Parents' Guide to Reach: SOS

This puzzle game provides a unique and emotionally affective story about loneliness. Reach: SOS doesn't have much written content, but it hints at a storyline involving the search for someone who's been contacting the main character. You don't know when the places you stop at became so desolate, or where everyone has gone. But the expressive, poignant graphics reinforce the sense that the protagonist is very alone in the world. The rooms you see are deserted -- walls have deep cracks, and spider webs dot the corners of some. In one, they'll find a makeshift tent scattered with toys.

The expressive visuals set the tone well, and the game isn't too complex. Even though they don't know what they're looking for in a room, because the spaces are relatively small and only contain so many elements, you shouldn't have to search to the point of frustration for what you need to find. The app description suggests everything may eventually tie into a message about feeling isolated. There isn't much context now to drive that point home, or even clarify what's going on. But only a portion of the game is currently available, presumably with more to come. It's a pretty strong start -- future chapters that reinforce a storyline about the importance of relationships could potentially elevate Reach: SOS from a series of entertaining brainteasers to something that provides a thought-provoking opportunity to learn about human nature, emotions, and dealing with loneliness.