If you're a relatively new parent wondering how to introduce your child to the wonderful world of gaming, you might want to check out Mouse & Crane, an indie title coming to Switch. June 21, 2021.
Developed by Danish studio Those Eyes in collaboration with Canadian studio Tobo, Mouse & Crane is a cute puzzle game that supports both solo and cooperative play and is designed specifically for kids aged 4-7, with the developers touting it as “the ideal child's first game.”
The game allows children to unleash their creativity and create things using simple everyday tools like screwdrivers and spanners, as well as more complex tools like magnets and iron balls, while also learning the benefits of recycling old materials into something entirely new. The art style is designed to be reminiscent of the collages that children enjoy creating in picture books.
Judith Beauregard, co-CEO and producer at Tobo, went into more detail about why the game is specifically designed for younger players.
“When we started making this game, we knew it had to be fun for even the youngest kids. The game is built with a focus on the skill level of young children, with levels designed to encourage collaboration and build problem-solving confidence. The Switch version of Mouse & Crane doesn't require young players to be literate; key information is communicated through audio or presented with icons that anyone can understand.”
Naturally, for maximum accessibility, the game can be played with either the touchscreen or the Joy-Con controllers, and if you choose to play co-op, each player can use one Joy-Con each to control certain actions.
Does this look interesting to you? What do you think about the trailer? Share your thoughts in the usual places.
