Math Blaster is a Massively Multiplayer Online Game (MMOG) that was released in 2011 by Knowledge Adventure. This math-based game is rated for players ages 6-12. The company also has another online game called Jump Start that is geared toward preschoolers. Parents who register their children as Math Blaster members get the Jump Start program for free. As with many other online games, kids can play Math Blaster for free; however, universal access to all features requires a $5 monthly subscription. Players download the game app from the Math Blaster website and then access the game on secure servers. The game is available in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Although Math Blaster MMOG was released in 2011, the game is under a large corporate umbrella known as the Blaster Learning System. The Davidson Company created Math Blaster educational software in 1989. Knowledge Adventure took over the software line in 1999 and expanded the Math Blaster brand into a network cartoon series and now as an online game.

Characteristics

In Math Blaster, players initially board a spaceship and are assigned a role as a Blaster Cadet. Players can customize their cadet using a molecular modulator that allows them to choose the appearance and species of the avatar. Players progress through the game by answering math questions, earning merits and achievements. These merits allow players to rise through the ranks of the Intergalactic Space Patrol. The game uses the basis of good vs. evil as its main theme. The players are the good guys who defend the universe from threats in space. Players become friends with other players and can chat with them using pre-selected and filtered language. Players can also design their own homemade ‘pods’ and can have pets called ‘mutts’ that live in ‘mutt pods’. Math Blaster players are not limited to a single game: there are a multitude of math portals and exercises that players can choose from to advance in the virtual world.

What is good

Math Blaster is a low-key, action-oriented game that will primarily appeal to kids ages 7-12. The game will also appeal to those who need help with basic and advanced math. The company is to be commended for not only appealing to children. Many of the avatars that players choose are female or have female characteristics. Graphics and game design are above average. There are no adult themes in the game. The appearance of the avatars is kept neutral and non-threatening with fun hair colors and space uniforms. No drinking, smoking, drug use, sex, or offensive language.

Taking math and integrating it with topics that appeal to kids is not an easy task, but Knowledge Adventure has done a great job of making math fun. This MMOG is one of the few that encourages kids to learn practical skills. Mathematics is a difficult subject for many people. By providing a tool to make learning more enjoyable, Math Blaster is a step ahead of other MMOGs.

What is bad

Although there is no blood or gore, parents should be aware that players use laser guns to ‘blow up’ their opponent. However, all of the opponents that players encounter are non-living entities such as asteroids, targets, UFOs, and images of aliens. Younger players at the lower end of the age range may be a bit disturbed by blasting. The avatars that players have to choose from could be a bit more unique. They look a lot like most other avatars on the internet.

Since Math Blaster’s history is in educational software, the company markets its previously produced products on the website. Parents may come under undue pressure to purchase these items if their children become attached to the brand.

online security

With the high educational component involved with Math Blaster, there will be fewer opportunities for inappropriate language and behavior from players. However, parents should be aware of the different levels of social chat. In secure chat, players choose only pre-selected phrases, emoticons, and images. In social chat, players enter filtered language, but some inappropriate words may get through. Math Blaster’s online safety message needs to be displayed more prominently. Parents currently need to click on the Privacy Policy located in the fine print at the bottom of the web page. Personal information is never displayed and children do not have to enter their date of birth.

In summary

It is a good educational website for young and old players who can advance through the game according to their math skills. The content is high and unique in educational components. Children will most likely learn something due to the large number of games available to satisfy all kinds of characteristics. At $4.99 per month, it’s money well spent.