Then, when you merge two blocks together, it may turn into a rock, a log, water, or something else entirely. So one block may be sticky and one block may be bouncy. Kids get a great lesson from experimenting with the blocks, which each have their own properties, colors and textures. Then, you guide three different characters through the block universe you create, whether it’s jumping on top of a set of blocks, climbing that staircase or crouching through the tunnel you’ve dug. In a way, it’s like two videos in one you create a universe using little modular blocks that you can manipulate in different ways, whether you’re stacking them on top of each other, using them to dig tunnels underground or building a staircase to the stars. Related: 21 of the best math apps for kids of all ages: Back to school tech 2015 Toca Blocks is part Minecraft, part Mario-style video game (or maybe Little Big Planet), part DIY, and all trial-and-error in a very fun way. And while Toca Hair Salon and Toca Mini are still my kids’ iPad go-tos (and will remain as such for the foreseeable future), this is definitely one that’s going to get a lot of their attention. I got an early peek at it, and I’m happy to report, it’s just as fabulous as the others. GeekMom received this item for review purposes.My entire household is pretty thrilled that Toca Blocks, the 30th(!) app from favorite app developer, Toca Boca, just launched today. ![]() More advanced users can find building plans on Toca Boca’s YouTube page. This is a game that will grow with your child grow until he or she is ready for something like Minecraft, in fact!Ĭall it a modern sandbox, a digital Lego set, or a mini Minecraft, this is a great game. The game is aimed at kids five and older my son, at four, isn’t getting as much out of it as he will this time next year. She enjoyed the colors, the tools of each robot, and the ways they interacted, but it was definitely more of a hit with my preschooler. She enjoyed it, and noted its similarity to Minecraft calling it “Minecraft Junior,” but it isn’t something I think she would pick up of her own volition. ![]() To see how older kids would respond, I had a fourteen-year-old friend sit down with it for awhile one afternoon. He is never frustrated by what he can’t do he simply enjoys what he can. I can only attribute this to the calm pace of the game which is completely at his control. With Toca Builders, when we say his time is up he takes a snapshot to store in his camera roll and then happily moves on, like a junior architect saving his work for later. With most games he kicks up a bit of a fuss. We allow our son five minutes of gaming at a time. Bear in mind, the maximum height to build upwards is six blocks and every fifth world you create will populate with “extras.” My son seems to prefer having a blank slate each time, and rarely goes back to a previously created world. Once you open the app, you have the choice of creating a new world or working on one of your existing creations–thank you autosave! There are two ways to move your robot: Slide your finger on a ball at the bottom of the screen or swipe an arrow to travel in straight lines or turn at 90-degree angles. With Vex you can build stacks, walls, and staircases. Vex can jump, Vex can put down blocks while jumping. Vex, last but not least, is my son’s favorite builder. ![]() Spraying for longer periods of time changes more blocks. Jum-Jum changes the color of any block by spraying paint at it. Stretch makes himself as tall as necessary to place blocks in mid-air great for roofing! You can change colors as often as you like and turn the paint function off to pass by without painting. He can also crush these blocks simply by walking into them.Ĭooper paints by rolling over the ground. You are architect, contractor, builder, and demolition expert all at once.Ĭonnie enables you to lift and move blocks precisely where you want them.īlox has a backpack that automatically lays out blocks. With a crew of six building robots, players wander across a tiled floor, destroying at will. Since my four-year-old son enjoys watching his dad play Minecraft, I had a feeling we found a winner when Toca Boca came out with Toca Builders this summer. This is a parent and kid-friendly company. No rules, no time limits, no in-app purchases, coupled with excellent graphics and an easy listening soundtrack. Founded in 2010, they make digital toys for children that engage the imagination and allow parents to play along, too. I will always try out any product developed by Toca Boca.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |