Darby the Dragon

YMA recommendation

Approved as non-violent media, with caution. Slapstick comedy

Most suitable age range:

2-7

Availability

Format: PC and Macintosh. (Type: Adventure)
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About the game

Year of production	1996
Classification advice	Unavailable
Rating	Unavailable
Consumer advice lines	None

Other information
Country of origin	USA
Production Company	Broderbund

Synopsis

Darby finds a wizard’s magic wand and accidentally shrinks his sister. Players undertake a quest to gather the items needed for the spell that will return Sparkle to her full size.

Points to consider

Words of caution

There is a small amount of mild slapstick comedy, particularly between characters in the puppet theatre.

Positive aspects

The game incorporates

early reading skills
creativity
problem solving
co-operation.

Questions to ask

Although older children and adults may find the slapstick amusing, some children may be confused or scared by it, or attempt to imitate it with their friends or siblings. Parents could ask, “Do you think it would hurt if that happened in real life?” or, “How else do you think he/she could have reacted?”
With regard to magic, parents could ask, “Can we use magic in real life?” or, “Can we always get what we wish for? Why not?”