by Joshua Brooks

Created on: April 22, 2008   Last Updated: April 27, 2008

BloomBusters is essentially a fantastic and not overly complicated game for children (i.e. boys and girls) between the approximate ages of five and twelve. It begins with an informative and interesting tutorial followed up with a series of levels and challenges designed to stimulate the mind. These help children begin to utilize the ability to think strategically and complete multiple tasks at once.

The game is based around a children's book storyline with an informative background into the history of the town it's set in. This is provided as a picture book, introducing the main characters (the hero, the heroin and the corrupt bad man) and providing a great platform to get kids interested before beginning the game.

The aim of the game is to first pick a character (the man or the woman) then set about getting rid of the mysterious pests which have taken a liking to the plants and fruits in your garden while performing everyday tasks (e.g. watering plants and feeding the pigs. You must also track down the source of the problem. The quests are conducted with the choice between two weapons - a flyswat (melee) and a hose (ranged) with the occasional aid of a cuddly dog.

The helpful hints throughout the game act as a guide in game play and increase awareness of the multiple things which are happening, thus providing a spring board into strategic thinking. This is aided by the option of playing two players, therefore kids learn how to complete a task/multiple tasks together.

BloomBusters is a unique game. The storyline (although it is based around a typical children's book about the good verses the bad) is new and innovative as is the combinational use of colour, sound and graphics.

The colours used are nice, soft, pastels. This combined with the graphics, (by far adequate for a young child) give the entire game a soft, inviting personality. Music and sound effects add to this also. During the introductory story and all menus the music used is soft and calming. During game play it changes to being more upbeat but still is rather soothing. Sound effects are bright and interesting but not overly used or overly imposing.

I would rate BloomBusters 3/5 and highly recommend it for young children around the age bracket of five to twelve years. If I had young kids I personally would be inclined to purchase BloomBusters because of its creativity, its teaching power and for the children's entertainment.

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