Common Sense Media Review
By Mark Raby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cartoony learning adventure about ancient Mayan culture.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Mayan Mysteries
Parent and Kid Reviews
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 :
- Last updated : November 11, 2020
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate