I have introduced Play First as a premier site for online and downloadable games. I usually give brief reviews of several games like here in “Play First Games 2009” and here in “ Play First Games 2008“. Today I want to spend time doing a thorough review of their game “Wandering Willows“. It is a game in the simulation category that I feel many children would have fun playing. You can download and play the demo version for an hour first to see if your child likes it before deciding if you want to buy it as a full download. I feel this game is good for ages 7 and up (providing the 7 year old is an average or above reader).
I LOVE games where you make your avatar first as do my children. Decide what you want your character to look like and make sure your child does the tutorial to understand how everything works. The tutorial is very thorough and takes you through the many experinces and tasks in Wandering Willows.
When Wandering Willows begins you see that you have crashed your hot air balloon and need it fixed. By talking with people and solving tasks you can get people to help you fix your balloon and be on your way. Some of your tasks in Wandering Willows include; planting plants to help with tasks, talking with people and finding out what they need and helping them, using your pet to help you climb trees for fruits, dig for items and charm other animals, taking care of your pet, making recipes and sewing outfits upon request and more.
One of the things I really enjoy about Wandering Willows is the interface. It is very intuitive and everything is readily available at a click. They fit the map, tasks, animal health and inventory, recipe/sewing book, etc. all on the same page. If you look at the picture to the left… you have the tasks on top that you can scroll through so you can see what each person wants. If you were to touch the glass it would take you to the recipe and what ingredients you have and need to complete it. The map has glowing stars so you know where to go next. As you continue your animal gains strength and you can dig bigger piles and climb higher trees for different items. The map also opens up new areas as you complete tasks.
When you hover the mouse above the various characters it will tell you their likes, dislikes, what level of friendhsip you are at and what gift you will recieve when the next level of friendship is achieved. Wandering Willows has a really cute sense of humor that children will enjoy. I feel this game teaches logic skills, helps with math (you have many items you need to make and knowing how much money you have and need to spend is an important part of the game), helps with attention to detail (which tasks are completed – what does each character and your pet need) and much more. It is educational but there is no way your child would think it was so — which is something I love to discover.
I really enjoyed playing Wandering Willows and sharing it with my children. I think this is a game the whole family would get use and enjoyment out of. The full version is well worth buying if your child likes it as it is VERY comprehensive and will not be solved overnight. Thanks Play First for another quality game my household enjoys!
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