Michael Robin | APPS | 10.12.2012 @ 1:00 pm
(Anden is six years old and growing up in a world where mobile apps are omnipresent. In this column, his mother explores apps that are up his alley.)
The App: Bad Piggies
The Device: iPad, iPhone, Android, Windows Phone, PC
Price: Varies based on version and platform
The Review: Although we’ve already had a review by Tapsauce’s more seasoned (and grown up!) gamer Alex for this one, Anden has been intrigued by this game since it’s release. Like any kid with a soul and access to an iPad, he’s a huge fan of Angry Birds and their steadily growing universe. He is also a huge fan of building things and testing them out, so this game felt tailor-made for him. But don’t take my word for it. Here’s a transcription of our conversation about the game.
M: Anden, what’s your favorite game on the iPad right now?
Anden: Bad Piggies!
M: What do you love about this game so much?
Anden: Well first, it’s really really fun! I get to build cars and flying cars for the piggies to crash into the goals. Second, sometimes it’s tricky and I can start over if I mess up.
M: Do you like to build the vehicles for the piggies? What’s your favorite part to build with?
Anden: I like it, sometimes it’s hard. My favorite part is using balloons because the piggies get to fly up really high.
M: What rating would you give this game?
Anden: Two and a half thumbs up!
And there you have it! It was awesome to hear feedback from Anden on his new favorite game (for the moment!). I love the model of the game, which allows you to keep trying again and again until you get the mechanics of the vehicle correct. The trial and error method, in addition to streamlining the gameplay, is a great way to help children learn. Bad Piggies encourages thoughtful experimentation and there’s something just plain educational about trying the puzzles again and again until you get it right. With Angry Birds Star Wars on the horizon, we’re excited to review another Rovio game in the near future — no one is doing it better right now.