Publisher: Sabi Games

ItzaBitza (2009)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

ItzaBitza: The Award-Winning Game That Brings Kids’ Drawings to Life

In the award-winning game ItzaBitza, drawings truly come to life. Kids help their Sketchy by using Living Ink – a unique drawing recognition system – to draw one-of-a-kind interactive objects that form the centerpiece of the game’s action. Draw a house and watch the character shrink to fit in the door; draw flames and watch the rocket ship they drew blast off.

The game provides a totally unique experience every time it is played. Since the environment is created through each player’s personal drawings, the possibilities are as endless and fantastic as the player’s imagination. The game comes with five themed playsets – “Home Sweet Home”, “Let’s go Camping”, “Play in Space”, “A Farm Life”, and perfect for Halloween – “A VERY Scary Haunted House.” Players unlock playsets by winning star challenges.

More Than Just a Fun Game

ItzaBitza is more than just a fun game. The game has been crafted specifically for early-readers. In ItzaBitza, players who are just learning to read start out having a blast watching the whimsical reactions happen between their drawings and their Sketchy. Then all of a sudden, they need to read to win a star. Or to know what to draw so they can help their Sketchy.

Parents will be delighted by the game’s ability to enhance their child’s self-confidence. Unlike some games that leave younger players frustrated by their difficulty and lack of assistance, ItzaBitza provides features to guide children even when faced with unfamiliar concepts. If an early-reader encounters a new word, it can be read aloud to them with the simple act of hovering the mouse over the word.

Learning While Playing

Through a delightful twist on drawing games, ItzaBitza introduces a new way for kids to game and while they are playing, really important learning is happening. New methods to engage children, discovered during a multi-year research project conducted by Microsoft Corporation, are fused into the game’s design, yielding a unique experience that encourages fun and learning.

ItzaBitza has been recognized for its educational value, receiving awards from organizations such as:

  • The National Parenting Publications Awards (NAPPA)
  • The Parents’ Choice Foundation
  • The American Library Association

How to Play

ItzaBitza is a simple game to learn, but it offers a lot of depth and replayability. The game is played on a tablet or computer. Players use their finger or a stylus to draw objects on the screen. These objects can be anything the player can imagine, from simple shapes to complex scenes.

The game’s physics engine then brings the player’s drawings to life. Objects can interact with each other and with the game’s characters. For example, a player can draw a ramp and then watch as their Sketchy rolls down it. Or they can draw a bridge and then watch as their Sketchy crosses it.

The game’s five playsets offer a variety of different challenges and activities. In “Home Sweet Home,” players can help their Sketchy decorate their house, cook dinner, and even take a bath. In “Let’s Go Camping,” players can help their Sketchy explore the great outdoors, build a campfire, and go on a hike. In “Play in Space,” players can help their Sketchy explore the solar system, build a rocket ship, and even land on the moon. In “A Farm Life,” players can help their Sketchy care for animals, grow crops, and harvest the fields. And in “A VERY Scary Haunted House,” players can help their Sketchy navigate a haunted house, solve puzzles, and escape from ghosts.

Conclusion

ItzaBitza is a unique and innovative game that is perfect for kids of all ages. It’s a fun and educational way to learn about creativity, problem-solving, and physics. With its endless possibilities and replayability, ItzaBitza is a game that kids will come back to time and time again.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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ItzaZoo (2009)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 4 minutes read

Summary

ItzaZoo: Where Drawings Come to Life and Learning is Fun

Introduction

In the realm of educational gaming, ItzaZoo stands out as a shining example of how technology can be harnessed to make learning not just effective, but also engaging and enjoyable for children. Released in 2009, ItzaZoo is a groundbreaking game that uses Microsoft’s innovative Living Ink drawing recognition system to allow children to create their own interactive objects and embark on a unique adventure every time they play.

Gameplay

ItzaZoo is designed specifically for early readers, providing a fun and interactive way for them to practice reading and develop creative problem-solving skills. The game features a cast of friendly animal characters who guide children through a series of challenges, each of which requires them to use their drawings to interact with the environment.

For example, in one challenge, children may need to draw a bridge to help an animal cross a river. In another, they may need to draw a ramp to help an animal reach a high platform. The possibilities are endless, as the game’s environment is constantly changing based on the player’s drawings.

Educational Value

ItzaZoo is not just a fun game; it is also a valuable educational tool. The game’s design is based on research conducted by Microsoft Corporation, which found that new methods of engaging children in learning can lead to increased self-confidence and motivation.

ItzaZoo incorporates these research findings into its gameplay in a number of ways. For example, the game provides children with immediate feedback on their drawings, helping them to learn from their mistakes and improve their drawing skills. The game also encourages children to experiment with different ways of solving problems, fostering their creativity and problem-solving abilities.

In addition to its focus on reading and problem-solving, ItzaZoo also helps children to develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The game’s drawing mechanics are designed to be accessible to children of all ages, and the game provides a variety of drawing tools to encourage children to explore their creativity.

Critical Reception

ItzaZoo has been praised by critics for its innovative gameplay, educational value, and child-friendly design. The game has won numerous awards, including the Parents’ Choice Gold Award and the Bologna Ragazzi Digital Award.

Conclusion

ItzaZoo is a groundbreaking educational game that makes learning fun and engaging for children. The game’s innovative use of drawing recognition technology allows children to create their own interactive objects and embark on a unique adventure every time they play. ItzaZoo is a valuable tool for parents and educators who are looking for ways to help children develop their reading, problem-solving, and creative skills.

Additional Information

  • ItzaZoo is available for purchase on the Microsoft Store and Steam.
  • The game is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.
  • ItzaZoo is available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.
  • The game’s website provides a variety of resources for parents and educators, including lesson plans and activity sheets.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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