MathRider is a math-facts adventure game. Your children (up to 10 players on a single computer) can each create an account to track their own quest (and allow you to track their individual progress). Each stage of the quest involves your horse jumping hurdles represented by math equations. The faster the problems are answered correctly, the faster your horse runs and completes that leg of the quest. Each “level” (Easy, Medium, Hard, Expert) for each function (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division), has a different story that accompanies your quest.
Unlike many math games I’ve seen that require answers to be entered on a keyboard, this one was specifically designed to take into account individual typing speed, and rather than require you answer every problem in a certain number of seconds, it considers the facts “mastered” when you can answer them at a consistent pace. It also uses each individual’s stats to custom-tailor the facts presented in each level so that they can get extra practice on the ones they need more work on, rather than continuously drilling those answers they already know.
The game play can get a bit monotonous, but I daresay not as monotonous as the drudgery of flashcards. (And as you‘ll see below… *I* don’t have to be the one keeping track of which problems are still giving each child trouble!) I also like that it only expects you to master a small portion at a time (like addition 0-5), which makes the goals more attainable.
The program tracks not only your child’s mastery level for each function, but gives you a visual representation by way of a chart, to show you exactly which equations are giving them difficulty. I personally appreciate having an easy representation of the equations that need more practice.
The graphics left a bit to be desired (while the backgrounds, horse and rider were decent, the story sections and map reminded me of something I could create in “paint” on my computer), but my children didn’t seem to notice or mind that at all.
They enjoyed the game overall, and I do think it’s a pretty painless way to improve recall speed. I don’t think I would use it independently, as the only way for my children to practice their facts. (Even flashcards have their place!) But it’s a nice addition to our “tools”, and the children thus far are still willing and usually even excited to play. The story lines give them something to work towards besides just math mastery… academic improvement becomes a bonus, while their immediate goal is finding a healing flower or rescuing a princess. While players can’t compete head-to-head, there is a “high scores” board that allows for some friendly family competition.
MathRider retails for $49.95, but is currently on sale for $37 and is instantly downloadable from the MathRider website.
(Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this product in exchange for my honest review. I have not been compensated in any other way.)
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Posted by: Marie | 02/27/2011 at 10:35 AM