1 Bit Survivor

While the controls could be better, the no-frills format has enough challenges to offer some entertainment. In 1 Bit Survivor, kids move through a series of scenes, set in locations such as a graveyard, where they weave through rows of bushes and other objects to locate a gas can, and then return to their car, where they can either delay starting it and walk around more -- or they can click on a key icon to motor off to the next level. Along the way, they may also find boxes that contain helpful supplies, such as more firepower or health-restoring items. The controls aren't great -- the brief tutorial doesn't go into detail about some features, such as how to logistically stab creatures, for example. Kids just see an image of a creature being stabbed, with the right arrow key highlighted underneath it. They will likely have to figure out that action, as well as some of the shooting aspects, on their own. Kids may find they also sometimes need to almost walk into creatures to get close enough to use a weapon.

The game has some notably commendable aspects -- including a storyline with a surprising amount of heart. Kids learn the narrator had essentially given up on life following a zombie apocalypse -- but decided to keep going after befriending a cat named Leo, who the main character is now determined to save. To win, kids need to survive for 28 days, which involves completing 28 levels. The game builds gradually, and the number of mutants you encounter after that ramps up at a reasonable pace. If kids die, they can start the game over, beginning at the first level, potentially with a different mix of settings. They can also opt to watch an ad and continue where they left off, instead of repeating all the previous levels. Because the game is free, and it doesn't pressure kids to sit through a string of ads to be able to play, even though the controls and related instruction may not be ideal, kids might enjoy making at least a few attempts to beat 1 Bit Survivor.