Pipe Trouble
By Chris Morris,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Adaptation of classic arcade game gets overly political.
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Pipe Trouble
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What’s It About?
Players attempt to connect two areas of pipeline in a short time period before gas begins flowing. Pipe pieces are offered at the top of the screen, and players must select the right ones -- horizontal, angled, or vertical -- to reach from Point A to Point B. At the same time, players must try to keep from further angering locals, who are upset at the impact on their land and block building by protests or blowing up the pipes. Pipes laid too close to pastures or people bring about environmental penalties.
Is It Any Good?
Whether PIPE DREAM is a good game may well depend on your political beliefs. The game is very much a propaganda tool about the dangers of natural gas mining, and it's very anti-business. That could be enough of a distraction to permanently annoy some players.
The heavy political message is frustrating, since the game is built off the framework of the '90s arcade hit Pipe Dream, which is a challenging, fun puzzle game. That fun is overshadowed this time around, though.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about propaganda. How can you identify it?
Families also can talk about the importance of understanding facts when someone is trying to sway your opinion.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Release date: February 27, 2013
- Category: Strategy Games
- Version: 1.18.0
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 4.3 or later; Android 2.2 and up
- Last updated: July 13, 2020
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