Parents' Guide to

LeapFrog Explorer Learning Game: Transformers Rescue Bots: Race to the Rescue

By Christy Matte, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Robot platformer demystifies natural disasters.

Game LeapFrog games 2013
LeapFrog Explorer Learning Game: Transformers Rescue Bots: Race to the Rescue Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

  • LeapFrog Explorer Learning Game: Transformers Rescue Bots: Race to the Rescue Game: Screenshot #1
  • LeapFrog Explorer Learning Game: Transformers Rescue Bots: Race to the Rescue Game: Screenshot #2
  • LeapFrog Explorer Learning Game: Transformers Rescue Bots: Race to the Rescue Game: Screenshot #3

Community Reviews

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age 10+

Based on 1 parent review

CSMContentDefault
CSMContentDefault Adult
April 25, 2019
age 10+

DIE, DIE, DIE

This game has the Bot characters shooting at drones, robots and machines and little else. We stopped playing when I heard my 5 year old yelling, "Die, die, die" at the screen while trying to destroy a 'disaster machine'. I certainly didn't think a game from LeapFrog would have violence at this level or of this type. The only thing that resembles the series -- where the bots may be destroyed but not because any character shoots them -- are the Bot characters and the narration, which is done by a Cody voice. Limited educational content about natural disasters. It's a shame and a waste of money! Worst Leapster game ever! I would never have expected something like this from the 'experts' at LeapFrog!!

This title has:

Too much violence
See all 1 parent review

What’s It About?

LEAPFROG EXPLORER LEARNING GAME: TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS: RACE TO THE RESCUE is an adventure game that follows Cody Burn (and his family) and the Rescue Bots as they try to save the people of Griffin Rock from an evil plot. It has seven levels, each focusing on a different natural disaster that strikes the town. Kids will help rescue the people by moving them to safe locations, putting out fires, and eliminating hazardous situations. All the while Cody explains how the disaster impacts the area (for example, the earthquake epicenter is too close to the dam and may cause it to collapse). Each disaster includes an interactive animated sequence that clearly explains and demonstrates the conditions that cause it and what's happening that we don't see (such as ice particles rubbing together to cause lightning). Kids then help the characters suit up like first responders and choose the right equipment for the situation (such as a firefighter jacket, an ax, and lights for a forest fire).

Each level also includes two rounds of platformer play, wherein players battle Disaster bots, avoid pitfalls such as falling rocks, collect resources for the town, and eventually battle a \"boss.\" Once again, throughout the play, Cody explains how people need fresh water or other supplies and how the disaster is impacting the environment. Once unlocked, each of the explanations of the natural disasters can be replayed from the main menu.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (2):

LeapFrog Explorer Learning Game: Transformers Rescue Bots: Race to the Rescue is a gem in so many ways. The platform-style gameplay is appealing to kids, especially those who have experience with other gaming systems. The educational material is well-woven into the story line. Indeed, it doesn't drill kids on what they've learned, but it does make the "instruction" so compelling that it's hard to forget. In one animation, kids are asked to grab an ice crystal and bump it against others to form lightning. During another exercise, kids remove blocks of trees to create a firebreak.

The one major drawback is the controls. Kids who aren't gamers may struggle with the platform-style gameplay. Jumping from platform to platform is tricky, and the controls occasionally seem to have a mind of their own. A game for a preschooler or kindergartner should be easier to navigate, so it may end up appealing more to older kids, especially after the first level or two.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Discuss natural disasters with your kids. Explain how your family is prepared in case you face something in your area. Reassure any concerns kids may have.

  • Talk about the use of water guns and similar weapons in the game. Are they justified in this situation? Why, or why not? Are there other options for the team?

  • Visit a fire or police station and learn how they keep your neighborhood safe.

Game Details

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