Manufacturer: Leap Frog
Price: $64.99 for the system & $21.20 for the game
Buy this Toy at: Amazon for $59.99
LI Kids actually posted this review earlier in the year though as this would be a suitable Christmas option, we decided to dig it up and repost it. Look for our other toy reviews for some fun Christmas options for the kids!
We reviewed the Leapster 2, which is for younger kids and now we’re looking at the Didj. The Didj is absolutely perfect for the child that has grown some in age and is no longer interested in the Leapster or Leapster 2 handheld games. The age range here is from 6-7 to 10-11 years old. It is smaller, sleeker and set up to appear more like a PSP or a Nintendo DS. Still, it offers more educational options and less of the blood and gore that you would find with one of these other systems.
Sure you could go pick up a Nintendo DS and find family friendly titles (easier than opting for a PSP), but being family friendly and educational are two different things. If you find your child struggling with math or spelling this could be an excellent way of getting them interested in the subject and learning how to understand these subjects. The Didj is a safer alternative for young children who like the idea of video games, but are still too young for some of the graphic elements of game play. By keeping it educational, Leap Frog ensures that your children have a purpose for playing and even though it’s fun, they are learning something, in the process.
We have paired this review with the game that we received with the system. Nicktoons Android Invasion is one of many games that you can purchase for the Didj system. Kids can play as Spongebob, El Tigre, or Danny Phantom. The goal is to use math (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) to stop Invader Zim and all of his robots from taking over the world! This game will remind adults of the old school games that they used to play on their Atari, but for what it costs it’s not a bad game. If you’re looking for something that breaks new ground, this won’t be for your child, but if you want something to help them brush up on their math skills without them having to do homework or more worksheets then this game would be perfect for them!
Positives & Negatives:
Positives:
Educational
Entertaining
Kid Friendly (they can operate and play on their own)
Good for Solo or Multiple Child Play
Reasonably Priced Games
Sparks Creativity
Suitable Option for Older (but not Fully Mature) Children
Safe Interactive System
Negatives:
Not a Big Fan of the Computer Interface
Pricing & Availability:
When I first reviewed the Didj it was brand new and had been released for $90. I reworked this review slightly to reflect the current price of $65. At $90 I had some issues that this was just too expensive. However, in the $65 range I am much more satisfied. I do not know how much, if any, this system has dropped in major or minor stores around the country. This particular price comes from Amazon.com.
The games vary, though at the time of the original review, Android Invasion was retailing for $30 and now it’s just over $21. The moral of this story is that if you have been holding off buying the Didj, now is the perfect time to pick one up. It would make a great Christmas gift and it’s not going to break your bank.
Requirements & Instructions:
Unlike the Leapster 2, the Didj does require a small amount of parental work before the kids can get to playing. The first thing you need is four AA batteries. Once those are installed (they are not included in the package) you will need to set up the system so that your kids can use it. There is a pamphlet in the box that will walk you through all of the instructions involved in this set up (there aren’t many). In order to use the system you need to install Leapfrog Connect onto the computer of your choice, so that you can hook up your Didj and download the game that comes with the system by using an included USB cable.
At this time you can also allow your child to create a custom avatar using the online Didjerator. Depending on your child this might take a few minutes. Every color of the rainbow is available and there are numerous options for outfits, accessories, and shoes. If your child is a perfectionist they will have a lot to look through. However, once they are happy with the end result you can download the avatar to the child’s Didj. This is fun because whenever they are playing a game that allows for Didj characters they can opt to use their avatar.
Durability:
The Didj is set up very similar to a PSP style game. You have a directional keypad, some A and B buttons and the basic home and help buttons. It’s a fairly thin (compared to the Leapster2) unit, but it should hold up against drops and accidental issues that sometimes happen with kids. Considering this is for a little bit older kids there shouldn’t be a problem with them being overly rough on their toys, like a four year old might. They are getting to the age where they understand how to care for their things. With that in mind, I think that the Didj is incredibly durable and will probably outlast the interest that your child has in it. Assuming your child gets new games and enjoys it for a year or longer, the system should be just fine in that time frame.
Ease of Use:
Kids have this remarkable talent of knowing how to use most things electronic without explanation. That being said, your child is not going to have any problem with this. The entire system, whether you are on the computer or just using the game, has been set up with children in mind. The system is easy to navigate, fun to play with, and should not provide any problem for the average child on the go.
Fun Factor & Overall Appeal:
Kids should have a good time playing with the Didj. If you are only purchasing the system they may eventually get bored of the one included game “Jetpack Heroes”, but that would be said about any system that you purchase. This is not a standalone toy, in the sense that you can just buy the system and never have to purchase anything else for or with it.
The “JetPack Heroes” game was tested first. The goal is to use your avatar to fight the villain Gooracha and provide light for the planet. You have to use your math skills to free the energy guys that Gooracha and his villainous fiends have kidnapped. The player will be able to use the navigational buttons to stop the enemy and to travel through the world. Overall, it’s a fun starter game and it’s great for kids that need to brush up on their math skills.
If your kids take advantage of the interactive software they can collect Bitz as they play. Bitz can be used to “purchase” game updates. For example you can get new backgrounds for the game, a new spaceship, or better music if the kids don’t like the current options.
With “Android Invasion” parents can actually tweak the game slightly when they go online to determine which puzzle games they would like their children to play in the game. You could actually do this prior to giving your child the game the first time, which would allow you to prime it to your preferences while still giving them the freedom to explore a new game.
This game uses the navigational pad for things like forward, backward, and kneeling, your “A” button has you attacking when necessary and the “B” button is all for jumping. The goal is to defeat Invader Zim and his evil buddies. To do that, kids will travel through the levels, enter machines, and complete the puzzles using math and other skills. Kids will love the music and the familiarity with characters that they see on television. Some of the puzzles are pretty fun and challenging, too.
The downsides are that the graphics aren’t top notch and I feel there should have been more frequent save points. Had we put a limit on game play (something we normally do) then we would have been forced to either make him lose his spot or wait for a save spot to appear, which could take a few minutes. The characters are there, but that’s about it and should these characters go out of style the game might not be as fun for kids. However, right now things are looking good for “Android Invasion.” Kids have fun playing it and adults get the pleasure of knowing that their kids are brushing up on their math.
Bottom Line:
The Didj has a few faults, but it’s easy to see that the positives of this system far outweigh the negatives. Children will love the customization options involved in making their own avatars. Parents will love the customization that comes with tailoring the game to your child’s needs. The Bitz system adds something new by letting children enhance their game with the options of their choice. It’s all a huge step in the right direction for slightly older kids and educational handheld systems. At $65 this is a good option for parents looking for something better than the average toy this Christmas. Just make sure you pick up a game or two to go along with it, otherwise that’s the next request that you will be hearing!
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Technorati Tags: Ages 6 to 10, Leap Frog, Didj, Nicktoons, Android Invasion, Handheld Game, Educational Game, Kids, Children, Bitz, Math, Creative Play
Written by Ashtyn Evans – Visit Website
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Ashtyn is in her early 30s. She is a mother, writer, college student, and music lover. Ashtyn has had a successful career as a writer since 2003. She turned to blogging in 2005. Ashtyn attends Wright State where she is getting a degree in Psychology. She has extensive knowledge in SEO and Social Media Development.
