Ariel's Musical Surprise

iPad, iPhone (360 MB)

Teaches: music, rhythm

CTR Rating: 82%

CTR Review

Mixing strong visual effects and music with a musical underwater play theme that is enhanced by sets of physical toys (sold separately by Jakks Pacific), this free app, called Ariel's Musical Surprise, is designed to provide a variety of motion based play opportunities. If you own the toys, you can unlock additional features when they are scanned with the camera. The toys we tested include Ariel's Musical Instrument Set ($25), Ariel's Musical Light Up Dress ($30) and Ariel's Magical Kitchen ($95). Don't worry -- on it's own the app is still fun, although it is more fun with the toys. The biggest weakness to this app is that the play value in the individual games feels shallow. There's no shortage of cool effects, but these have less value unless there are solid activities. According to the credits, this app was created by Disney Mobile (not Disney Publishing Worldwide) for Jakks Pacific. More info at www.jakks.com/dreamplay. See the video review at http://youtu.be/bPnB65QgDdA