Bring The Noise Gaming: Games for Change

Showing posts with label Games for Change. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Games For Change Review: Farm Blitz

Overall, I give this game a rating of 8 out of 10.

First and foremost, I like the overall concept of the game and the idea that it teaches the player about savings versus debt and defines exactly what the term "compound interest" means. Another great factor of this game is the "tile matching" concept. The more plants you line up in a row, the more money you make and in turn the less waste you have. It really nails the concept of making the right choices at the right time and the positive consequences that it promotes. It is definitely a great game to take a shot at if you have about 30 to 45 minutes to kill.

On the flipside, however, the game is quite simple. Though this isn't completely detrimental to the overall experience, it does take away slightly from the tools that the game offers, such as the dynamite and the shovel. Understandably, these tools are there for when the game gets a bit rough and you find yourself knee deep in rotten veggies or rabbit holes. I, however, had not experienced the need for these tools in the three times that I have played the game.

On that note, I find this game has a very high replay value and the concepts that it tries to teach the player are spot on. Other than being slightly simple in structure, this game is a great teaching tool when it comes to fiscal responsibility and could be great for all ages.

To see what others thought of this game and to find out more information:

http://www.gamesforchange.org/play/farm-blitz/

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Thursday, March 12, 2015

Games For Change Review: The Great Piggy Bank Adventure

Overall, I give this game a rating of 8 out of 10.

For all intents and purposes, this game hits all the right notes at all the right times. Not only does it have a great replay value, but I also feel that it is absolutely perfect for the target age range. I also like the fact that it has the "boardgame" style feature, and it actually feels like you are working towards a goal. Another high note with this game in particular, are the mini games that come along with the challenge questions.

I would have to say that the only real flaw is the simple fact that the single player mode of this game is lacking. It is far too short and I just feel that it is necessary to have more than one player per game just so that the game is able to shine for what it is worth.

All in all, "The Great Piggy Bank Adventure" is a great tool help younger generations understand the simple principles of saving money, and it would be a great game to have on hand for times when you need to occupy many kids at once.

To see what others thought of this game and to find out more information:

http://www.gamesforchange.org/play/the-great-piggy-bank-adventure/

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Games For Change Review: The Young Meteorologist Program

Overall, I give this game a 6 out of 10

First of all, I'd like to say that the information that this game gives is most definitely thorough and being a complete weather nut, I am absolutely happy about this fact. It gives so much information on the different weather dangers as well as makes sure that the player is well-rehearsed to know exactly what to do in each and every weather emergency. It's a definite must for early age learning, as well as a great activity for students, both home schooled and public schooled.

On the flipside, however, it is the simple fact that this can even barely be called a "game." There is absolutely no replay value, and there is also very little actual interaction with the environment. The rolls of the dice are actually preprogrammed in to make sure that the story follows a certain path. This, for me personally, is a big no-no when it comes to calling something a "game." A game should have the sense of competition as well as some sort of unpredictable fun factor. Another slight downfall of the game is in fact with the information given. As I said above, I love the information and how in-depth it goes, however there is SO much information given that even I found it hard to stay attentive and withstand the long spiels that each scientist gives.

With all of this taken into account, it is by far definitely a great education tool, as well as a wonderful story for younger ages, but I find it difficult to actually call this particular piece a game.

To see what others thought of this game and to find out more information:

http://www.gamesforchange.org/play/young-meteorologist-program/

Be sure to check out my other content!

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Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Games For Change Review: Plague Inc.

Overall I give this game an 8 out of 10.

I have played this game over and over and over, and therefore the replay value of the game is definitely a major factor. Given the different difficulty levels and the amount of time that it takes to actually "infect the world" and win the game, it definitely was able to keep my attention. I also liked the fact that the random discoveries in medicine tended to thwart my efforts, probably more times than I can count.

On the flipside, however, some of the difficulty levels are just plain stubborn. I had found myself restarting over and over again to get just the right combination. Another downside to the game is in fact the "pay to play" option. I have never been a big fan of this option in many games, and I just don’t see the point in it with this particular game.

In closing, Plague Inc. is a great time killer when bored and have access to it. It challenges the brain and the thinking process to concoct just the right poison that will win the game. A definite must for those times when you need something to hold your attention.

For more information on this game and to see what other users thought of it go to:

http://www.gamesforchange.org/play/plague-inc/