Common Sense Media Review
By David Chapman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun platformer teaches the importance of rhythm.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Inside My Radio
Parent and Kid Reviews
What’s It About?
INSIDE MY RADIO takes players on a neon-infused, psychedelic adventure through the musical world that exists within a radio. When a mysterious force tries to stop the music, it falls to a group of LEDs to bring the music back to the dying world by running, jumping, and crashing through obstacles and hazards … all to the beat of an eclectic soundtrack.
Is It Any Good?
Inside My Radio takes the tried-and-true platforming formula and mixes things up by adding some extra rhythm to the gameplay. Moving left and right through the game is routine, but any other moves (jumping, dashing, diving) can only be done in time with the soundtrack. Once you find your groove, it's an almost Zen-like, relaxing experience. If you get thrown off your rhythm or simply can't find it, things quickly turn from relaxing to maddeningly frustrating, as mistimed moves add up and keep you from progressing. Thankfully, there's an optional rhythm meter that can help you get back into the swing of things.
Inside My Radio is a treat for the senses. The game's visuals are a bright, neon, electric dreamscape, with subtle effects thumping to the beat. And the game's music, its key gameplay mechanic, ranges from techno to disco to reggae, building to a crescendo as you chain more successful moves together. Unfortunately, Inside My Radio also is a relatively short game, feeling more like a great opening act rather than a main event. Still, it's a lot of fun while it lasts.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the role of music in our lives. Why do we enjoy having music playing while working? How does music help motivate and drive us?
What are some creative new ways to approach traditional challenges? Can new twists on old formulas make for a more entertaining experience?
Game Details
- Platforms: Windows , Xbox One
- Subjects: Arts : music, rhythm
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning : strategy
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Available online?: Not available online
- Publisher: Iceberg Interactive
- Release date: May 11, 2015
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Adventures , Arts and Dance , Music and Sing-Along
- ESRB rating: NR for No Description
- Last updated: November 23, 2019
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