Common Sense Media Review
By Jenny Bristol
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Plant-shop sim slyly gets kids to learn and apply genetics.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Crazy Plant Shop
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
In CRAZY PLANT SHOP, kids set up their very own plant shop and must fill the orders of customers. In addition, they must pay rent to the landlord (who just happens to be the founder of the science of genetics, Gregor Mendel), so enough money must be made filling plant orders to keep the shop going. Kids gradually expand their plant varieties through selective breeding, unlocking more plants and genes. If they unlock all the plant varieties before their time in the shop is over, they win.
Is It Any Good?
This game tackles a fun and interesting topic: genetics. The lessons to be learned are completely integrated with gameplay. Kids are exposed to real science -- including Punnett squares -- but don't feel like they're studying. Instead, they're managing a shop along with collecting and breeding plants. With the cute graphics and educational play, kids can discover new varieties of plants and all the genetic combinations available.
Punnett squares are grids that are filled in with the genetic information from two crossbred organisms, which can be used to predict genetic outcomes for offspring. Kids can experiment with these, choosing specific or random outcomes, to end up with the desired types of plants to sell in their shop. The fictional plants add a fun element as well, with species such as Bunnyon, Catcus, and Fauxgloves, which are shaped like bunnies, cats, and gloves, respectively. This energetic game will keep kids engaged until the end.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how genetics translate from the game to real life. How might things in real life not be as simple as the models used in this game?
Ask kids about their favorite plants. Why are they your favorites? If you were to design a plant, what would it look like? What would it be called?
Do you find it difficult to manage screen time? Why might it be good to take a break from a game?
Game Details
- Platforms : Linux , Mac , Windows
- Subjects : Science : biology , plants , Social Studies : the economy , Hobbies : gardening
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : hypothesis-testing , prediction , strategy , Responsibility & Ethics : fiscal responsibility
- Pricing structure : Paid
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Filament Games
- Release date : November 21, 2013
- Genre : Edutainment
- Topics : STEM
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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