Common Sense Media Review
By Mark Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Rocket-building sim helps determined kids reach the stars.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Kerbal Space Program
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 10 parent reviews
Based on 41 kid reviews
Kids say this game is extremely educational and provides a fun way to learn about physics and rocketry, but it comes with a steep learning curve that may overwhelm younger players. While some note that there is minimal violence in the form of rocket crashes and the disappearance of the Kerbals in a puff of smoke, many reviews emphasize that the gameplay is challenging yet rewarding for those interested in space exploration.
- educational
- difficult gameplay
- steep learning curve
- suitable for older kids
- minimal violence
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Privacy Rating Warning
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.
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?
KERBAL SPACE PROGRAM is like a NASA simulator except it takes place in a fictional star system on the planet Kerbin. Players purchase various rocket parts such as engines and fuel canisters, put them together, and then see if they can get their ships into orbit, to one of Kerbin's two moons, or even to another planet. The star system closely resembles our solar system, but the planet is populated with cute little green men reminiscent of the minions in Despicable Me.
Is It Any Good?
This space based simulation will be fun for determined, science-loving kids who can take the time to observe flight read-outs and use the provided controls to tinker with trajectory. They'll learn the fundamentals of rocket science and realistic, modern-day space flight. Though the amount of feedback can be overwhelming, the player community on the game's forums and on YouTube is robust and helpful and provides a rich resource for self-directed learning.
Players can and do provide feedback and feature suggestions. Now that it's finally been released, it sports a career mode with a series of missions, a limited parts-buying budget, and a personnel manager. But players should be aware that the game is a sandbox, meaning that players set their own challenges. What emerges are unique, self-designed experiences that nicely highlight the trials and tribulations of space flight.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how this game is designed to encourage trial-and-error problem solving.
Are simulations that are focused on building and creating more or less fun than violent games?
How can you protect your identity and privacy when/if you participate in Kerbal Space Program's online community?
Game Details
- Platforms : Linux , Mac , Windows
- Subjects : Hobbies : building , Science : momentum , motion , physics
- Skills : Tech Skills : digital creation , Thinking & Reasoning : applying information , hypothesis-testing , prediction , problem solving , Creativity : developing novel solutions , making new creations , Self-Direction : effort , goal-setting , work to achieve goals , Emotional Development : persevering
- Pricing structure : Free to try, Paid ($39.99, free demo)
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Squad
- Release date : June 24, 2011
- Genre : Simulation
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : November 11, 2020
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