Common Sense Media Review
By Chris Morris
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Toothless, cash-hungry dino-fighting game; some strategy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Jurassic World: The Game
What's It About?
After a brief tutorial, players jump in to one of the two core components: building or battle. For building, players "hatch" dinosaurs in the park's lab after unlocking them in battle or via collectable cards, create food for them (helping them level up), build structures, and clear additional land for their park. There's not a lot of incentive to expand the park unless you choose to focus solely on that aspect of the game, which is pretty hard. For battle, you'll select one or more of your dinosaurs to face off in an arena. Players can choose to attack, block, or save their move for the next turn (giving them several options). The battles are quick but require an iPhone 5s or iPad 3 to play. There is a player-vs.-player option, but it only works sporadically and is completely anonymous; there's no communication between players.
Is It Any Good?
If nothing else, JURASSIC WORLD: THE GAME is surprising. Although an app tie-in to the film was expected, no one was looking for a dino-fighting app. Sadly, the battles really aren't all that fun. They're over quickly, and then you have to wait five or more minutes before you can use those dinosaurs again in battle. Even if you have several dinosaurs, you'll still find yourself waiting. The purpose, of course, is to encourage people to pay to keep playing, but the fights just aren't compelling enough.
The park-building elements might keep some people around, but they'll find those elements are just as half-baked. There's no strong incentive to expand your park, other than to aid you in the fights. Add in the push for additional in-app purchases and the game's lack of direction, and you've got an app that seems destined for extinction.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about dinosaurs and what scientists have learned about them. Which types do you already know, and what do you know about them?
Families also can talk about the difference between fictional presentations and history and why movies and games sometimes alter the truth for entertainment purposes.
App Details
- Devices : iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad
- Pricing structure : Free
- Release date : April 29, 2015
- Genre : Action Games
- Topics : Animals ( Dinosaurs )
- Publisher : Ludia
- Version : 1.1.10
- Minimum software requirements : iOS 7.0 or later
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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