An Inspiring Journey through California's Marine Protected Areas
comfort | ⦾ Comfortable |
age rating | 0+ Everyone |
website | virtualplanet.tech |
developer | Virtual Planet Technologies |
publisher | Virtual Planet Technologies |
connection | Internet not required |
app version | 37 |
languages | English ∙ Portuguese ∙ Spanish |
This app is a kid-friendly title explaining California's MPAs (i.e. Marine Protected Areas). It's colorful and engaging without getting overly technical. There's an anthropomorphic sea lion who narrates the affair. You visit 4 MPAs in a mini-sub where you learn about how & why those areas receive protection. There are a few minor interactive moments (where you click on things) but the experience is mostly passive. I enjoyed the experience as an adult and felt I learned something, but the title is clearly aimed at kids. The character and art design is very nice with plenty of bright colors; the voice-acting is good. Here's some feedback in the event the devs read this. The game has a few minor issues. The voice narration is VERY low (using Quest 3 stock audio) to the point of being unintelligible. It is mixed really low. Also, once in the sub, the audio seems to come from only the right channel even when positional audio is unneeded. There is a faint grey, rectangular shadow across the entire experience--it doesn't obstruct the view, but it is very noticeable and distracting. Finally, consider adding some haptic feedback to the controllers when the sub is "moving" in the game. It will add to immersion. All that said, even with these minor annoyances, it's still a fun, well-crafted educational experience and everyone should check it out.