The Room

App review by Chris Morris, Common Sense Media
The Room Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 11+

Gorgeous, captivating puzzle game will draw you in.

iPad Puzzle Games
Rate app

Parents say

age 13+

Based on 6 reviews

Kids say

age 10+

Based on 7 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this app.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The Room is a perplexing puzzle game that has players work their way through a series of interactive puzzle boxes. The game sets a very mysterious, moody tone that might make players nervous (much like a horror movie's music is responsible for the chills you get), but is more focused on engaging your mind than scaring you. There is no sex, commercialism, or language to worry about.

Community Reviews

Eid G.
Eid G. Adult
May 3, 2020
age 11+

This title has:

Easy to play/use
Heychrisa
Heychrisa Adult
February 16, 2020
age 9+

Favorite Game to play together

My daughter is 10 and we have been playing The Room games since she was 7. Actually I got it for myself initially and she took it from me and ripped through the first few chapters (it’s not easy!) We played with the sound off as the music can make it scary. There is an occasional skull but mostly I would describe the atmosphere as ‘steampunk’ The puzzles are great and we have played all 3 multiple times. Don’t get bogged down in the notes left around, they usually have one vague direction and some confusing text that tries to be mysterious but isn’t. We turn on the clues and sometimes smack our foreheads for reading them too soon. I was a Myst fan in my day and would describe this story line as ‘Myst light’

This title has:

Easy to play/use
See all 6 parent reviews

What’s It About?

Players attempt to open a series of locked puzzle boxes to solve an enigmatic mystery that presents itself at the start of the game. They'll do this by interacting with the boxes, sliding nearly hidden latches, rotating their view to view things differently, and zooming in and out to get a closer look at the puzzles. Once they open a box, they're faced with another.

Is It Any Good?

The Room is, quite simply, captivating. Incredibly well designed and absolutely gorgeous to look at, the game challenges players without frustrating them. The joy in playing, however, comes from exploring every nook and cranny -- and resisting the urge to look at the hints. The game creates an incredible aura of suspense, which is impressive when you realize you're simply pinching, zooming, and flipping for most of the game. Few games use the touch controls of mobile phones and tablets as well as this one does.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • When kids face a dilemma in real life, ask them to think of various ways to resolve it -- with an eye on the long-term consequences.

  • Model problem-solving strategies by thinking aloud. Kids will learn from your example.

  • Encourage kids to play other games that teach them to be forward-thinking, such as chess.

App Details

Our Editors Recommend

For kids who love puzzles and adventure

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