Common Sense Media Review
By Chris Morris
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Addictive, utterly frustrating action/music/platform game.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Geometry Dash
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 69 parent reviews
Parents say the game can be both entertaining and highly frustrating for younger players; while many appreciate its ability to enhance coordination and creativity, concerns about rage and potential exposure to inappropriate content through online features linger. Additionally, it includes features like parental controls to mitigate risks, but the addictive nature of the game can lead to negative behaviors in some children.
- addictive
- rage management
- parental controls
- creativity enhancement
- age recommendations
- community concerns
Summarized with AI
Based on 340 kid reviews
Kids say that while the game is entertaining and addictive, it has varying levels of appropriateness based on age, with some levels containing creepy or inappropriate themes that may not be suitable for younger players. Many enjoy the challenge and creativity involved, but there are concerns regarding the game's toxic community and potential risks for children who may struggle with frustration or access user-generated content.
- age-appropriate guidance
- community toxicity
- creative potential
- addiction and challenge
- frustration management
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
Players attempt to move a square "character" through an obstacle-laden path, tapping the screen to make it jump and holding the screen to make it skip up or down stair-like ramps. Mistiming a jump or hitting an obstacle results in you having to start the level over from the beginning. Often, mid-level, your square will transform into a rocket, which you'll fly through a cave, avoiding obstacles by flying higher and lower (touching the screen raises altitude, while not touching it causes a slow descent). The timing of the jumps is aided by a musical soundtrack that plays in conjunction with the game.
Is It Any Good?
GEOMETRY DASH is a game that will split users into two camps. Many will love the addictive nature of the action platformer, but others will quickly label it as an exercise in frustration -- and they're both right. The game is maddening, and it will drive many players to fits of rage, due to a less-than-perfect control system. (The on-screen avatar doesn't always jump the minute you touch the screen.) And the counter that displays how many times you've failed seems to taunt players.
But, by listening for musical clues and practicing the levels via the game's practice mode, it's possible to learn the patterns, which can ease the frustration. And the addition of a level-creation mode lets users design levels in an easy fashion, which extends the life of the game once you've mastered the included areas.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the best way to handle frustration -- and when it's best to walk away for a while.
Families also can talk about rhythm and the joy of dancing in time with music.
App Details
- Devices : iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Kindle Fire
- Pricing structure : Free to try , Paid , Free
- Release date : June 3, 2014
- Genre : Music Games
- Publisher : Robert Topala
- Version : 1.71
- Minimum software requirements : iOS 4.3 or later; Android 2.2 and up
- Last updated : January 17, 2026
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