Picture a world where your favorite Sesame Street characters are hopping into some big little robs and turning into pilots—that's Sesame Street Mecha Builders. The result is an adorable-yet-meaningful play experience for young minds, combining the classic appeal of Sesame Street with the excitement of mecha battles and construction. Blending STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) concepts with savvily designed gameplay, the game is an immersive and thrilling learning adventure loaded with challenges, innovation, and fun; kids use their devices to tell the game what to do while the tabletop board game adds variety and unpredictability.

Fueled by girl power, Sesame Street Mecha Builders features a trio of dynamic heroes that is led by Elmo, the “can do” leader who's got a skill for solving problems, helped in no small part by Cookie Monster, an engineering whizz who's as inventive as everyone's favourite Cookie Monster, only his passion also fuels his artistry. Their vehicle is now towering mecha suits — each one with special abilities that jibe with their own personalities — to defend Sesame Street against oddball villains and puzzles that call on brains, not just brawn.

Missions are set in stage-like interactive environments, each with its own play style, and are inspired by the popular show's re-imagination of the Sesame Street world. Here, players must navigate obstacles, collect resources and engage in “friendly battles” with rogues such as the “Glitch Goblins,” who bring chaos to the town with their wild code. It is a non-violent game and relies heavily on puzzle combat, strategic thinking and reflex. For example, a robot that otherwise comes to a standstill in the middle of the road might require you to match shapes to its weak spots, or solve a math problem in order to get a gate to open. It also adjusts by tier to allow for different levels of skill, so even preschoolers can play, with tougher challenges for older children.

It's fitting that an educational property should lead the charge of excellence in mixing fun and learning, but not until Sesame Street Mecha Builders has it all come together so seamlessly in the form of a game. Each activity is based on early childhood learning standards, developed with input from Sesame Street's education experts. But the game is never pedantic — thanks to lively animations, catchy music and a humor that works for both kids and parents. The former is given ridiculous, character-based frisson — Cookie Monster's existentially crazed fondness for cookies is a running gag about mistaking tools for snacks, casual viewers finding entertainment and instruction about the need to stay focused. In this spirit, Abby's magic spells often sputter hilariously and do not quite work, teaching her not just resilience, but the importance of learning how to fail better.

The game is also inclusive, and promotes social-emotional learning. Many missions are multi-pronged, with players switching between mecha pilots on the fly in order to leverage their skills. It creates bonding and empathy, and positive reinforcement — high-fives, celebratory dances, etc. — is confidence building. Also, the open-ended building mode makes it a form of self-expression, letting kids create mecha that reflect themselves, be it their choice of color or quirky accessories.

In a time when screens vie for our attention, “Sesame Street Mecha Builders” offers something more than mere diversion for children — a plaything that combines play with a point. With the power of Sesame Street's shape, and the vigor of giant robots, this game shows that learning can be as fun as it is great for you. 

By Jerry | Copyright © Character100 - All Rights Reserved