Helena writes:
Tree Fu Tom 3D Adventures is an app compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. For the uninitiated, Tree Fu Tom is a CG animated series currently shown on CBeebies. Tom’s character is portrayed as a young boy who is able to transform into a flying superhero no bigger than a minibeast and then travel to the enchanted world of Treetopolis, to use “Tree Fu” or movement magic to save the day alongside his loyal band of friends.
The app uses SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping) augmented reality technology and is designed to enable users to interact with Tom and his sidekick Twigs, and transport them into a child’s own world via an Apple device. The app also includes three additional games, Nectar Collector, Slimeweed Defence and Aphid Rescue. Children can set up their own user ID, and select a difficulty level of Easy or Hard to play.
Nectar Collector involves using the touch screen to move bees into their hive to deposit nectar.
Slimeweed Defence requires the child to tilt the device to enable Tom to defend himself against slime-firing plants.
Aphid Rescue enables a child to use the touch screen to follow a pattern to activate a Super Net Go Spell, and then bounce the baby aphids on the net to safety.
When we were given the opportunity to review this app I was unsure of what to expect. What the new SLAM technology means in practice is that my children can hold the device directly over a book or drawing, and see a 3D version of Tom or Twigs superimposed onto the page or picture. They can then use the touch screen to alter the character’s position or pose. Tom (and Twigs) can be made to appear in a child’s own world, where they can be made to fly, leafboard (basically surfing on a leaf), talk and do movement magic, or Tree Fu. Children can capture photos and videos of all of this interaction via the Apple device. Tutorials are provided to enable parents and children to get the most out of using the app.
My children prefer transporting the characters into their own pictures to playing the additional games, which they do not seem to enjoy. The app is a lovely concept and overall as a parent I find it appealing because it enables my children to use familiar characters in an interactive way. The use of colour and the animation remains true to the original TV series, and the characters are identical to their small-screen counterparts. My eldest daughter is now aged seven and she is now perhaps a bit too old to fully appreciate this app, however my two-year-old son likes Tree Fu Tom and is able to use all of the features with just a little bit of help.
Tree Fu Tom 3D Adventures is available from the App Store for £2.99
