Common Sense Media Review
By Mieke VanderBorght
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Branded flying arcade game is repetitive, lacks inspiration.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
PAW Patrol Pups Take Flight
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
PAW PATROL PUPS TAKE FLIGHT is an arcade-style running -- or flying, in this case -- game in which kids swipe the screen to move the pup so it flies over and "collects" various objects in its flight path. Follow the doggie treats through various terrains and collect badges to see the pup do flying tricks. In six settings, each with a different character, kids are charged with collecting five particular items to complete a challenge; each flight yields one of the five items. To collect the item, kids fly over it, then trace one of 10 shapes.
Is It Any Good?
This pricey game disappoints with an incredible amount of repetition and lack of creativity. Kids may enjoy the game for the first few rounds, as it's fun to guide the cute puppies on their flight path and collect as many items as possible. It's also user-friendly for little ones: Kids always get to the end of the mission with no consequences for bumping into obstacles. But other than a background refresh every five levels and a few extra badges, each flight is exactly the same, and gameplay quickly gets tedious. Add the loud frenetic music that's constantly in the background, and the repetitive automated phrases of encouragement, playing the game also borders on sensory overload. While there is some learning content, it's so minimal that it's unlikely to have any real impact. Though kids don't need ever to have seen PAW Patrol to play the app, those who have will likely be the only ones who may enjoy the game, simply for the fact that they get to interact with characters that they love.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about branded products. Why is this particular game appealing to them? Do they watch the TV series? If so, why are they interested in products that feature the characters from the show? Why do developers make products that feature characters from popular shows?
Discuss the shapes that appear on each level. After tracing the shape, expand on the theme: Ask kids what kinds of things are round, pentagon-shaped, and so on. How many sides does it have? Have kids find the shape in everyday objects around the house or on a shape-hunting walk outside.
App Details
- Devices : iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad
- Subjects : Math : counting , shapes
- Pricing structure : Paid
- Release date : March 16, 2016
- Genre : Education
- Topics : Adventures
- Publisher : Nickelodeon
- Version : 1.0
- Minimum software requirements : iOS 7.0 or later
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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