Osmo’s slogan, aptly translated, is: “Learning is best when it’s called play.” Utilizing an iPad and various modules, Osmo provides an engaging platform for children to learn subjects ranging from mathematics and spelling to coding and problem-solving. We enlisted the assistance of a five-year-old junior tester and explored Osmo Pizza Co.
How does it work?
The package includes a stand for the iPad, a reflective mirror that attaches to the iPad camera, a container of pizza ingredients, and a container of play money. A disc serves as both the pizza and a tray for handling payments. The mirror detects the pizza or tray, providing real-time feedback on the iPad screen.
The game’s premise is straightforward: the player assumes the role of a pizza chef, fulfilling orders from various customers by preparing pizzas with specific toppings. Customer requests are presented in multiple formats, including text, visual descriptions, or verbal instructions. For instance, a customer might request salami on the green half of the pizza. The player must interpret the request and assemble the pizza accordingly, receiving auditory and visual cues from the customer that indicate progress and accuracy.
Once the pizza is prepared, it’s placed in the virtual oven. Upon completion, the customer consumes the pizza, provides payment, and expresses their gratitude – at least on the easier difficulty settings.
Increasing the difficulty introduces constraints such as demanding customers or time limits. Crucially, and representing one of the game’s key strengths, mathematical challenges are incorporated. The player must calculate the correct change when the customer pays. For example, if a pizza costs 11 units of currency and the customer provides 15, the player must determine the difference and provide the appropriate change using any combination of available denominations.
Earned currency can be invested in upgrading the restaurant’s décor, which in turn attracts more customers.
Do the children think Osmo Pizza Co is fun?
From a parent’s perspective, the game offers an appropriate level of engagement. A typical session might last 30-40 minutes before our tester’s interest wanes. Without the mathematical component, the gameplay can become repetitive. Conversely, the introduction of mathematical calculations presents a different kind of challenge, leading to fatigue from constant computation and/or reading customer requests.
Overall, we appreciate Pizza Co. for its built-in limitations that prevent excessive playtime. For instance, ingredients are finite and must be reordered when depleted, impacting the player’s earnings and delaying restaurant upgrades. This encourages focus and strategic breaks.
The game fosters a natural connection to real-world scenarios, which is particularly beneficial for children aged five and up. Even younger children, such as three-year-olds, can find entertainment within Pizza Co.
Osmo Parent
Osmo Parent provides parents with access to their child’s profile, displaying played games, playtime duration, and relevant tips and suggestions. Osmo suggests that this information can be used to facilitate discussions about challenging puzzles or difficult-to-spell words.
Some potential for improvement exists
Osmo consistently updates its products, and a newer iPad stand is available. Performance improvements may have also been implemented since our testing. In certain instances, registering the pizza’s entry into the oven can be challenging, although a shortcut involving pressing a specific area near the oven is available. Furthermore, ingredient recognition by the camera can occasionally be inconsistent. While functional, it lacks perfect reliability.
Conclusion Osmo Pizza Co.
We appreciate the game’s ability to present real-world problem-solving scenarios, such as interpreting orders through text, tone of voice, instructions, and facial expressions, which are valuable skills for a five-year-old. The gameplay is lighthearted and avoids unnecessary stress, unless intentionally selected by the player. The game’s ability to maintain engagement without being overly addictive is another positive aspect, making it easier to manage playtime.
We anticipate testing other Osmo modules in the future, as our experience with Pizza Co. has been positive.
Osmo provided review units for this evaluation. Content providers do not influence our editorial process. We maintain an independent approach, prioritizing our readers and consumers.
