Bastion
LQ: 9.15
Recommended Age: 10+
Skills Used: Planning, Working Memory, Mathematics, Reading
Shining Nikki is the latest in the Nikki series of dress up role playing games. This time, the game adds 3D elements to its visual novel and play elements as well as multiple features outside of the main storyline. The player moves through the game as themselves, brought to this new world by Nikki. She says she needs your help to save the land of Miraland. This is done by moving through the world, interacting with characters, and competing in fashion battles where the player dresses Nikki in clothing appropriate for the challenge and then helps her through the battle. There are five different types of style and each battle requires the player to adjust their styling to match the tone that the battle requires.
The game also features item creation and customization so that Nikki can create more outfits to use in battle. An idle mode of the game also allows the player to “hang out” with Nikki, give her presents, and go do activities together.
Shining Nikki is available for free on iOS and Android but certain features or bonuses require in-app purchases.
Flexibility: Adapting and adjusting to changing conditions and expectations.
Each fashion battle in Shining Nikki is different from the last; the style requirements change as well as the level of experience your opponent has. Furthermore, some battle require specific fashion pieces to be present in order to compete. The player must use their flexibility skills and be ready to adapt the way they dress Nikki according to the parameters of the battle. For players who struggle with flexibility, the game has an option where it will recommend fashions or the player can simply look at the amount of style points that each individual piece has and begin to put together an outfit that will be good for competition.
Planning: Developing a systematic approach for setting and achieving goals.
Many of the crafting and upgrading techniques in this game require money or gems so the player needs to use their planning skills and be strategic about how they use their money. The amount of money and gems Nikki has is not infinite, so the player needs to think about what clothes and accessories they need the most or what upgrades will give them the biggest boost in future competitions. Players can purchase more coins and gems with real money but without doing this, planning out how to spend your money in-game is the easiest way to be successful in-game without using actual money to do so.
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