Zombie Tsunami
© 2014 Mobigame
Our testers told us to review this free, fast, addicting running game that is ripe with IAP (in app purchase) opportunities. Unlike many in the "free" genre, there's a lot of free fun to be had before you are asked to use real money; which helps explain this app's popularity. Based on the less successful 2012 game Zombie Carnival, this remodeled version lets you lead a growing pack of running zombies through an obstacle course -- tapping the screen to collect coins. The more people you eat, the more lives you gain, and coins you collect... as long as you don't fall into a canyon or bump into a land mine. Making progress requires careful timing. The power-ups are especially fun and well designed. You can turn into a dragon with invincible force, or surf on a tsunami (hence the name). Frequent failure is part of the formula to keep you glued to the screen. You soon learn that you can start over, but there's a short cut. You can pay (real coins) to skip levels and get ahead. The coins and special powerups are sold in bundles for as much as $100 each, so look out. The game is fun, but full of behavioral trickery designed to keep you playing, connecting with friends, and making sure you bump into opportunities to visit the store. Many of the techniques resemble those used in a lottery, including a scratch-off coupon (you rub the screen to reveal your random reward). There are also many nice touches in this app, and the graphics and sounds are top notch. Tilly says: "all the cool 9 year olds play this app, and I mean ALL." Part of the reason might be because you can earn 500 coins by giving Mobigame a "Like" on facebook. Besides the timing, logic and fine motor skills, the biggest educational outcome of this genre of games may be learning how to manipulate a parent for money; or perhaps, how to milk as much fun as possible without spending anything. Need to know: be careful of the IAP (in app purchases). It's possible for a child to spend $99.99 in a single irreversible transaction. In addition, the game prompts children frequently to visit facebook.
Android, iPhone
Teaches: timing, logic, fine motor skills
CTR Rating: 88%