2048
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that 2048 is a math-based puzzle game that extends the genre beyond what Threes! did earlier this year. It encourages math skills, but is also accessible to younger players, who just have to match like numbers. The game also promotes strategic planning to maximize playtime before you're out of moves. It's an easy-to-learn, tough-to-master game that kids and parents will both love, but parent should be aware that the app includes to links social media and the App Store. Also worthy of note is that the app versions of the game are clones of the web original. (The iOS and Android versions, for instance, are made by different teams. We tested the iOS version.) There are several 2048 clones flooding the app stores now, so parents should be aware that developers of some of these may not make them as family friendly as the one we tested. Read the developer's privacy policy for details on how your (or your kids') information is collected, used, and shared and any choices you may have in the matter, and note that privacy policies and terms of service frequently change.
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User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
2048
Improves Critical Thinking Skills
What's it about?
Users slide numbered tiles around a 4x4 grid, matching up similar numbers in an effort to get a cube that adds up to 2048. When users can no longer combine numbers, they'll see their score.
Is it any good?
Like Threes! before it, 2048 is a math exercise hidden in a terrifically addictive matching game. Rather than simply trying to post as high a score as possible, though, this one sets a task, users must combine numbers to the point that they add up to 2048 in a single box. That means initially matching 2s, then 4s, then 8s, etc., until a pair of 1024s are next to each other. It's a small, but wonderful twist that makes the gameplay seem new. And having a task to aim for keeps people playing (as well as trying to better the scores of their friends). Like any of the best games, you'll quickly understand the point and do fairly well -- but it will be a long, long time before you truly master the game.
Keep in mind, though, that the app versions of the game are not made by the creator of the original game -- which was a playable in a browser. There are several 2048 clones flooding both app stores now, so parents should be aware that developers of some of these may not make them as family friendly as the one we tested.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about how math is used in everyday activities.
Families can also talk about why it's important to think ahead.
App details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
- Subjects: Math: addition
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: strategy
- Pricing structure: Free
- Release date: March 25, 2014
- Category: Puzzle Games
- Topics: Numbers and Letters
- Size: 2.00 MB
- Publisher: Ketchapp
- Version: 1.1
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 4.3 or later
- Last updated: June 19, 2019
For kids who love puzzles and math
Our editors recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.