Mancala: FS5

Review

Common Sense Media says

Gorgeous rendition of classic; great multiplayer options.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Mancala: FS5 is a digital version of the classic (and ancient) board game mancala. The app is easy to use and works like the actual game. Users can share high scores via the Game Center social network, but participation is optional. In-game chatting with random opponents is limited to a drop-down menu of stock phrases, so this limits privacy and safety concerns when playing against strangers.

  • Ease of use4
    The app is easy to play, particularly if you have played the actual game of mancala before. If not, the Help section explains both how the game works, and how the various modes of the app work. The interface is straightforward and makes sense.
  • Violence0
    Not applicable.
  • Sex0
    Not applicable.
  • Language0
    Not applicable.
  • Consumerism3
    Tapping on the FlipSide5 logo on the main menu brings up a few other games by the developer. Also, there are additional themes that can be used for the board and stones; some of these are free, but several require "credits" to purchase. While small amounts of credits can be earned by winning and playing Mancala: FS5, there are also options to buy large numbers of credits as in-app purchases, or earn "free" credits by signing up for various services from partners.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
  • Privacy & safety4
    Minor privacy concerns. Players can opt in to Apple’s Game Center to track scores and achievements, and for some games, challenge friends. Players can send and receive friend requests using an email address or Game Center nickname, revealing the first and last name associated with each party’s Apple ID and, in the case of email requests, the sender’s email address. With iOS 5, players can opt to have a private or public profile, which can include a photo. With a public profile, your real name is visible to all other players, and Game Center will recommend you to other players using your real name. With a private profile, only your friends can see your real name, and Game Center will not recommend you to other players. In-game chat with random opponents is limited to a drop-down selection of phrases.
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Is it any good?

 

MANCALA: FS5 is an excellent digital version of basic mancala, a game where you are trying to capture more stones than your opponent. The app is versatile, allowing for single player against the computer or two-player games against an opponent using the same device, a nearby device (via wi-fi or Bluetooth), a random online opponent, or a friend through Game Center. For devices using iOS 5, there is also a turn-based option that allows you to play games over a longer stretch of time rather than real-time (which has a timer). Graphics are sharp and crisp. The interface is clean and easy to use, without a lot of bells and whistles other than the optional themes.

The themes are basically "skins" that let you dress up the board and stones in a different look, but do not affect the gameplay. Some themes are free, but you'll have to pay for others using credits, which you can earn by playing games or (parents, beware!) through in-app purchases and signing up for offers. Other than this commercialized aspect, the app is superb.

This review was written by Jonathan H. Liu
Teen, 13 years old
November 28, 2011
AGE
5
 
A Fun Mind Stimulating Classic!
This game is really fun! I got it when my brother & grandmother were playing mancala and I was waiting to play... But it is easy to use and cool! I was dissappointed other themes cost money, but obviously fun themes aren't what it's about. The only reason my rating is for 5+ is because of the strategy and basic math skills involved. But privacy wise you can't go wrong, because if you don't have Facebook or Game Center who cares? (like me) Give this FREE game a chance!
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Teen, 14 years old
March 12, 2012
AGE
8
 
Awesome game!
This is an awesome game because you can play with friends or play with a fake computer that's not a person, you can change themes but have to earn them, you can change level from beginner up to expert. Great pictures and doesn't freeze I most def recommend this game.
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This review was written by Jonathan H. Liu
Category:Board Games
Platforms:iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
Price:$2.99
Size:19.00 MB
Publisher:FlipSide5, Inc.
Version:5.2.0
Release date:October 12, 2011
Minimum software requirements:iOS 3.0 or later; Android 2.0 and up
This review was written by Jonathan H. Liu
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
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BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
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