 | 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. |
Bejeweled
- iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Price: $0.99
- Category: Puzzle Games
Common Sense Media says
Spiffy update breathes new life into match-3 puzzle classic.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Bejeweled is an updated version of the classic match-3 puzzle game with three new modes. It replaces the app called Bejeweled 2 following PopCap's decision to retire Bejeweled 2 from the app store. Players who have already purchased Bejeweled 2 can update to the new Bejeweled for free, or they may continue to play Bejeweled 2 if they prefer.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn to think strategically as they choose when to deploy power-ups for maximum effect, and how to swap jewels to cause high-scoring cascades. Through Bejeweled's Zen Mode, players can practice a rudimentary form of meditation by enabling soothing ambient sounds and breathing modulations as they play. Zen mode also optionally displays positive mantras like "I take charge of my life," and "My body is perfect right now," which are intended to improve mental health through positive thinking. Bejeweled remains the crown jewel of match-3 gameplay but is shallow from a learning standpoint.
Skills
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Creativity
- Emotional Development
- Health & Fitnessmeditation, mental health
- Responsibility & Ethics
- Self-Direction
- Tech Skills
- Thinking & Reasoningstrategy
What's it about?
In Bejeweled, players drag their finger to swap jewels in a grid in order to create rows of three to five like-colored jewels and clear them from the board. Players advance to the next level by achieving a certain numbers of points. The game ends when there are no more moves left.
Is it any good?
Apparently sequels are confusing, at least on the app store. Bejeweled, which replaces Bejeweled 2 on iTunes, actually incorporates three new modes from Bejeweled 3 on PC. Confused yet? The good news is that the classic match-3 gem swapping gameplay is as fun as it is simple, and the new modes and graphical upgrades breathe new life into the classic gem-swapping format. Besides Classic mode, there's also Diamond Mine (where players swap gems to break ground at the bottom of the screen before time runs out), and Zen, a relaxed mode that lets players choose soothing ambient sound effects, modulate their breathing with an on-screen guide, and display positive mantras like "I am strong and secure."
What kids can learn
Kids can learn to think strategically as they choose when to deploy power-ups for maximum effect, and how to swap jewels to cause high-scoring cascades. Through Bejeweled's Zen Mode, players can practice a rudimentary form of meditation by enabling soothing ambient sounds and breathing modulations as they play. Zen mode also optionally displays positive mantras like "I take charge of my life," and "My body is perfect right now," which are intended to improve mental health through positive thinking. Bejeweled remains the crown jewel of match-3 gameplay but is shallow from a learning standpoint.
Skills
- Collaboration:
- Communication:
- Creativity:
- Emotional Development:
- Health & Fitness: meditation, mental health
- Responsibility & Ethics:
- Self-Direction:
- Tech Skills:
- Thinking & Reasoning: strategy
How kids will learn
Bejeweled is a casual time waster that's as addictive as it is simplistic. With its extremely straightforward concept (match three or more like-colored gems to clear them from the board), the game is accessible to virtually everyone from very young kids to their great-grandparents. The game supports players every step of the way with clear tutorials, plenty of encouraging feedback, and several modes to cater gameplay to a player's personal skill level and preferences.
How parents can help
- If your kids like match-3 puzzles, check out a few others so kids can compare and contrast gameplay to discover their favorites.
- Spend some time brainstorming some personal mantras with your kids that could help them recognize and reinforce the positive things in their lives.
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| Category: | Puzzle Games |
| Platforms: | iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad |
| Price: | $0.99 |
| Size: | 66.70 MB |
| Publisher: | PopCap |
| Version: | 1.0 |
| Release date: | December 8, 2011 |
| Minimum software requirements: | iOS 3.1 or later |
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