Monster Physics
© 2012 Freecloud Design, Inc.
This invention construction kit contains 50 puzzles sorted into five challenge categories. In addition, an open-ended "build" mode lets you freely experiment with 68 parts such as blocks of ice, rubber band balls, fruit, wings, bombs, magnets, a mechanical claw, ropes, chains and shapes. You can also just freely build to create a car, crane or a rocket ship. Anyone who has ever played The Incredible Machine knows the format: you start with a challenge, e.g., to get your monster over a bridge. To do so, you line up a set of blocks, ramps and other elements and touch "start" to turn on the gravity. If things don't work, you can debug your design and try again. Progress is bookmarked and saved for up to six player profiles and each can design their own monster. Testers liked this app a lot, and found the puzzles to be addicting and realistic, but requested hints on some of the puzzles. Of course, this lack of help is also one of the charms of such puzzles. We especially liked how there could be multiple ways to solve the same problem. Weaknesses are few but should be noted. The view is tricky to navigate when you are in the "build" mode; there are times when your invention might bounce off the screen. You learn how to adjust this with a two finger drag; a technique younger children could find frustrating. The bottom line? Monster Physics combines plenty of content in a playful yet powerful experience that children will want to come back to play... and experiment; making this a rich educational experience.
$0.99, iPhone, iPad (47 MB)
Teaches: science, problem solving, deductive reasoning, logic
CTR Rating: 92%