Draw Something
Common Sense says
- iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire
- $.99-$1.99
- Puzzle Games
Parents say
Kids say
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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 Draw Something is takeoff of the popular Pictionary parlor game that's played with friends. While the game is fun to play with people you know, players can also compete with strangers online, which could expose them to inappropriate language and drawings. Learning to draw is fairly easy, which could make children want to play -- but if they do so, it should be under strict supervision. The game also offers in-app purchases using real-world cash, but they are not essential. The free version of the app includes heavy advertising.
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User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
Fun but frustrating
Quite good fun but beware American language
Great fun!
What's it about?
In the Draw Something app, players hand-draw pictures using a rudimentary art pad; their opponent then attempts to guess what the drawing is, selecting from a group of letters. If they're stumped, players can detonate "bombs" to eliminate some of the letters, though that doesn't always help. Solving puzzles earns players coins, which they can use to buy more bombs. Players can play with their people they know, or play with random opponents.
Is it any good?
The "with Friends" trend has spawned plenty of imitators, but DRAW SOMETHING is unique. The game takes the basic concepts of Pictionary -- drawing something from scratch and having others guess that object -- and adds a one-on-one competitive element. It's utterly addictive and a heck of a lot of fun.
For parents, that could be a problem, though. Since the game is unregulated and you can play random opponents, there's always the chance you'll be paired with someone who finds it amusing to draw genitalia or the like. Most players, thankfully, don't do this, however, and with the inclusion of a Facebook tie-in, you can always play against someone you know and trust. The hard part will be putting the game down.
Talk to your kids about ...
Play Draw Something with your kid, either as an "opponent" or as a drawing team against another player. Talk through different approaches to drawing a word.
Encourage kids to play with people they know in real life rather than random match-ups. Let them know that if they receive an inappropriate drawing they should end the game.
App details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire
- Subjects: Arts: drawing
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: analyzing evidence, applying information, deduction
Creativity: brainstorming, combining knowledge, imagination
Collaboration: cooperation, meeting challenges together, teamwork
Communication: conveying messages effectively - Price: $.99-$1.99
- Release date: March 2, 2012
- Category: Puzzle Games
- Size: 8.30 MB
- Publisher: OMGPOP
- Version: 1.2.8
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 3.0 or later; Android 1.5 and up
- Last updated: November 11, 2020
Our editors recommend
For kids who love drawing and words
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.