Quantum Spectre
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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 Quantum Spectre is designed to help players understand and play with optics and light. It has no objectionable content, and is designed by researchers for learning. The puzzles grow increasingly more confounding and different reflective widgets get added every few levels. Kids should get a solid feel for how light can be reflected, bent, split, and combined, and there's plently of play time and challenge and all for free. And while the game is fun, it's also helping researchers learn about learning and to make better educational games.
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What’s It About?
There are little wiggly things called spectres trapped in blue tanks. They're about to break free and cause havoc, and the player's job is to solve puzzles -- using lasers -- to contain them. These multi-colored laser beams must be redirected toward targets using mirrors and other reflective surfaces.
Is It Any Good?
QUANTUM SPECTRE is fun -- addicting even -- and might have kids dreaming about little light beams. It has good pacing that adds new twists every few levels to keep things fresh and challenging. Kids of the right age should find themselves in the sweet spot -- just a step away from being stumped for a good portion of the game. That being said, there isn't a hint guide, walkthrough, or help mode. If a kid gets stuck, he or she will be really stuck. Solutions might pop up on YouTube, but until then it's a bit frustrating. (So if you've got the solution for level 2.9 pass it along!)
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Explore mirrors and focused light at home! Using a laser pointer and reflective surfaces (check the pots and pans for curved ones) you can set up a home version of a level from the game, or make a brand new one.
Try to come up with a science fiction story that fits the game. How exactly does redirecting a laser beam help contain the dangerous spectres? For younger kids, use Bobo Explores Light as inspiration.
If you like puzzle solving, check out our "Top Puzzle Apps for Kids".
Game Details
- Platforms: Mac, Windows
- Subjects: Science: physics
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: problem solving, solving puzzles
- Pricing structure: Free
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: EdGE @ TERC
- Release date: January 1, 2012
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: Science and Nature
- ESRB rating: NR
- Last updated: November 6, 2017
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