Alien Equation

Alien Equation is a math app that really works your brain. Once I figured out how to play it I actually enjoyed it (math, me??) but it took me a little bit to realize what I was supposed to do. I like this app but if I’ve got one suggestion it’s to include some instructions on the main menu. I ended up going to the website, watching a video and then light bulb went on.

The app gives you a grid of numbers and operators (that’s the fancy way of saying the addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and equals signs.) You need to arrange these tiles into equations and when you do they disappear and you earn points. When you’ve earned enough points you’ll move on to the next round. In order to make your equations you’ll need to move the numbers and operators around the grid. To do this you swipe along the rows and columns until you’ve got things lined up. Once you’ve got the hang of it you’ll see that you can rearrange things to get them right where you want them. This is definitely a game for elementary schoolers and older. I’d suggest that it’s best for those who know their math facts fairly well.

Alien Equation allows you to have different player profiles and it remembers where everyone was in their games. There is a practice mode where you can work with only addition or subtraction, etc. The app also gives you the ability to access your iPod and turn on your own music. I liked that feature. The graphics and game play are very smooth and the game moves quickly (once you’ve got the hang of things).

This app had a learning curve for me but I have a feeling if I’d given it to my kids first they would have figured out how to play much faster than I did. Isn’t that the way things go? But in spite of myself I think this is a great game for math practice and your kids won’t even realize they’re doing more than just playing a game.

Price when Reviewed: $.99

Seller: Funner Labs

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this app for review purposes.