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Game Critique #3: They Are Coming

 So, I guess I've been looking up for educational games and I'm starting to get ads on educational games. :) So my next game is actually a game I came across when scrolling through Facebook!

Game                : They Are Coming

Platform           : Mobile (Android & Apple)
I played this on Android but for some reason the link doesn't work on the browser. So I'm linking the App Store one instead.

Developer        : Rollic Games

Subject Area    : Mathematics

Learning Objectives

The educational goal / learning objective is to improve your Maths thinking speed - so sort of drilling your Mathematical skills in a fun and interactive way. Remember when you were in Middle school and your Mom would get you to do Maths - exercises after exercises - so that you'd be on your feet when answering any Mathematical questions? (No? Probably just the Asian Moms then... Haha) But this felt exactly like it! Except if this was available then it'd probably be a lot more fun!

The game definitely needs a prior knowledge of the basic equation (sum, multiplications and subtraction), If you don't, then it won't reach it's learning objective.

Game Elements

So the core loop of the game is simply running away from the enemy. The enemy will be coming at you. 

Throughout the run, you will be shooting at the enemy and you'd have a few actions you could take: 

Action 1:

You'd be given a two-choice equations (For example, +10 or x2). From here, you have to make a quick choice based on your current number of armies.

The two choices can be beneficial in it's own way;

1) If you have more than 10 armies, then you'd want to choose (x2).

2) But if you have less than 10 armies, then choosing +10 is the better choice since you'll get more armies!

So, like I mentioned above, you have to think quick in order to survive the enemy.

Action 2:

You have to run away from roadblocks / other "hurting" elements. These elements would kill your armies.

Action 3:

There would be some armies that are stand-still. If you pick them, they'll be your army. But if you lose them, they'll be the enemies' armies.

Action 4:

Just picking up guns. I guess this is just intended to make the game more fun. I don't find the guns helpful in killing more enemies - but probably because the level I was playing were the easy ones.

Learning Mechanisms

For the learning mechanism, I find that it's only using the Scaffolding Technique. As the levels get higher, there would be more enemies and you have to think quicker on your feet.

Overall Critique

I love it! I definitely wished that it was there when I was practicing my basic equations! I thought it reaches it's learning objective - to further drill you on your basic equation skills and get you to think quick.

Nonetheless, probably if they could have a few options to practice - for example, make it tougher - larger numbers probably? It could potentially be a Maths drilling exercise that could be used at school.

I would definitely recommend the game to those trying to improve their basic equation skills.

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