Parents' Guide to Battle Bouncers

This brick breaking-style game may take a round or two to completely figure out, but once you do, you'll enjoy the action presented here. In Battle Bouncers, players use a team of several heroes to face off against enemy troops who methodically move closer as you try to subdue them. Each shot weakens whoever's hit, which can be seen numerically on the screen. It often takes several hits to eliminate someone, but the enemies don't advance too quickly, so players shouldn't feel too overwhelmed to react or make a decision. Aiming isn't a perfect science, although shots can also do damage after ricocheting around the board. As they complete levels, players will get various rewards, ranging from coins to potion. They can help characters become generally more powerful -- but you may need to check the FAQ to figure out what each item is and how it can be used.

The app involves more of a backstory than some similar object-breaking/battle games, although the plot's fleshed out more succinctly in the app description than it is in the actual game. But you don't need to know it to play successfully. Primarily, you'll have to be able to assess which characters' skills are complimentary and/or beneficial, when the best moments to attack are in rounds, and which weapon should be used. Alternate modes let them replay favorite stages with more difficulty and tackle towers in a limited number of attempts, but you can probably spend most of your time on the main story without getting bored because the battles generally feature enough varied challenges to remain exciting. Some parents may not be comfortable with the focus on fighting and weaponry -- there isn't much gore or lingering emphasis on characters dying, though, and the game allows younger kids to practice using strategy as they decide who and what weapon to use. For some parents, those critical thinking opportunities may outweigh Battle Bouncers' more combat-oriented nature.