Common Sense Media Review
By Chris Morris
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sequel to a hit game isn't as fun due to time limits.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Where's My Water? 2
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Privacy Rating
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Pass
Meets our minimum requirements for privacy and security practices.
Warning
Does not meet our recommendations for privacy and security practices.
Fail
Does not have a privacy policy and should not be used.
Privacy Rating
Our expert evaluators create our privacy ratings. The ratings are designed to help you understand how apps use your data for commercial purposes.
Pass
Meets our minimum requirements for privacy and security practices.
Warning
Does not meet our recommendations for privacy and security practices.
Fail
Does not have a privacy policy and should not be used.
What's It About?
As in the game's predecessor, players must clear the way for water or steam to flow in this physics-based puzzler. They must also collect ducks and other items to get bonuses and advance to other levels. By swiping their finger across the screen and through dirt, kids carve a path for the water to flow (or, if it's in steam form, to float). Extra challenges open up after a level is completed, with different tasks and goals on the same playfield. "Duck Rush" levels have the player digging water down the screen as it scrolls down over several screens. Losing track of the water results in a loss. The game consists of three characters -- Swampy, Allie, and Cranky -- though each has little to do with the actual gameplay. Players only have a limited time to play consecutively, though. An 'energy meter' drains as levels are attempted -- and when it runs dry, the game is not playable until it recharges. This can be done through waiting or paying a fee in real world money to instantly recharge it.
Is It Any Good?
While the mechanics of Where's My Water? 2 are wonderful and the gameplay is as much fun as the first one, there are a couple features that overshadow those triumphs. Primary among these is the energy meter. While the game handles most in-app purchases well -- not forcing them on players and making it possible to play through the first 30 levels without buying anything -- limiting the playtime of a game that requires trial and error is a mistake. Casual players, who only play a level or two at a time, won't notice it, but fans of the game, who play for long periods, will feel almost as they're being punished. Worst yet, there is no way to disable the timer, even by paying real money.
If players can get over the timer frustration, they'll like what they see. The game sticks to the formula that has worked, adding in new elements and characters that keep it fresh. And adding in a social element with friends on Facebook is a smart move for adults, but it presents a hurdle for kids. After 30 levels, players are forced to either pay to advance further or must get help from friends on Facebook, where young children don't have an account. So parents, be prepared to pay for kids under age 13. For players looking to play casually, it's a can't miss. For avid players, be forwarned about the frustrations of being forced to walk away and wait for your meter to recharge -- or plan to pay ($.99) to continue from time to time.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Use a map to show how to get from Point A to Point B.
Work with your kids to show them the many different states of water -- frozen, steam, and liquid.
App Details
- Devices : iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad
- Subjects : Science : gravity , physics
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : analyzing evidence , problem solving , solving puzzles , Self-Direction : achieving goals , time management , working efficiently
- Pricing structure : Free
- Release date : September 12, 2013
- Genre : Puzzle Games
- Publisher : Disney
- Version : 1.0.0
- Minimum software requirements : iOS 5.1 or later
- Last updated : November 11, 2020
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