MathBlaster

Math Blaster is an educational game targeting 5-6^th graders.  It is designed to inspire and encourage learning through game play.  We know sometimes children may struggle in the main subjects such as math and reading, but I came across this online math game, it helps enhance mathematical skills.  I did have some trouble install in at first, but I finally succeeded.

When you first aboard the spacecraft, you have to create and personalize your avatar.  You choose the gender, skin tone, hair color, eyes, and you can even make it look like an alien.  You do choose their name, and they have silly names.   After you have completed your personal avatar, you can go to the Larvae room and a pet larva will choose you and he becomes you pet or sidekick throughout space.  He also becomes your responsibility. You must take care of your larvae, so he will grow into a mutt and you can enter him into different competitions.   He can also build your points and merits.  This game reminds me of the Sims.

The objective is for your kids to tackle the math training activities, and they will earn merits and achievements. When they earn merits, the kids will climb the ranks in the Intergalactic Space Patrol (ISP), and their Blaster’s uniform will be upgraded! While participating in ISP training activities, the kids will learn to protect the space station and far-away galaxies, and they will also build math skills.

Final Thoughts

I really found this game to be educational, because of the different math quizzes that are given to help reinforce what the child already know.  I rate it as an eight, because of the overall concept of the game, to help children in their math skills.

Learning-   It keeps learning interesting and fun for the child.

Visuals-  I liked the graphics, they are very bright, has that outer space look.  It keeps your attention, not boring, always a change of scenery.

Controls – You have to use your arrow keys along with a few alpha keys.  They do give you a little cheat sheet to show you what keys to use.

Simulations – You create and personalize your avatar.

Strategy-  Building math skills. You must be familiar with multiplication.

Audio –You have that outerspace music along with a narrator telling you what to do next.

Score-  You build your score through completing your math activities/quizzes, entering your mutt in battle challenges.