Math Play is an interesting educational game for the Nintendo DS, but it is not exactly exciting. It seems like it is best suited for junior high aged kids as far being a tool for helping kids improve their math skills, however, most will find it boring or too challenging as a learning tool and not enjoy it. The audience that may enjoy this game are those who want to exercise their brain and like playing games like Brain Age, as it is an unique game for those type of gamers. Personally I do like playing brainy games, especially when math is involved and found this at least entertaining for a little while, however, I also like game depth, which this game kind of lacks.
The game can be fun and a somewhat helpful tool for junior high level and above to improve their basic math skills, however, with only four games it can get boring fast. Also, due to the intensive math aspect to it most will not find it any fun at all. If you are into math games/puzzles, then this can be fun for short amounts of time every once in a while, however it is limited in game play and not likely to be a game you regularly want to play.
The game has four different modes. All but the first can be played as multiplayer games, however, I did not have another DS to try it out with, so not sure if it is download play or multplayer play with others that also have the game.
The first is called Equal Drill. In this game you are given number and math sign tiles/cards and you have to arrange them to form a proper equation. None of the cards have an equal sign, but by tapping them any of them become an equal sign, thus the one with a number or sign not needed to make a proper equation becomes the equal sign. It starts out pretty simple, but it can get complex with you having to create the double digit numbers on your own. This is a nice challenging game for those that already have a great grasp on math, but it can get downright frustrating if you are not good at math since you do not know what any of the numbers are supposed to be. There is a hint option, though, which can be very useful. Overall, though, this game is only for math lovers and not a very effective learning tool.
The second game is called Equal Shuffle and is kind of like equation dominos. In this game you are given a certain amount of tiles with numbers and/or math signs. Like in Equal Drill there are no equal signs, but all tiles can be turned into equal signs. In the game you place equations to make both sides equal using some or all the tiles you have. You try to be the first to use up your tiles. You can draw more tiles if you are stuck. This is a decent learning game because you do not have to use all the tiles in one turn and it is a good way to learn to recognize the different things that make the same answers.
The third game is called Equal Match and is basically the game of Uno. You start with random cards that have numbers and/or math signs. Each card also has a background color of yellow, green, blue, or red. You play one card per turn. You must match the color and/or number on the card on the top screen. If you cannot play, then you can draw once and pass if you then still cannot play. This can be played against up to four computer opponents or via wireless DS multiplayer mode with other humans. This is not an educational game, but still a fun break from the math intensive games, however, it still is not as fun as a real game of Uno with real people.
The fourth game is called Equal Nine. This is kind of like playing 21, but instead you are trying to get the closest to 9 without going over. You start with 2 numbers and have one of each math sign (plus, minus, divide, and multiply) to use to make an equation. You can also hit once to get another number. You get points based on how close you get to 9 and try to accumulate up to the amount you set at the beginning before your opponent(s). Most will probably find this the most fun educational game on Math Play, although personally I think the challenging Equal Drill is the most fun.
The graphics are not all that interesting, but they are at least good quality and a little colorful. The sound is pretty boring and can get downright annoying and most will probably better enjoy the game with it off.
marioplace Store Math Play YOU ARE PURCHASING A BRAND NEW,NINTENDO DS VIDEO GAME. NEVER BEEN OPENED. Shipping Discount Available: 1st item is $4.00 Ea...More at eBay
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