Bastion
LQ: 9.15
Recommended Age: 10+
Skills Used: Planning, Working Memory, Mathematics, Reading
Using the touch screen, players of Defender protect their castle from waves of attacking monsters using magic spells and their trusty bow and arrow. Arrows are shot by holding a finger down on the screen and dragging it to change direction. Players can also drag and drop different spell icons onto the screen to cast specific spells. Completing a level earns points which can be spent between levels to buy new bows, increase the strength and speed of arrows and even fortify the castle wall. Players use “mana” to cast spells, and must earn crystals to buy new spells and upgrade their “Magic Tower,” which increases their mana bar. Monsters become stronger as the player advances, requiring him to continually build his power and defenses to survive. The game features mild fantasy violence and uses simple controls, but quickly becomes challneging and requires some light reading, so it comes recommended to players ages 8 and up.
Adapting and adjusting to changing conditions and expectations.
As players progress in the game, new enemies are introduced that require new tactics to defeat. If the player relies too heavily on a single strategy or attack (like only shooting arrows) he will eventually get stuck and have a hard time advancing in the game. Successful players will mix up their attacks, using powerful spells at key moments while keeping weaker enemies at bay with the bow and arrow.
Developing a systematic approach for setting and achieving goals.
Between stages, players have the oppurtunity to build up their defenses, buy weapon upgrades and acquire new spells. Doing so costs precious coins and crystals, so it is important for players to think ahead before making any purchases. For instance, if the player simply upgrades the speed of his bow, he won't be able to fortify the castle wall, making it easier for enemies to destroy it. If crystals are spent on increasing the mana meter, the player will miss the oppurtunity to purchase powerful spells that could prove helpful against tougher waves of monsters. By thinking ahead and planning out their arsenal, players can ensure that they spend wisely and maintain a well-balanced defense.
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