Parents' Guide to Ni No Kuni: Cross Worlds

Kids immediately plunge into a deep fantasy adventure in this action-filled game. Along the way, they'll encounter cute creatures in Ni No Kuni: Cross Worlds that help direct them -- including Cluu, who provides much of the initial dialogue, other characters who offer helpful assistance and information, and creatures they'll fight in brief battles. In addition to a sword, kids can choose from a number of moves to dispense their opponents. The app also offers fully or partially automated modes and a manual playing option, which gives a chance to have either total control over actions or get some guidance during the experience.

The game's top-notch graphics are almost movie-like. Kids can easily zoom in or change their perspective with a swipe on the screen, and if they choose to operate the game manually, they can move their character around using a control wheel -- although, at times, a phone screen doesn't seem to offer quite enough space to fully take in some of the settings. Kids need to complete smaller quests to earn experience points and gain access to bigger ones. The ongoing storyline that's woven throughout the experience contains a suitable amount of drama, along with quirky characters and fairly frequent interactive sequences, which should help hold interest. While the battles aren't the only thing kids do, their mix of moves and striking visual effects, such as light that emits from weapons and bounces off opponents as they're struck, are compelling. Some other aspects also add interesting factors, such as the ability to link new animals you pick up to your heart. Overall, Ni No Kuni: Cross Worlds is clearly a well-designed game -- between the main character bounding up flights of stairs, running into new people seemingly every few feet, and participating in battles, kids shouldn't encounter too many dull moments while playing.