Osmo Coding Game
(Osmo $49.99)
First things first: This is not a stand-alone game. You need an ipad AND you need Starter Kit ($68) a stand and mirror that makes all the other programs work. The good news is that the stand and other games were introduced last year so obviously Osmo is supporting their hardware with new and interesting games that make the starter kit an investment with legs. We really like this year's games even more than earlier ones. If you're looking for a way to introduce the idea of coding, this playful Coding Game is a good choice for an early school aged child. It’s a step beyond the Fisher-Price Code-a-pillar. Instead of holding the directional pieces in their hands it’s one step removed. After you download the Coding App, they use an i-pad and colorful chunky coding blocks to control Awbie, a playful character who likes to gobble down strawberries. Those coding blocks are magnetic and have numerals and arrows that guide Awbie. But watch out! If players put down the wrong turn or number, poor Awbie will crash into a tree and lose some of the stored up strawberry juice power. The game gets increasingly complex as it moves along. This set also includes Masterpiece, a fun drawing program and Newton, a logic/physics program, both challenging games played with the ipad. Marked for 6 & up, we think 8’s will like it even more.
Ages: Early School, Tweens
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2016
