Mission X: Hidden Island
By Dana Anderson,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Choose your path in this OK, creepy adventure story.
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Mission X: Hidden Island
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What’s It About?
Parents will recognize MISSION X: HIDDEN ISLAND as a visual, creepy choose-your-own-adventure story. To play, tap Start, and then read the first page of the story and choose from one of two to four action options. Read how the choice you made affects the story. View a map to see where your choices have taken you on the journey, as well as your achievements and story progress. If you get a story-ending message that indicates your character has died ("Next time try playing it safe -- and encounter different decisions!"), return to the map and choose "Go Back" to select a different option.
Is It Any Good?
This choose-your-path story will likely be an interesting adventure for teens and adults who like fiction with suspense and mild horror themes, but the writing could be better. The images in Mission X: Hidden Island's background change as the written story progresses, which keeps the visuals interesting. However, some of the cheesy language (e.g., "Sometimes you have to be ruthless" and "Her hair is as black as the darkness in your heart") bogs down the story; expect some reader eye-rolls. Players get awards, such as the Fair Play Award, for good choices. If a player makes a story-ending choice, the app suggests re-choosing ("You don't want to drown. Go back and find other decisions!"). The story is quite long (depending on how many times your character makes a wrong choice and must backtrack) and may require many players multiple play sessions, which makes it last a bit longer.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how and why they made their choices in Mission X: Hidden Island. Which choices led to good outcomes and awards and which ones led to negative feedback or even their character's death?
Talk about how suspense and creepy details are used to create the story's mood. Ask your teen what segments of the story work, and which parts they think could have been written better.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
- Subjects: Language & Reading: reading comprehension
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: decision-making, thinking critically, Emotional Development: empathy
- Pricing structure: Free to try (in-app purchase $0.99 for full content)
- Release date: June 22, 2017
- Category: Adventure Games
- Publisher: Carlsen Verlag GmbH
- Version: 1.1
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 8.0 or later; Android 4.4 and up
- Last updated: July 8, 2020
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