Parents' Guide to Ping Pong Fury

This is an enjoyable game to play, even if you're not the best table tennis player. Ping Pong Fury matches are brief. Initially, they last until one person earns five points -- a simple scoring method that makes it easy to keep track of how you're doing. Kids also get a notification when they reach the deciding point in the match. They can pick up some items as they play to add to their bag of equipment, such as enhanced shoes that will help them run around the table to make wider shots. The game features a few nifty sound effects, including the crowd cheering when a point is earned, and a realistic thwack when the ball hits the table.

The pod reward system can be a little confusing at first. Much like the in-app currency's value, it isn't explained in a huge amount of detail. Some basic actions can be tricky to execute -- you don't have too much mobility when serving, for instance. The ball is awkwardly aligned to be parallel to your paddle, and successfully swiping to hit it can take a couple of attempts. Kids have to wait to get information about more nuanced moves. The tip on how to hit high-flying balls, for example, can be viewed only when they reach a certain point and unlock it. They can then view an explanation and test the move out. Kids should still be able to play matches, though, even without full knowledge about the advanced hits and other elements. Entering into each match involves a cost, but kids should be able to earn enough virtual cash to keep playing for quite some time without delays. Some opponents can appear to have playing advantages, such as faster ball speed, which can make those matches feel uneven -- and may be the game's biggest drawback. As a result, although kids don't technically need to pay anything to play Ping Pong Fury, to succeed at it, they may feel pressured to buy items -- or start to believe their only chance of winning is to hope they aren't matched with an opponent who has.