Doodle Fit 2: Around the World
Common Sense Media Review
By Leslie Crenna
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Souped-up spatial-reasoning puzzler sequel still challenges.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Doodle Fit 2: Around the World
Parent and Kid Reviews
What’s It About?
As with the original, kids must place a collection of Tetris-like blocks over a larger shape without leaving any empty spaces or overlapping pieces. The inability to rotate shapes makes the game a bit easier than its predecessor, but, as the game ramps up in difficulty, the larger shapes can really challenge. Kids can choose to play alone, connect with friends or anonymous players, create and publish their own puzzles, or solve community-published puzzles.
Is It Any Good?
DOODLE FIT 2: AROUND THE WORLD is even better than its popular predecessor: Enhanced features include a serious graphics upgrade, a new sandbox mode, and community puzzles. The level creator is just flexible enough to allow kids to create anything that fits on the grid, then edit, publish, or delete with ease. Community puzzles are well-organized, and kids can now play with a countdown in time-attack mode and even learn a little geography, since levels are themed by countries displayed on a rotating globe. However, the addition of scoring and gaming networks really transform it into a product that's more suited for older kids and teens.
At first, play might appear to be completely progressive, but savvy kids likely will discover they can tap on the dots on the routes or the white arrow buttons to select any of the puzzles in a level, so they can do the hardest one first if they like. Third-party ads and in-app purchase opportunities can be distracting, though at least the full-screen ads only interrupt at transition points and are easy to dismiss. The $0.99 no-ad version is totally worth it. Doodle Fit 2 may not be the best for the youngest puzzlers out there, but its appeal has skyrocketed for the older set.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about puzzles. How does it feel to finish one? How does it feel to be stuck? Discuss puzzling strategies, such as starting with the most limited pieces first.
Challenge your kid to create a full set of themed puzzles, and hold a family tournament to see who can solve them the fastest.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Kindle Fire , Nook HD
- Subjects: Language & Reading : naming, presenting to others, Math : geometry, shapes, statistics, Social Studies : geography
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning : decision-making, hypothesis-testing, logic, part-whole relationships, Creativity : imagination, making new creations, Self-Direction : achieving goals, effort, initiative, time management, working efficiently, Tech Skills : using and applying technology
- Pricing structure: Free (Free version includes in-app purchases from $.99-$4.99. Unlock all levels for $2.99. Remove ads for $.99.)
- Release date: August 30, 2013
- Category: Puzzle Games
- Publisher: NamcoBandai Games, Inc.
- Version: 1.2.1
- Minimum software requirements: 4.3 or later
- Last updated: September 16, 2021
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