Common Sense Media Review
By Mark Raby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mini-games based on collectible toys are marketing ploys.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
The Trash Pack
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
THE TRASH PACK is a collection of four mini-games: \"Trash Catch,\" \"Trash Attack,\" \"Trash Drop,\" \"Trash Toss.\" Each mini-game consists of a relatively simple task, such as catching falling trash from the sky, throwing trash into garbage cans, and getting from point A to point B while avoiding an onslaught of garbage. After completing a mini-game, players are rewarded with characters known as \"Trashies.\" The goal is to collect as many different kinds of Trashies as possible. The game also ties in with the line of real-world Trash Pack toys. It provides players with a checklist of toys, encouraging them to buy more of the physical toys until they have them all.
Is It Any Good?
The Trash Pack has few redeeming qualities and is designed only for players who are interested in collecting the real-world Trash Pack toys. This game's main purpose is to advertise a line of physical toys. It does not have any semblance of a redeeming storyline, and it is just not that fun. There are only four mini-games, each of which is very basic and does little to challenge players. Moreover, players will need to play these mini-games over and over again to collect more Trashies. It comes off as a repetitive and sometimes frustrating experience. Those who are really into the toys may find some enjoyment simply out of the fact that they can see their favorite Trashies come to life, but as a video game it falls flat.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the level of consumerism in this game. Why was this game created? Would you want this game if the characters were not "Trashies"?
How well does the game present the message that cleaning up the streets is a positive thing?
Game Details
- Platforms : Nintendo 3DS , Nintendo DS
- Subjects : Math : estimation , patterns , sequences
- Skills : Responsibility & Ethics : embracing differences , honoring the community
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Activision
- Release date : October 30, 2012
- Genre : Mini-games
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : November 11, 2020
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