Common Sense Media Review
Boost brain power with out-of-this-world leveled games.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
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Galactic Genius with Astro Cat
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
In GALACTIC GENIUS WITH ASTRO CAT kids can pick from six main games. There are two different memory games, two different concentration games, a logic game, and a game that tests reaction time. Kids can choose any game at any time, but they must complete each of the 50 levels in sequence. Rewards include stickers and points that add up to the highest title of Solar General. There is also a Daily Dash game that combines skills from different games; Daily Dash can be played only once a day unless parents make an in-app purchase. The full version also requires a purchase, though the app is free to download.
Is It Any Good?
If kids are looking for engaging games that also boost cognitive skills, this game fits the bill -- but be prepared to make in-app purchases for full access. Navigation is a snap, though kids do need to read fluently to understand the instructions. Games like these that test cognitive skills often appeal to a huge range of ages. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the fast pace and the mental challenges that each game brings. An avatar introduces each game with cute but unintelligible speech. Although speech bubbles are provided, it would be great if the audio could be understood so kids can opt to listen as well as read along. Kids who struggle with reading might find that some instructions (the ones a user doesn't tap through) go too fast for them, which could be frustrating. Overall, though, for kids who read well and are looking for fun mini games, this collection is a great way for them to practice brain-based skills.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about which game was the favorite and why in Galactic Genius with Astro Cat. Did kids find memory, logic, concentration, or reaction time games the most fun? Which were the most challenging?
Talk about why the skills featured in the app are important. For instance, what skill are you practicing when you pick out the spaceship that's different? How might it be a helpful skill?
App Details
- Devices : iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad
- Subjects : Language & Reading : following directions
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : deduction , logic , memorization , part-whole relationships , problem solving , spatial reasoning
- Pricing structure : Free to try (optional in=app purchase for full access)
- Release date : July 11, 2017
- Genre : Education
- Publisher : Minilab Ltd
- Version : 1.0.2
- Minimum software requirements : iOS 7.0 or later; Android 4.2 and up
- Last updated : September 8, 2017
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