Parents' Guide to PK XD - Explore the Universe

App iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android Free to try Simulation Games
PK XD - Explore the Universe Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Amanda Bindel By Amanda Bindel , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 9+

Kid-safe virtual world with in-app purchases.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 9+?

Any Positive Content?

  • PK XD - Explore the Universe App: Screenshot #1
  • PK XD - Explore the Universe App: Screenshot #2
  • PK XD - Explore the Universe App: Screenshot #3
  • PK XD - Explore the Universe App: Screenshot #4
  • PK XD - Explore the Universe App: Screenshot #5

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 9+

Based on 14 parent reviews

Parents say that while the app is entertaining and kid-friendly, it also has significant issues with in-app purchases and customer support, with some users reporting substantial monetary losses due to failed transactions. The game is praised for its fun content and updates, providing safe gameplay for children, but concerns about consumerism and expensive costumes are frequently mentioned, indicating a desire for better free options.

  • fun gameplay
  • safe for kids
  • costly in-app purchases
  • poor customer support
  • limited free content
Summarized with AI
 

 

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age 7+

Based on 23 kid reviews

Kids say that this mobile app is a fun and engaging game that brings back wonderful childhood memories, allowing players to explore, customize avatars and homes, and connect with friends in a safe environment. However, some users have noted that the game can become repetitive over time, and there are concerns about inappropriate player behavior and in-game purchases.

  • fun gameplay
  • safe environment
  • potential for boredom
  • need for updates
  • in-game purchases
  • memory-making experiences
Summarized with AI
 

 

See all 23 kid reviews

Privacy Rating Warning

  • Unclear whether personal information is sold or rented to third parties.
  • Personal information is shared for third-party marketing.
  • Unclear whether this product displays personalised advertising.
  • Unclear whether data are collected by third-parties for their own purposes.
  • Unclear whether this product uses a user's information to track and target advertisements on other third-party websites or services.
  • Unclear whether this product creates and uses data profiles for personalised advertisements.
Learn more about our privacy ratings

What's It About?

Kids start PK XD - EXPLORE THE UNIVERSE by choosing a name (not their real name or anything the developers mark as inappropriate) and then design their avatar's skin, hair, and outfit. Some options cost in-app coins, which kids earn by playing every day and completing missions -- like delivering a pizza or gathering fruit. They can buy coins, too, with real money, which also disables ads. They then move on to their house where they can decorate and upgrade as well as visit other player's homes. There's also a school, a playground, and a huge pool to visit. Kids can chat with other players using pre-set phrases and emojis. If kids add friends to their list, it's easier to find them when they're both online.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 14 ):
Kids say ( 23 ):

This safer-for-kids virtual world has lots to explore and customize, but there are purchases. Kids who are interested in virtual worlds should easily find plenty to in PK XD - Explore the Universe. There are a variety of settings to hang out in, from schools and parks and towns. And there's lots to decorate, like outfits and homes. There are also lots of opportunities to make in-app purchases: Parents should be prepared to handle requests to spend real money. PK XD - Explore the Universe's restrictions on chat might frustrate kids, but the canned, pre-set language is a safe way to let them communicate. For example, kids can ask, "Where are you from?" but replies are limited to continents. It's disappointing that any user can enter your virtual home, but the limits on chat options helps make that more annoying than unsafe. Closing out of the app is tricky the first time, but kids just need to swipe from the line at the bottom of the screen. Given that virtual playgrounds are popular with kids, but aren't always safe spaces, PK XD - Explore the Universe strikes a good balance between creative exploration and safety.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about guidelines for adding "friends" in games like PK XD - Explore the Universe. Ask why the developer set it up so that kids can't chat in full conversations, what they can learn from that. Read our article on online playgrounds.

  • Discuss your family's approach to making in-app purchases. Are they okay? How much is okay? Who pays for them? Check out 5 Ways to Curb Kids' In-App Purchases for tips.

  • Talk about how kids feel connecting to others in virtual worlds versus the real world. How are the experiences different? Do they prefer one way over the other? Why?

App Details

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