Parents' Guide to Neversong

There's something haunting about this adventure that draws you in, even if elements of its gameplay are very frustrating. Neversong's dreamlike world and ethereal music makes you really want to like it. At the same time, the game's complete lack of direction and instruction, along with puzzles that don't always follow logical paths, might drive you absolutely bonkers. Fortunately, it's message, if nothing else, is terrific. Inspired by the developer's near-death experience when he was a child, it seeks to show that everyone's valuable and loved.

Neversong is filled with creepy monsters, enjoyable side characters, and challenging battles and puzzles. But the controls aren't ideally suited to a touchscreen, though. Repeatedly trying to swipe upward to jump or swing Peet's bat above his head would untintentionally threaten to close the app -- or at least kick it to the 'continue?' screen. But the story's engaging enough that you still want to move forward. There's no particularly offensive content, but certain portions (such as when a mother-turned-monster eats her son) could be a bit too intense for younger players. And there's an emotional death that might affect younger players as well. But once you get the hang of things, Neversong is actually a fun game. The problem is: You might want to give up in frustration before you reach that point.