Kleptocats - HyperBeard Games

This review of Kleptocats was completed by the Australian Council on Children and the Media (ACCM) on 5 December 2019.

About the app

This section contains details about the app provided by an ACCM Reviewer.

ACCM review

This review of Kleptocats contains the following information:

• The level to which the game was reviewed
• App description
• Reviewers comments
• In App purchasing
• Online information
• Gambling
• Advertising and product placement
• Gender stereotypes and sexual references
• Coarse language
• Game playing behaviour which may be of concern to some parents
• Other

The level to which the game was reviewed

The game was played for several hours. All elements were not explored, such as additional rooms, as reviewer could not gain enough coins to purchase these features.

App description

KleptoCats is an interactive game with multiple different elements and puzzles. All instructions are written so adequate reading skills are required. Basic motor skills are also required. The player is given a ‘kleptocat’ (i.e. a cartoon cat) which they can play with and look after. The cat is positioned in a cartoon bedroom and can be sent to ‘go out’ to find objects in the room (e.g. mini football, toy snake, hair ball etc.). The primary aim of the game is to collect as many objects as possible. After instructing the cat to ‘go out’, the cat takes between 20 seconds to multiple minutes to return. During this time, mini games can be played (e.g. touching screen to pop balloons). When the cat returns with an item the player receives ‘coins’. These coins can be used to purchase accessories and new cats. The cat’s mood can also be improved by activities such as treating, washing and petting (basic motor skills required such as tapping screen to pet). The cat is more likely to bring back ‘better’ objects with a better mood. There are opportunities throughout the game where players can ‘share’ (e.g. send messages to another person via text messaging or share onto Facebook) their progress and are rewarded with coins. There are opportunities to upgrade the cats, gain new cats and upgrade rooms.

Reviewers comments

KleptoCats can provide hours of entertainment due to multiple games and puzzles and opportunities to expand the game. For example, there are 162 items in the first room that can be collected and each collection takes approximately 30secs to 1minute. It may also provide a teaching opportunity that by treating the cat well (e.g. treating, grooming and petting), greater outcomes occur. Within the app there are multiple opportunities for in app purchasing, all of which are not behind any type of parental lock. For example, special daily deals pop up on the screen e.g. gain 500 coins and 50 gems (which can be spent in the game for upgrades) for $4.49. There are also multiple advertisements. Pop up video advertisements for other apps occur throughout playing the game and can only be exited via a small cross in the corner which could easily be missed by young children. By clicking anywhere else on the screen, the page to download the advertised app appears. Additionally, while waiting for the cat to come back from exploring the room, the player can choose to view a video advertisement which brings the cat back instantly. Additional features which may be concerning are that many elements of the game can easily be shared to social medial platforms or via text messages. For example, in the left hand corner there is a ‘share’ button which screenshots the current screen, and can be shared via mail, Facebook messenger, text message or post onto Facebook. Overall, this game could be enjoyable to play for children however due to the in-app purchasing, advertisements and internet connectivity with no parental lock, parental guidance is recommended.

 

In App purchasing

There is In-App purchasing in this game, examples include:

• Purchase more ‘gems’ or ‘coins’ e.g., 500 coins and 50 gems for $4.49
• Watch a video advertisement on another app to gain access to coins before being asked to download the app.

Online information

There is some online connectivity, such as:

• Ability to share aspects of the game on social media platforms such as sending an invite on Facebook messenger to join the game - no parental lock
• The game can be played without internet connection however some elements are removed e.g. ability to share via Facebook.

Gambling

At the time of review, the reviewer found no simulated gambling content. If you discover simulated gambling content in this app, please contact us with the details so we can update our review.

Advertising and product placement

There is advertising in this game, including:

• Pop up video advertisements
• Watch video advertisement for coin reward.

Gender stereotypes and sexual references

None noted.

Coarse language

None noted.

Game playing behaviour which may be of concern to some parents

None noted.

Other

N/A.

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