Math Duel
A challenging two player math game
APP DETAILS
Developer - Ellie’s Games
Age Range – 6 years +
Subject - Numeracy
Score - 80/100
Price - Free (usually £2.29 / $2.99)
App Store Link - http://geni.us/1vj7
App Review
It is said that the simplest ideas are often the best and that is certainly true of Math Duel by Ellie’s Games. Math Duel is a two player split screen game that helps children practice their addition, subtraction, multiplication and division skills in a fun and engaging way. The aim is to try and solve the math problems that are presented in as quick a time as possible. When one player correctly answers a question the bar in the middle of the screen moves closer to their side. However, when their opponent answers a sum the bar moves back the other way. During a game the bar typically moves back and forth akin to a tug of war as each player strives to answer their computations in as quick a time as they possibly can.
Simple but effective graphics
The graphics are nothing out of the ordinary but then they don’t have to be, it is the ‘duel’ aspect of this app that really makes it work. I have observed Math Duel being used in a classroom to create a world cup type competition where each pupil is drawn to face another pupil from the class. The winners of these match ups then progress to the next round. Ultimately this culminates in a final with the two remaining unbeaten players competing for the title of Math Duel champion.
I know what you are thinking, how can a child who is weak at mathematics compete with a child who is much stronger in this subject area but Math Duel allows for this. The settings for each player can be customized. For example, if the topic is addition, one child could be answering questions in the range 1-50 while the limit could be set at 1-20 for the child at the other end of the tablet.
Single player mode
Math Duel also has a single player mode that enables users to practice their math skills without the pressure of competing against someone else. A timer is incorporated into this and can be set to allow users up to 60 seconds on each question. As both speed and accuracy improve the time limit can be lowered to provide an added level of challenge.
Math Duel is ad free and there are no in-app purchases. There is an external link to details of further apps by Ellie’s games but this is protected by a two finger swipe in a specific direction.
Peter
Educational App Advice
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