-dimensional environments. These pipes suck up the goo and take it to the World of Goo Corporation, where it is processed into various products.
There are five chapters, each with over a dozen puzzles. When players aren't engaged in the story, they can head over to the World of Goo factory, where they can work with the bits of goop they have collected in an attempt to build the tallest possible tower. If you're connected to the Internet you'll be able to see goal marks representing other players' towers in the background.
Is it any good?
World of Goo is a breath of fresh air in the 2008 video game season that has been overrun to some degree by guns and gore. The googly-eyed goo balls are undeniably endearing creatures, the colourful 2-D environments create a visually satisfying Dr. Seuss-meets-Edward Gorey sort of atmosphere, and the almost ethereal background music often sounds as though it has been pilfered from a Tim Burton film. Plus, the game's clever story about the World of Goo Corporation draws some vague but thoughtful parallels with real-world companies without ever becoming preachy about it.
But it's World of Goo's physics-based conundrums that make the game a truly special -- perhaps even brilliant -- interactive experience. Most puzzles have wonderfully imaginative premises. For example, one level set in a tumbler sends the player's tower falling to the side every couple of seconds. You have to be quick, strategic, and patient, waiting for just the right moments to attach your goo balls to a long, narrow structure that eventually wedges itself between the barrel's rotating sides. The key to all of this goopy fun is how the goo balls are governed by the same physical laws present in our world. All we really need do to solve each puzzle is apply our understanding of real-world forces such as gravity and wind. It makes for wonderfully intuitive play that has potential to appeal to just about anyone -- though later puzzles are tricky enough that they might prove off-putting to younger players. It's one of the best and most innovative games of the year, and it's dirt cheap, to boot.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the game's goo balls and how they are used by the corporation. Do you feel sad that they are destined to be made into various products? Do you think they mind? Do you think that the game's makers were trying to make a statement about the way real-world corporations use natural resources? If so, what do you think that statement might be?
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AGE
The Game that will Have you playing for hours! AMAZING!
Definitely a fun game! My friends are a addicted to it! It challenges the player's mind, educating them on critical thinking, logic and most of all, creativity! With many mind bending puzzles and hundreds of options to complete each level, it's so much fun and enticing! From the first moment I've played it, I couldn't stop. It gets more interesting and interesting the more you play. The first world is easy, but somewhat during the second world, it gets harder, and by the time you're on the fourth world, it's challenging! I would recommend it for kids ten and up, unless their is a super-genius four year old in your house. No doubt about it, the game is INCREDIBLE!
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AGE
Best physics puzzler I've ever played
My kids (3 and 5) love to sit with me and tell me what to do with the cute little goo balls. Beautiful game all around.
Kids could take this game on solo around 7 or so. 5 is too young to do the precise clicking that's needed on some levels.
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AGE
Fantastic
One of my favorite games ever. Very clever.
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AGE
Great physics-based game might be challenging for some!
Great game! It is very educational because it makes you think logically to win the game. After playing this, kids might get an interest in becoming an engineer when they grow up. I have it on the Wii, and the controls are very simple. Anyone under 7 might find it kind of hard to play.
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AGE
Engrossing for all ages
Note: We have only played the free, downloadable version of this game, but we will be getting it for Christmas, either as a PC disk or downloaded onto our (new) Wii. All three of my kids, ages 8-12, and I were charmed by the little goo balls, who chirp when they get closer to the goal of the pipe opening as you build them into various shapes and structures. As the levels increase in difficulty, adding various obstacles and challenges, being able to change tactics becomes critical, encouraging creativity. If you don't do well on a level, you can simply try again, evidently as often as you like. You can really learn a lot about construction, foundations, cantilevering, weight, etc., without really noticing you're learning (my definition of a good game!). The artwork is a neat combination of cheerful and creepy, and the music is beautiful. Simple to understand, but challenging to master --another sign of a good game. We love the World of Goo!
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AGE
This is one brilliant non-violent game
While searching for the perfect game for my nephew, I came across this at best buy. I brought it home to try it out and see if there was anything wrong with it. A few goo balls get impaled on spikes, but otherwise, it's completely safe. I agree with this article, though. Many of the levels were difficult for me, but seeing as my nephew is 9, I don't think it will do anything but cause him delight.
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AGE
World of Goo is an amazing game (the music is among the best) This game is a brilliant metaphor for humanity with surprisingly relevant messages about resource, industry, development, and progress.
*sheeparcade*
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Kid, 12 years old
July 23, 2011
AGE
Good, but fustrating
its a cool game, but little kids could get fustrated. i did a few times. theres nothing inappropriate.
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| Platforms: | Nintendo Wii, Windows, Mac |
| Available online? | Available online |
| Genre: | Puzzle |
| Developer: | 2D Boy |
| Release date: | October 13, 2008 |
| Price: | $19.99 |
| ESRB rating: | E for Comic Mischief |
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