by Marijane Suttor

Created on: June 15, 2008   Last Updated: June 23, 2008

If living on a farm and raising animals has always been your dream, Dairy Dash by Playfirst is an enjoyable light-hearted game that is in the same genre as other "Dash" games.

One of the most positive aspects of this game is that it really does a standout job of tutoring the player to play the game. The use of pop-ups and interactive playing with reinforcements allow the player to practice with attainable goes in order to learn the concept of the game.

To play the game the farmer has to feed and water the animals as well as gather their produce. Each task must be completed in a timely fashion in order to win points. More points are rewarded for repetitive tasks such as giving water to four animals in a row. Cow, chickens and goats live on the farm and addition animals are purchased as the player moves up the levels. Also a garden is planted and cared for too.

The graphics are very colorful with many shades of bright red, yellow and green that appeal to the eye. The animals are cute and reflect their growing hunger and thirst if the player is too slow.

Music plays in the background that sounds like it came from an old Western movie. Other sound elements include having a rooster come on and crow when time is up. At that point the animals have to finish the task they are in the midst of and the game will end.

I played story mode. There is an extended play mode as well that will promote that the player complete the building tasks as long as possible.

The game is not particularly original or innovative because it is another generation of the Playfirst "Dash" franchise of games. Other "Dash" games I have owned include Diner Dash and Diner Dash Hometown Hero and it is in the same design as a repetitive action game.

Despite the fact that Dairy Dash isn't a particularly innovative game, doesn't diminish that it is a fun escape. The 60 minute free play flew by and left me wanting to still play the next level. Its content is appropriate for all levels but would be very accessible to elementary aged children, yet it would be something parents could easily play with their children.

I rate Dairy Dash 4/5. I reduced one point just because it isn't unique or innovative, but I gave it four points for the following areas: entertaining, appropriate for families, cute and colorful graphics and a great tutorial. Dairy Dash is a game I would certainly consider purchasing for kids.

Learn more about this author, Marijane Suttor.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.