Dumb Ways to Die 2: The Games
Silly, difficult game buries safety message a bit too deep.
Parents say
Based on 3 reviews
Kids say
Based on 17 reviews
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Dumb Ways to Die 2: The Games
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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 Dumb Ways to Die 2: The Games is a collection of arcade-like games that showcase death-defying stunts in a comedic manner. The game features cartoonish gruesome deaths as a parable for safety on trains (it was created by an Australian train service). There are a number of ads and some in-app purchase options, but they aren't pushed heavily. Kids are likely to ignore the message and focus on the goofy fun, though.
Community Reviews
Eh.
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Fun game!
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What’s It About?
Players compete in a wide variety of "sports," ranging from the dynamite relay race to javelin catching, hoping to avoid death. After you die three times, the game is over. The game has several themed locations -- including winter, water, and track -- and the games are usually controlled via tapping or rubbing the screen (for example, tapping to jump over sharks or rubbing to brush a killer whale's teeth). Occasionally, players will receive train safety tips in the form of games, such as clearing the doors or staying off the track.
Is It Any Good?
DUMB WAYS TO DIE 2: THE GAMES is one of those apps that seems mindless on the surface but is actually trying to teach a lesson. The goofy, instantly forgettable (but fun) games are the draw, but the app's ultimate goal is that people will learn to be safer around commuter trains. It's a good lesson, but with so many ridiculous mini-games to play, it can get lost in the shuffle.
The games themselves? They're best described as short-term time-wasters: not too challenging, until they ramp up the speed to a point where they're virtually impossible. Neither the games nor their message will stick with you mentally, but you'll have a good time as you play.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how common sense can be a lifesaver sometimes.
Families also can talk about how to act on public transportation. What safety concerns do you need to think about when riding a train, bus, or subway?
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
- Pricing structure: Free
- Release date: November 18, 2014
- Category: Arcade Games
- Publisher: Metro Trains Melbourne Pty Ltd
- Version: 1.0
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 6.1 or later
- Last updated: July 29, 2016
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