Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP

LQ: 9.4

?

Brain grade: 8.8
Fun score: 9.9

Game Type: ESRB Rating: N/A Platform/Console: , , , , LWK Recommended Age: 12+ Thinking Skills Used: , , Academic Skills Used:

iTunes

In this touch-based adventure game, players delve into an immersive fantasy world, exploring detailed 2D environments in an effort to gather clues and locate ancient relics called Trigons. Players control the Scythian, a female adventurer that brandishes a sword and shield. Players tap areas of the screen to move the Scythian, and can double tap items and areas to investigate them. When enemies appear, players rotate the device vertically, holding it upright and pressing sword and shield icons to do battle. There is little direction given to the player, with characters giving crytpic clues as to where to go next. The game’s low-res, pixelated presentation makes the fantasy violence unrealistic, but there is some blood. All dialogue is text-based, and though there is no vulgarity, the language used is complicated and cryptic, and the frequent reading can make understanding the game too difficult for younger players. Due to the mild violence, somewhat mature themes, and heavy reading, Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery EP is recommended to players ages 12 and up.

 


This Game is good for kids who need help with:

Working Memory

Recalling and retaining information in her mind while working.

Exploration is a key aspect to advancing in the game, so learning how to navigate the world and return to previously visited areas is essential  in order to progress through the game. Since there is no map provided, players must memorize the layout of the different environments, remembering where the branching paths lead, as well as the location of key areas and characters. By committing these elements to memory, it becomes easier for players to logically piece together clues as they explore. If players struggle to internalize the layout of the world, they may become lost or sidetracked.

Lastly, some of the tougher battles in the game require players to recognize patterns in enemy movements and learn to foresee incoming attacks. Certain movements or visual and auditory cues happen right before certain attacks, and in order to successfully defend themselves, dodge attacks, and counter-attack, players need to commit these cues to memory and quickly recognize them mid-battle.

Focus

Getting started and then maintaining attention and effort to tasks.

Players must keep a sharp eye and open mind as they explore the various landscapes of the game, as there are various visual hints scattered throughout the environments that players need to notice, and investigate on their own. Sometimes, audio cues are given, tasking players to listen carefully to the way the sounds and music of the game change. Not far into the game the Megatome is acquired, a magical book allowing players to revisit past conversations and see what other characters are thinking. The vast world is filled with different areas, characters, and objects to investigate, so using the information gathered from conversations and the Megatome, players can figure out how to advance. If players do not stay focused, figure out the current goal at hand, and stay on course they can easily become mixed up, lost or sidetracked.

Self-Control

Managing our actions, feelings, and behaviors.

Timing is very important in combat, and players that act impulsively will be defeated more often than not. Enemies can issue basic attacks, which are easily blocked by holding down the shield icon during battle, but also poses more powerful attacks that need to be dodged in order to avoid taking damage. These attacks require players to carefully time when they touch the shield icon, which will light up when the enemy is just about to strike. If the icon is hit at the right moment, the incoming attack will be dodged. If players press it too soon or too late, they will endure damage. Enemies will change up their timing and attacks, so players need to keep a cool head and remain calm during battle.

If they are defeated, players will revive further back in the game with very little life left, making it difficult to get back to where they were. This can be frustrating, but getting angry and rushing ahead may cause the player to fall in battle again or make a wrong tun while navigating back, so it's best to stay calm and simply try again.

Related Playbooks

Create Your Free Account

All membership plans come with full access to our entire suite of tools learning guides, and resources. Here are a few of the ones we think you’ll like the most:

  • Personalized learning profiles for up to 5 children.
  • Access to our complete library of technology learning guides.
  • A personalized stream of advice, articles, and recommendations.
  • And of course, lots, lots more…

Already have an account? Login →

×

Login

Don't have an account? Sign up now! →

Forgot Your Password?

×
X