Solving these puzzles requires some fairly sophisticated algebraic reasoning, with multivariable equations and systems buried in the core of every room. Further, the app develops sequential reasoning skills as changes to one equation cause others to change. Various enemies can alter things as well, so understanding how cause and effect can create chains of numerical actions is often the only way to get past a level.
Despite this, each level seems to have only one solution, and that solution is often hard to come by. Most kids will probably get through with trial and error rather than by careful reasoning. There’s potential for real discovery learning here, but it could be strengthened with some open-ended challenges. Also, it’s worth noting that despite the game’s name, C0D3BR34K3RS involves very little code or breaking of it. There’s some Boolean logic, but this is all about algebra.
Website: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id1068199132?uo=4&at=10laCG&ct=website
Overall User Consensus About the App
Student Engagement
There’s plenty of fun here, with great graphics, engaging gameplay, fun dialogue, and complex levels. Getting stuck on one level means the game comes to a grinding halt though, so without support the fun could be short-lived.
Curriculum and Instruction
This is a novel approach to algebra, with some fairly sophisticated mathematical challenges at its core (Diophantine equations! Wow!), but most levels only have one correct solution. It would be nice if tasks were more open-ended.
Customer Support
There are plenty of tutorials for how the game mechanics work, and you’ll find a hint or two along the way, but if you get stuck on a level, there’s no support (online or otherwise), and the game won’t let you progress. Brutal.
