Bowmasters

Simple but redundant, greedy physics combat game.
Parents say
Based on 4 reviews
Kids say
Based on 20 reviews
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Bowmasters
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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 Bowmasters is an action game. Players have to use the right angle and amount of force to hit their enemy from a distance, using such items as a bow and arrow, bricks, and pointed sticks. When struck, players and their opponents not only bleed, but their skin flies off, revealing their skeleton below, though it's all done with a rather cartoony art style. There are often ads on the bottom of the screen when you're playing, as well as frequent ads between matches. Not surprisingly, you can pay to play an ad-free version. Read the app's privacy policy on the game's website to find out about the information collected and shared.
Community Reviews
Great
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Graphically and unnecessarily violent. Redundant, loaded with ads.
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What’s It About?
BOWMASTERS doesn't have a story. While these characters may have a very good reason why they want to kill each other from a distance, it's never stated in the game. Instead, you just play a series of battles against the computer or other online players until everyone is dead.
Is It Any Good?
While there's a fun physics game at work here, it's undermined by redundancy and by being aggressively greedy. In Bowmasters, you use your finger to determine the angle and the amount of force you need to shoot an arrow, toss a brick, or fling a javelin at someone standing far away. Do it right, and you'll nail them, maybe even kill them. There's even a cool variety of characters -- including a briefcase-throwing Investor and a streaming gamer who flings her gamepad -- though don't be surprised if the lawyers for Groot, Mario, or Rick from Rick & Morty get the more blatant rip-offs removed. But while this can be fun and challenging, especially since every character has their own weapon, it's kind of just the same game over and over. The persistent greed is also a bummer. Not only are there frequent ads along the bottom of the screen, but there are also ads between each match, though you can always pay to turn off the ads. It's also needlessly bloody. While the game has a cool cartoony look about it, all the spewing blood and splattering skin seems unnecessarily gratuitous. All of which is why Bowmasters starts off strong, but eventually loses steam.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about physics. To excel at this game, you have to understand basic physics, but how else can physics help you in life?
Talk about unnecessary roughness. Do you think being so bloody and gory adds anything to this game? How do you think it would be different if it was less disgusting?
Discuss money management. Given that you can get free characters, and can earn others by playing, does it make sense to spend a lot of money on this game?
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
- Pricing structure: Free
- Release date: October 25, 2017
- Category: Action Games
- Publisher: Playgendary
- Version: 2.10
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 9.0 or later; Android 4.1 and up
- Last updated: April 30, 2020
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love action
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