ShakePop turns your iOS device into a quick reaction game, similar to Simon or Bop-It.  First, you choose from a selection of characters, each with a different voice.  Then you follow their commands as quickly as you can.  You may have to tap the screen, swipe it, pinch it with two fingers, double or triple tap it, flip it, and more.  You get a point for each command you follow correctly, and the timer goes faster after a while.  If you miss a command or don’t input it before time runs out, you lose.  It’s available for iOS devices, but reviewed on iPad here.

The first character you’ll be able to play as is Elie, who has a British female sounding voice, like your GPS does.  You’ll be able to unlock other characters later on who have different voices, and you unlock them by performing commands a certain number of times.  Each character has their own signature moves that you can unlock as well by scoring a certain number of points cumulatively.  For instance, Elie may ask you to dance or the Coach may have you do jumping jacks.  But other than that and the voices, I didn’t notice any difference between the characters.

Really the only problem I had with this game is that it takes too long to unlock the other characters, and the game is pretty simplistic and repetitive.  Plus, it’s best played on an iPhone, as flipping and turning your iPad gets pretty cumbersome.  I only prefer playing games on my iPad because of the bigger screen, but this one’s best suited for the iPhone.  So if you like games like Simon and Bop-It, you’ll probably enjoy this one anyway.

Kid Factor:

Nothing objectionable or violent here, although some of the things Elie says on screen may be taken as slightly suggestive.  Reading skill is helpful for the text, but not necessary as the commands have spoken voice, too.  There are in-game purchases in the form of two other characters you can buy, but they’re only 99 cents each.  Really the only thing I’d be worried about is kids dropping the phone while playing, what with all the flipping and turning and all.  But I’d be worried about adults doing that, too, even myself!  So it’s probably best to play this game over a soft carpet or couch, and not a hard floor, just in case.

Tags: Game Reviews