Parents' Guide to

Holi and Oli: Viking Adventure

By Erin Bell, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 5+

Logic game provides simple yet limited intro to programming.

Game LeapFrog games 2014
Holi and Oli: Viking Adventure Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

  • Holi and Oli: Viking Adventure Game: Screenshot #1
  • Holi and Oli: Viking Adventure Game: Screenshot #2
  • Holi and Oli: Viking Adventure Game: Screenshot #3

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What’s It About?

Viking twins Holi and Oli borrow their uncle's ship and set out on a journey across the sea. Players help the twins navigate their ship through 18 obstacle-filled levels to get back home. Using the stylus, kids tap "programming stones" that represent directions for the ship to take (move forward two spaces, turn left, and so on), and string commands into a sequence for the ship to follow. Along the way, kids can stop to collect crates, go fishing, and trade with nearby ships to earn gold. The goal is to reach the destination in as few moves as possible while earning the most points.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

HOLI AND OLI: VIKING ADVENTURE would be more effective as a learning tool for computer programming if it didn't limit the choice of programming stones for each turn. The stones that are up for selection aren't always the ones players need, which can make them waste turns on inefficient movements. It also would be helpful if kids could see more of the grid at a time or zoom out to get an overview of the level so they aren't guessing about where to go next. Unfortunately, the limitations on the map add to the wasted moves, which could frustrate players further.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about programming -- such as the coding in Holi and Oli. Can you think of how to help kids understand sequences? Try writing out the steps to everyday chores such as washing dishes.

  • Should kids learn programming at an early age, or should they be older when they start learning code? What's the best way to do it?

Game Details

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