@Mystic

You're kidding right?
A) This is a game for kids, not hardcore elite gamers.
B) This isn't some multi-billion dollar company full of top CG Artists

The graphics are enough for someone who has much more important things to worry about, and the fact that that's practically the first thing you comment on is very cold.

Looks good. More of this sort of thing, please!

@Mystic_Beauty

It doesn't seem advanced, so I don't think they're trying to hide behind technical qualities. Keep in mind that a family counselor created this idea, and also keep in mind that there are games that help deal with the psychological impacts of certain situations, things that can help you get over fears. Rather than submit a verdict without waiting for results, it might be best to actually see if it helps any- for all you know, you could be dead wrong.

@Mystic

I think you completely missed the point of the game.

Its not designed to fight the depression. That depression can only be gotten rid of by 1 or 2 things. The parents working to solve the problems that THEY caused, or the child getting away from the conflict.

This game is designed to help kids deals with all the emotional baggage that comes with a divorce.

Split loyalties is the worst part. Even now that I am in college I still deal with that. I've gotten to the point where my parents are not allowed to come visit me.

Fife:
If I'm interpreting this right, "Issues such as anger, guilt, split loyalties, the fantasy to reunite the parents, and more" appear to be problems that the game attempts to addressed, not traits that are being taught or encouraged.

I think it sounds like an interesting idea...and the graphics seem cartoony, as though they are being aimed more at younger children.

This sounds great! If it works, will there be a game to help the fathers deal with the financial impact of divorce while struggling with emotions of hatred and thoughts of revenge? Avoiding chemical dependancies and gambling problems while trying to de-program your child could be a good antagonistic twist. Spoil the child too much and they could be out ruined... Yay 2 christmas's!!!

Speaking as a kid of a bitter divorce, I can say that the creators of this game have their hearts in the right place.

But speaking as a video game player, I don't know if this would have held my attention as an eight year old kid. My father tried buying my loyalty with an SNES pack containing Donkey Kong Country. The people who say that the graphics on this look weird are right.

I'm thinking a Phoenix Wright expansion pack for the DS, covering this exact topic, would be a really nice idea. Or at the very least, a free to download Flash game on newgrounds.com.

@ Slyther
I can't tell if that's a serious request, but it's so absurd I'd assume not.

@ Disorganized
I'm with Sirikit; you need to back that statement up with an explanation. Normally when people do something to benefit children we don't condemn them.

I like that this game has been made. It's another sign that games can be embraced for purposes other than mere entertainment. The execution, as others have mentioned, leaves something to be desired from a technical standpoint, but the creator's heart is in the right place.

It's obviously intended for younger children, so the comments about the not-so-advanced graphics are much less a concern than if it was meant for teenaged kids. It's not simply a game meant to occupy your kid's time. It's a tool to be used along with the Parent's Guide to help the child and his or her parents discuss and learn to cope with divorce.

I can't speak to the effectiveness of tthe game, but I'll give it an 'A' for effort and innovation.

Hmm....great idea in theory but i think only younger children would consider playing this, somewhere around age 11 i would have said "that's gay" and not played it (i'm 25) The toughest thing would be to say "hey little Jimmy, play this game....erm...oh and it's a metaphor for what you're going through right now...so...treat the game like it's real life..."

Seeing a character go through the pains of divorce is one thing - and maybe the child will vicariously feel some emotion through that - but i don't think it can translate back into reality when the kid is really distraught and has a crazed cycle of emotions. I don't think he's going to stop and say "what would moose do"

With all that being said i haven't seen the game so maybe if it holds the kid's interest and can balance fun and instruction it could really be of great value. I'll be waiting for the "Earthquake in dead-end job land: Time to get a grip and upgrade your career" video game =-P

LOlz My pArEnTs goT devorseddd wen i was 3 dawg
and i am al pwnxorz and stuff witout dis shiz

loolz, kidz theez dayz suckxorz loolz

pwnt, lolz

-g0d

@Slyther
I'm going to venture in the realm of hopeless naive fantasy here.


Basically you want a nationwide change in our family court system. I'm guessing you would also want a presumption of join custody. A better designed child support system that doesn't punish a parent who is doing there best to meet the monthly payments. Preferably one that doesn't throw them into jail for being late and force them to work off the ever increasing debt to get out of jail. We need a system that doesn't make it simpler for the "losing" parent to go off and start a new life and send a check to a child who they will never see.

We need a system that doesn't treat the child like a piece of meat to be fought over. Divorces are not the end of a state recognized relationship, they are a winner take all fight. As long as the system remains that way children AND parents will walk away with problems and animosity. However the children are the ones that hurt the most.

@Disorganized

Was that called for?
_____________

"Seeing a character go through the pains of divorce is one thing - and maybe the child will vicariously feel some emotion through that - but i don’t think it can translate back into reality when the kid is really distraught and has a crazed cycle of emotions. I don’t think he’s going to stop and say “what would moose do”"
@Tim

Perhaps the focus is on letting kids know the different emotions they're feeling are normal, and that they aren't alone. That, and this simple game could give the kid a feeling of having some kind of control.

ohhhh moose.... your parents got divorced. You got P'wnd. P.S. It was your fault they did.

I forgot borderline illiterate when tired.

becoming a game player is enjoyable