cZeus Maths Challenger

Upon opening this app, users are first asked to allow the app to link to ‘game play’ and shown a short introduction briefly explaining the game play. After which they are presented with two path options “Light” and “Mortal” which can be changed later if needed. From the next page, the navigation is comprehensive with perhaps too many sub-menus. However, the main two buttons are “Play” (Training Camp) which allows children to play a range of puzzles of varying difficulty and “Tournaments” (Tournament Hall) which allows them to compete in competitions as an individual or a team.

The game play itself is a simple concept; users must find all the missing numbers. However, the actual puzzle involves much more logical and strategical thinking than this. Presented as a grid, each missing number is made from a result of a multiplication and an addition. Generally, these are shown, allowing the user to easily identify this number, for example, if the number 4 is seen alongside x12 and +7, the result would be 3 because 4x? =12 and 4+? =7. However, for some areas, these numbers are not shown and instead users must use a variety of mathematical operations and/or logic to find these numbers. For example, using common factors: to find a missing number with x54 and x36 on either side, the missing number must be their common factor 9.

Although the app is puzzle based, there is a clear consideration of the number skills involved. Children must use both multiplication and addition as a core skill, but also understand their respective inverse: subtraction and division. They must use their times' tables throughout the game and this knowledge is then extended depending on the level of the puzzle. For example, if the children have found three numbers 3, 4 and 5 in a square with a x360 clue, the only way to find the final number would be to find which number alongside these three multiply together to equal 360. This instigates multi-step mental calculations such as 3x4x5=60 then 360 ÷ 60 = 6; alternatively, they may decide to approach the problem by dividing 360 by 3, 4 then 5. Either way, such problems develop mental mathematical thinking.

While in Training Camp, the “Rules” button summarizes the four simple rules that all puzzles follow: only whole numbers from 1 to 9; pairs only occur once (those with a unique set of addition and multiplication values); with the exception of a cZeus Square where four identical numbers form a square; each puzzle only has one solution. Players login to the app either as a guest, or through email or via Facebook. For players’ security, they get to choose a nickname, and their email and Facebook IDs are protected. Players who sign up using email or Facebook, their cZeus games will be synchronised on multiple devices and they gain access to their cZeus website portal.

Returning to the homepage. “Profile” allows players to join a team, view achievements, and scores. “cZeus Community” allows children to send friend requests to other players directly only to compare game stats on their device, hence no other information is exchanged, and with security of children in mind, messaging between players is not allowed at any point. “Statistics” displays best scores, levels completed, analysis, etc., and “Captain” allows children to create a team or run private competitions. There are also buttons for: “Quiz” that enables children to earn extra coins through answering maths as well as Greek Mythology questions; “Shop” where they can spend their coins to upgrade their character; “Notifications” for in-game information; “Goals” where players check out their achievements in the game and collect their coin rewards; and “Settings” where they can turn sound and notifications on/off.

The Greek theme runs throughout the app with names, levels and various general knowledge questions appearing at points. The app also contains in-app purchases for users to buy more coins (which are used each time a puzzle is attempted); however, they can also acquire some coins for free via various means such as regular daily play, cZeusing and completing games, correctly answering quiz questions, etc. They can gain additional coins by liking cZeus on Facebook, subscribing to the newsletter, or watching a video for an advert. Overall, an excellent app, fantastic graphics, and sound directed learning and engaging, worthy of its five-star rating.

You can download cZeus Maths Challenger on your iOS or Android devices from the app stores. Download the cZeus Maths Challenger app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.