Arthur Christmas: Elf Run Premium

Review

Common Sense Media says

Simple game, but app is full of ads and purchases.
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
 
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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Arthur Christmas: Elf Run Premium heavily promotes in-app purchases and includes access to social networks for gamers in the app. While the gameplay itself is basic enough that early elementary school-age kids are likely to be able to play it -- basically run through houses avoiding obstacles to deliver gifts -- the amount of in-app purchases and advertising (plus the option for using OpenFeint) make it incompatible with young kids unless parents are involved.

  • Ease of use3
    There's a brief explanation of how to play, and the game itself (using arrows to jump over or crawl under obstacles, for the most part) is not complicated.
  • Violence1
    Military language like "1st Field Elf Battalion" is used. Some ads are for military-style games like "Modern War."
  • Sex0
    Not applicable.
  • Language0
    Not applicable.
  • Consumerism5
    The entire app is sort of a promo for the movie, and many of the entities associated with the making of the movie or the app are promoted on the main page. There are ads that run on the bottom of most main screens. There's a store where you can use points to upgrade your speed and get pet food and gifts. Some purchases are made with points you are given and earn in the game; others are in-app purchases ($.99 to $49.99). There's a "more" tab that takes players to other purchasing options, such as an Arthur Christmas storybook, iTalk Arthur Christmas, and more.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
  • Privacy & safety3
    Some privacy concerns. Users can opt into OpenFeint, an interactive network that allows users to upload real photos, post on message boards, connect via Twitter and Facebook friends, and access live chat with strangers. Users can opt into Game Center to track achievements instead; it does not have chat and other social media connections.
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Is it any good?

 

ARTHUR CHRISTMAS: ELF RUN PREMIUM is a fine game. Kids who like the movie will likely enjoy the game. But the amount of advertising and opportunities for in-app purchases overruns the game itself. Whether promoting purchasing more "treats" (from $.99 to a $49.99 in-app purchase) to suggesting kids buy more Arthur stuff like a book or the app as a gift, this app seems more about promoting the movie and finding ways to make more money off of it than providing a fun game for kids.

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This review was written by Dana Villamagna

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This review was written by Dana Villamagna
Topics:holidays
Category:Kids Games
Platforms:iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire
Price:$.99
Size:36.90 MB
Publisher:Spin-Up Games, Inc
Version:1.3.0
Release date:December 13, 2011
Minimum software requirements:iOS 4.1 or later
This review was written by Dana Villamagna

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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.
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