[amazon_link asins=’B073RDQZFS’ template=’ProductAd’ store=’matchstickkidboo’ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’6221a3d5-5ddc-11e8-8a0c-81a1530e854b’]
What is it
RoverCraft is an app that lets players build “space cars” and drive them along bumpy alien landscapes, collecting coins and avoiding crashes.
Who is it for
The game is simple enough for kids as young as 4 to have fun with it, although only older kids would be able to understand it well enough to get high scores.
What Kids like
They like the building, and they like the driving, and they like the upgrades. As the player collect coins, they can use the money to buy more and stronger materials for their vehicle, and unlock other worlds (Mars, Titan, etc.) The achievements are attainable, but take a little work, so the reward system is well-balanced and engaging.
They also like the catastrophic failure that ends every driving run. The player basically drives their car until it crashes, and the crashing is fun, so even when they lose they can enjoy it.
What Parents like
The building part is creative and forces problem-solving (how to structure the chassis so that the vehicle can cross the chasm without falling in?)
The driving part is thrilling but not overly competitive. The players are effectively racing against their own previous times.
What the critics think
The app gets 4.4/5 on Google, 4.5/5 on iTunes, and 4.6/5 on the Microsoft store.
Criticisms are that there are too many ads and that the developer (Mobirate) doesn’t update the game frequently enough.
Concerns/flaws
There are a lot of ads that the player has to endure or click off. There are in-app purchases that can distract from the gameplay, and we as parents need to make sure that the purchasing feature is disabled on the phone/tablet.
Who made it
RoverCraft is made by Mobirate, who also makes the Parking Mania series, other space-themed games such as Space Expedition and Space Bikers, and several others (Stick Fu, Jelly Jumpers, Dead Ahead).
When was it made/history
Mobirate was founded way back in 2003. RoverCraft was first released in 2015 and has had sporadic updates since then.
Where can I get it
Google Play Store, iTunes, and the Microsoft Store. You can even use Amazon to get it for Android devices, if you wanted.