Squids

Review

Common Sense Media says

Unique strategy/action/RPG blend good for beginners.
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
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Squids is a blend of strategy and action in a game that carries an environmental message. Though you fight enemies as you look to gather pearls, it's done by simply bumping into them and trying to take them out before the pollution they're infected with takes your character over. In-app purchases run as high as $15 for in-game currency, but aren't essential. Users can share high scores via the Game Center social network, but participation is optional.

  • Ease of use3
    Propelling your squids across the screen is easy, but determining trajectory and how and when to "attack" enemies requires some thought. 
  • Violence1
    You'll fight enemies, but only by bumping into them. 
  • Sex0
    Not applicable.
  • Language0
    Not applicable.
  • Consumerism3
    In-game currency can be bought using real-world dollars via in-app purchases, ranging from $1 to $15. The purchases are not essential.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
  • Privacy & safety3
    Some privacy concerns. Users can opt in to OpenFeint, an interactive network that allows users to upload real avatar photos, post on message boards, connect with Facebook friends or Twitter followers, and access live chat with strangers. Users can opt in to Game Center to track achievements instead; it does not have chat and connections to other social media within the app.
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Is it any good?

 

By blending the strategy and action genres (and tossing in a dash of role playing), SQUIDS is a unique creature in the App Store. Though it presents itself as a mix of Final Fantasy and Angry Birds, there's really nothing like it. That's commendable -- and the game is a technical marvel, with jaunty music and nice graphics. It also has an ideal difficulty ramp -- not too tough, but sufficient to still leave you with a sense of achievement. 

But with every new genre, there's a learning curve -- on the behalf of both players and developers. SQUIDS feels like a game that, while fun for a while, doesn't entirely live up to its potential. Moving around the levels doesn't feel natural, and it's hard to connect with the characters onscreen (and not just because they're squids). You certainly won't regret this purchase -- and many may love the game -- but others will wonder why the smiles on their faces aren't as wide as they should be. 

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This review was written by Chris Morris

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This review was written by Chris Morris
Category:Role Playing Games
Platforms:iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
Price:$1.99
Size:175.00 MB
Publisher:The Game Bakers
Version:1.2.2
Release date:November 4, 2011
Minimum software requirements:iOS 3.2 or later
This review was written by Chris Morris

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

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