Common Sense Media Review
By Amanda Bindel
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
STEM concepts ride along with racing fun.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Blaze and the Monster Machines
What's It About?
In "build" mode of BLAZE AND THE MONSTER MACHINES, kids design their own racetrack, choosing where to built it -- the Badlands, the Snowy Slopes, or the Monster Dome -- and which obstacles to add. They also can go directly to a "race," choosing an existing track in those same locations. Before each race, they'll learn the science behind an obstacle or tool in the race, such as how tires help provide traction. Kids can choose to play by tapping or by tilting the screen. Completing one level unlocks the next, whether kids win or not.
Is It Any Good?
Building and racing are both totally preschool-friendly, perfect for fans of the Nick Jr. show. Kids don't really have to do anything to complete a race, though they can maneuver their truck for a better outcome. Even if they come in last (or third) place, they'll move on to the next level. The real fun is in designing the tracks, and the learning comes from short explanations of the science behind each feature on the track. Each of the three locations includes several tracks, plus kids can build their own, so there's quite a bit of variety of scenes. But the actual gameplay is pretty much the same throughout.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the science terms introduced -- "trajectory," "adhesion," and "acceleration" -- and think of examples of each.
Show kids that they can play in tap mode or tilt mode, and let them choose what's more comfortable for them.
App Details
- Devices : iPad , Android , Kindle Fire
- Subjects : Science : momentum , motion
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : decision-making , thinking critically , Creativity : making new creations
- Pricing structure : Paid
- Release date : January 31, 2015
- Genre : Education
- Topics : Transportation ( Cars & Trucks )
- Publisher : Nickelodeon
- Version : 1.2
- Minimum software requirements : iOS 7.0 or later; Android 2.3.3 and up
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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