Trucks and Skulls Nitro

Review

Common Sense Media says

Fun, boisterous puzzle game in vein of Angry Birds.
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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Learning2
Best: Really engaging, great learning approach.
Very Good: Engaging, very good learning approach.
Good: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
Fair: Somewhat engaging, okay learning approach.
Not for Learning : Not recommended for learning.
Not for Kids: Not age-appropriate for kids; not recommended for learning.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Trucks and Skulls Nitro is a physics-based puzzle game that's based heavily on the formula that worked so well in Angry Birds. Kids fling trucks into the air in an attempt to destroy skulls and cause as much collateral damage as possible. It's a simple premise, but the game gets more and more complex as players advance. With well over 200 levels to figure out, the app offers plenty of value for any price. (That it's free is an added bonus.) Each truck has its own "personality" but all of them are loud and boisterous, and the game's background music has a heavy metal influence to it, though there are no lyrics for parents to worry about. It might sound inappropriate when laid out like that, but there's a cartoon vibe to the game that keeps it fairly light-hearted and comedic. Players can share high scores via the Game Center social network, but participation is optional. An iPad-only HD version is also available.

  • Ease of use3
    Trucks and Skulls Nitro HD follows the tried-and-true formula of "easy to learn, hard to master." After giving you a series of very easy levels to conquer, the difficulty ramps up, keeping players engaged.
  • Violence1
    Semi tractor-trailers launch themselves off ramps to destroy grinning skulls and shatter wood, glass, metal, and other obstacles. Many levels are also packed with dynamite that creates tremendous onscreen explosions. When defeated, skulls disappear in an elaborate puff of smoke.
  • Sex0
    Not applicable.
  • Language2
    The opening series of levels in the game are called "Hell's Highway."
  • Consumerism4
    Banner ads appear on virtually every menu screen and players can buy gold via in-app purchase to upgrade their trucks or unlock new ones.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
  • Privacy & safety4
    Levels created by the player can't be shared through the app. They must be emailed by their creator to friends, then imported. It's an annoyance, but ensures children do not contact strangers through the iPad. Some privacy concerns. Players can opt in to Apple's Game Center to track scores and achievements, and for some games, challenge friends. Players can send and receive friend requests using an email address or Game Center nickname, revealing the first and last name associated with each party's Apple ID and, in the case of email requests, the sender's email address. With iOS 5, players can opt to have a private or public profile, which can include a photo. With a public profile, your real name is visible to all other players, and Game Center will recommend you to other players using your real name. With a private profile, only your friends can see your real name, and Game Center will not recommend you to other players.
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What kids can learn

2

Kids can learn about gravity, momentum, and trajectory as they attempt to destroy skulls. Kids can also use momentum to make objects slam into each other and cause destructive chain reactions -- even more so if they hit a barrel of dynamite. Additionally, they'll get to explore their creative side by making their own levels. Trucks and Skulls Nitro offers a real-world physics lesson in an over-the-top trial-and-error action/puzzle game.

Subjects
  • Language & Reading
  • Math
  • Science
    gravity, momentum, physics
  • Social Studies
  • Arts
  • Hobbies
Skills
  • Thinking & Reasoning
    hypothesis-testing, problem solving, solving puzzles
  • Creativity
    imagination, making new creations, producing new content
  • Self-Direction
  • Emotional Development
  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • Responsibility & Ethics
  • Tech Skills
  • Health & Fitness
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What's it about?

Kids drag and tap their finger on the screen to aim and launch trucks off a ramp to collapse -- and destroy -- structures and eliminate the skulls hidden within. By watching how the trucks move in flight, players can learn a bit about gravity and momentum. Players can retry levels as many times as necessary -- and can even build their own in the mapmaker. This is done by dragging objects on screen from a collection of items and choosing which trucks can be used. Players can share these maps with friends or the developer via email. 

Is it any good?

 

It would be easy to write off Trucks and Skulls HD as a clone of Angry Birds, but that would be doing this app a disservice. While the physics-based puzzles are in the same vein -- an enemy hides under wood, stone, and other obstacles that you destroy by flinging objects -- there's just enough of a difference that it remains enjoyable. The game is, quite simply, fun. Beating the puzzles gives players a rush, while losing only makes them want to try again (rather than frustrating them). The addition of a level creator is a nice touch that encourages creativity, but sharing the levels you create is a slightly difficult process. (You have to email them to friends, who then must upload them into the game.)

This review of Trucks and Skulls Nitro was written by

What kids can learn

2

Kids can learn about gravity, momentum, and trajectory as they attempt to destroy skulls. Kids can also use momentum to make objects slam into each other and cause destructive chain reactions -- even more so if they hit a barrel of dynamite. Additionally, they'll get to explore their creative side by making their own levels. Trucks and Skulls Nitro offers a real-world physics lesson in an over-the-top trial-and-error action/puzzle game.

Subjects
  • Language & Reading:
  • Math:
  • Science: gravity, momentum, physics
  • Social Studies:
  • Arts:
  • Hobbies:
Skills
  • Thinking & Reasoning: hypothesis-testing, problem solving, solving puzzles
  • Creativity: imagination, making new creations, producing new content
  • Self-Direction:
  • Emotional Development:
  • Communication:
  • Collaboration:
  • Responsibility & Ethics:
  • Tech Skills:
  • Health & Fitness:

What's it about?

Kids drag and tap their finger on the screen to aim and launch trucks off a ramp to collapse -- and destroy -- structures and eliminate the skulls hidden within. By watching how the trucks move in flight, players can learn a bit about gravity and momentum. Players can retry levels as many times as necessary -- and can even build their own in the mapmaker. This is done by dragging objects on screen from a collection of items and choosing which trucks can be used. Players can share these maps with friends or the developer via email. 

How kids will learn

Trucks and Skulls Nitro may be over the top, but it's the sort of title that kids looking to feel especially macho will find engaging. As players explore the game, they'll also learn a bit about concepts of physics and momentum, as they see objects interact with each other. The app empowers kids to create their own levels, teaching them the limits of the laws of physics and encouraging exploration. 

How parents can help

  • Encourage kids to create their own levels. Play the levels, and then talk about what works well and what could be done differently.
  • Allow kids to check out other apps that use concepts of physics similarly. Our list of Apps for Angry Birds Lovers is a great place to start.
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Category:Action Games
Platforms:iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
Price:Free
Size:68.40 MB
Publisher:Appy Entertainment
Version:2.2.2
Release date:November 29, 2010
Minimum software requirements:iOS 4.3 or later
This review of Trucks and Skulls Nitro was written by

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