Mayan Mysteries
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Mayan Mysteries
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Mayan Mysteries is a story-based game in which players follow explorers on their journey to discover various artifacts and uncover details about the Mayan culture. Players read a lot about the Mayan civilization, from its geographical details to its historical significance, and everything in between. Along the way, the game quizzes players about what they have read, and they must answer questions correctly in order to continue. The content is designed for kids in grades 5 through 9, and even if they have difficulty answering the questions, the game will help them to prevent any frustration. A similar version is available on the iPad for $9.99.
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What’s It About?
MAYAN MYSTERIES puts players in the middle of an adventure to uncover artifacts and discover secrets about the ancient Mayan civilization. Players follow along with the story, which is displayed in the style of a cartoon-style comic book. In between parts of the story, players are quizzed on what they just read. Sometimes this is just a series of multiple-choice questions, and other times they need to play through a more interactive mini-game. Players will learn things like the meaning behind various Mayan artifacts, the difference between myths and historical facts, and the geography of where the Mayan civilization existed.
Is It Any Good?
Mayan Mysteries is a game where the educational content is the primary focus and the gameplay comes second, but even as such, it is all presented in a fun and easily digestible way. Much of the game revolves around players reading various passages and unfolding new parts of the story. Because the gameplay and mini-games revolve around these passages, it definitely makes players pay attention to what they're reading and helps tie the entire game together. Even players who have no interest in ancient cultures can find this game empowering because it constantly reinforces the learning of new things. The game encourages players and provides them with positive reinforcement as they complete the quizzes and mini-games. This educational video game makes learning about ancient Mayan culture fun.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the importance of understanding different cultures. What do you think of the things you have learned about the Mayans?
Games that teach history let you travel back in time. If you could travel back to any time in history, what would it be and why?
Game Details
- Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
- Subjects: Math: addition, division, grouping, multiplication, Social Studies: cultural understanding, exploration, geography, global awareness, Language & Reading: following directions, reading, reading comprehension
- Skills: Self-Direction: achieving goals, goal-setting, work to achieve goals, Thinking & Reasoning: applying information, memorization, solving puzzles, Tech Skills: using and applying technology
- Pricing structure: Free
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: Dig-It Games
- Release date: December 11, 2012
- Genre: Educational
- ESRB rating: RP
- Last updated: December 14, 2018
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