Sky Dancer: Escaping from Eden

With some essentially automated elements, playing often isn't too exciting -- yet the flawed game controls can make attempting to advance frustrating. In Sky Dancer: Escaping from Eden, kids view a brief tutorial that outlines the basic game control options. All kids know about their character is that they play "a pioneer in finding a new beginning" by fighting monsters that, along with other obstacles, have made the roads difficult to travel. Their goal is to eventually "set foot in the peaceful promised land." Basically, you just run forward in the game, trying to dodge objects that are in your way. Kids also aren't told much about the rewards they're given for playing, until they're guided through a somewhat overly complicated process of equipping and upgrading their gear and fusing equipment, although what that means isn't explained. When winged creatures and other opponents appear suddenly in front of them, kids will fire repeatedly. After the fight ends, they can resume trying to run to the end of the scene.

Navigation isn't the easiest thing in the game thanks to the fast pace and uneven controls, which can force players to accidentally fall and end the game. They can repeat the level and try again after watching an ad or waiting three seconds for the game to restart -- but making progress can be challenging. Kids can't aim in battles -- you just systematically tap the sides of the screen to fire, so there isn't much strategy involved. Without a more nuanced way to direct the main character, adaptable game elements, or feedback on how to improve, kids may find themselves having to repeatedly attempt to beat levels. Because you have to start from the beginning each time, instead of the last point you'd made it to on the course, Sky Dancer: Escaping from Eden can soon start to feel impossible to beat, instead of fun.