App review by David Thomas, Common Sense Education | Updated May 2015

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Hakitzu Elite: Robot Hackers

Name: Hakitzu Elite: Robot Hackers
Item: Hakitzu Elite: Robot Hackers
Rating: 3
Author: David Thomas

Code-fueled robot battles err on the side of engagement

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Grades

4–12

Subjects & Skills

Critical Thinking

Great for

Game-Based Learning, Coding

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4 images

Chess-like play encourages strategic thinking.

Pros: Consumer-quality graphics and a high-tech theme will draw kids in.

Cons: Doesn't actually teach a lot of code, and features can be hard to use.

Bottom Line: A great concept that can hook kids on coding, but will require teachers to look elsewhere to make learning stick.

How Can I Teach with This Tool?

Hakitzu would work well as one of several options to introduce coding to kids. While the robot theme will certainly appeal to some students, it won't grab them all. Used as an option early in a lesson about programming, the robot battle theme could stimulate interest. But over time, the game won't take kids very far in their coding education, and teachers will need to be ready to send interested students elsewhere for deeper learning.

What Is It?

In some futuristic dystopia, humanoid robots battle to death in a combat arena. Played out like a life-sized version of chess, the game has players program their battle bots using pre-set functions and JavaScript syntax. Each turn, the bots run their code, attempting to disable the enemy and hack their central command core. Students will appreciate the polished 3-D graphics that feel more like a video game they'd play at home than a traditional educational game. The visuals go a long way in building interest.

Is It Good for Learning?

On face value, Hakitzu provides an enticing gateway for younger robot fans to take control of their machines and learn a little code. A stripped-down JavaScript coding interface allows players to send their robots marching across the screen and into various forms of melee. And while this programming chess match can be fun, it ultimately fails to deliver in any meaningful way on its educational promise. Hakitzu could have its place as a teaser to get kids interested in learning code. But for more in-depth engagement and learning, other titles carry the programming lessons to much greater depth in a more supportive environment.

Learning Rating

Overall Rating

Engagement

Featuring flashy graphics closer to what you would find on a modern gaming console, Hakitzu promises thrilling gameplay and has great visual appeal.

Pedagogy

Controlling combat robots with code sounds like a great way to get kids programming. In practice, the lightweight JavaScripting and emphasis on slick graphics create some learning disconnects.

Support

Built-in tips and hints zip past on-screen, so it’s easy to get stuck and hard to figure out where to turn for help.

Common Sense reviewer

David Thomas Director of academic technology

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