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Games
2024/01

Is Sneaky Sasquatch Okay for Kids?

Sneaky Sasquatch is a popular mobile game developed by RAC7 that features a hungry Sasquatch trying to sneak around and steal food from humans. With its cartoonish graphics and silly premise, it’s a game that appeals to kids. However, is Sneaky Sasquatch actually appropriate for children? Here’s a closer look at some of the key factors parents should consider when deciding if this game is okay for their kids.

Gameplay and Content

The core gameplay of Sneaky Sasquatch revolves around stealing food and pilfering items from campsites, cars, stores, and other locations. Players take control of the Sasquatch and guide him around the map looking for opportunities to grab unattended goods. The actual theft mechanics are very cartoonish and low stakes – you simply tap on an item to pick it up and add it to your inventory. There’s no violence or confrontation associated with stealing.

Outside of the main thieving mechanics, gameplay involves driving vehicles like cars and golf carts around the map, playing mini-games like disc golf, and collecting clothing to dress up your Sasquatch. There are also some light puzzle elements associated with breaking into certain areas. Overall, the gameplay is very silly, and non-violent fun.

In terms of content, there’s nothing overtly mature. The game has a G rating and the visuals are very kid-friendly. The worst offenses the Sasquatch commits are theft and gluttony. The human characters remain blissfully unaware as their belongings mysteriously disappear.

Educational Value

While silly on the surface, Sneaky Sasquatch actually does contain some light educational content. As players explore the map and complete missions, they’ll pick up key information about Sasquatch myths and facts. The game teaches about Sasquatch anatomy, behaviors, habitat, diet, and more. So kids can pick up some neat nature knowledge as they play.

The game also involves some basic math, logic, and reading skills. Players need to earn and manage in-game currency, follow maps and instructions, and read dialog from characters. So the game engages critical thinking skills in a fun way.

Benefits of Play

In addition to educational content, Sneaky Sasquatch offers other benefits for kids:

  • Problem-solving – To access new areas and solve puzzles, players need to flex their creative problem-solving muscles.
  • Strategy – Deciding the best routes, timing, and techniques to steal food engages strategic thinking.
  • Hand-eye coordination – Manipulating the Sasquatch with touch screen controls helps build fine motor skills.
  • Reading skills – Following written dialog and instructions promotes reading ability.
  • Planning – Mapping out efficient approaches to missions teaches planning and sequencing skills.

So the game play exercise some valuable cognitive and learning skills for kids.

Things to Watch Out For

While generally kid-friendly, there are a few things for parents to be aware of with Sneaky Sasquatch:

  • Theft – Since the entire premise revolves around stealing, parents may want to have a discussion with kids about how theft is wrong in real life.
  • Mild mischief – In addition to stealing food, players can also use items like stink bombs to prank and annoy human characters.
  • Ads – The free version of the game includes ads, some of which may be less kid-oriented. The paid ad-free version avoids this issue.
  • In-app purchases – The game offers various in-app purchases for items and currency that kids may want to buy. Make sure parental controls are enabled.

So while the game avoids any seriously objectionable content, parents may want to have conversations about separating silly game hijinks from real world behavior expectations.

Verdict: Fun and Family-Friendly

Overall Sneaky Sasquatch offers a fun, family-friendly experience featuring cute graphics, silly humor, and approachable gameplay suitable for young kids. While parents should discuss responsible gameplay habits, the lighthearted thieving premise is very cartoonish and humorous versus objectionable. The game stimulates problem-solving skills and provides some educational content about Sasquatch myths. Just take sensible precautions around in-app purchases and ads. With proper guidance from parents, Sneaky Sasquatch can provide kids with many hours of whimsical entertainment.

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