Bastion
LQ: 9.15
Recommended Age: 10+
Skills Used: Planning, Working Memory, Mathematics, Reading
Cordy 2 is an adventure game where players control a robot, (Cordy) who has a television for a head, to save his friends from the Boogaloo enemies. Players run and jump a varying speeds and distances, as there movements are dictated by the level that they play on. Certain levels contain objects that alter the movements of the player. Springs, teleporters, and magnets are among the items players must work with in order to move freely throughout each level. The first six levels are available for free in the demo, while the full version can be unlocked for $4.99. There are three objectives to each level which can be completed in any order, at any time. The first is simply to reach the end of level, the second to reach the end of a level in under a certain time, and the third to collect 6 zappers scattered in sometimes hidden locations. Three stars are awarded when all three objectives are met. Players can use in game currency (collected gears) to purchase upgrades and unlock bonus levels. There’s inappropriate content other than light cartoon violence, making Cordy 2 best suited for children 6 and older.
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One of the three objectives players have to meet to "three star" a level is based solely around speed. A timer located in the top right corner of the screen displays how many second players have left to reach the end of a map. After time runs out, players can still seek out all 6 zapper, collect gears, and thoroughly explore the intricacies of each highly detailed level. When trying to complete the timed challenge, it's wise for players to forgo the zapper objectives, focusing solely on how quickly they can move. It's important that players also have a good knowledge of the map, so they can maneuver with efficiency, not hesitancy. The time goals are difficult to meet, but not impossible. Players have to practice a few times, learning how objects in play can affect their overall time. For example, it's critical that players avoid certain elements of gameplay, like springs or teleportation devices that lead only to gears. Collecting gears and zappers should not even cross players' minds when trying for the time objective. If they are familiar with the level, and know what to avoid, they will likely get the highly sought after star for finishing a level in under the predetermined amount of time.
In the demo levels, players learn new moves when the meet an obstacle that blocks their progress. Usually a fellow robot introduces a skill that allows Cordy to overcome the obstacle, which could be something as simple as a double jump, or a long jump. Instances where players will have to use these moves will only get more frequent as gameplay continues. Therefore, it's imperative that players commit to memory how and when to perform each move. Moves can be simple a pushing a button at a certain time, a complicated combination of timed jumps. Either way, once players have learned from the helpful tutorials, they will find that they can employ them flawlessly in the future. New maneuvers will help players to grab hard to reach zaps and gears, while also helping them to move through the levels with expediency.
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