Tux, Of Math Command a Fun Way to Teach Kids Math

Tux, Of Math Command is a deceptively simple and highly addictive math game. It is Open Source, and the full version can be downloaded at no cost. While Tux is the official Linux Mascot, Tux, Of Math Command is available for Windows, Linux and the Mac. The program is designed for a wide range ages. It includes options for teaching basic addition, all the way up to the multiplication of negative numbers and everything in between. The actual game play has some striking resemblance to Atari's classic Missile Command, but with some excellent kid friendly twists.

This is not to say that Tux, Of Math Command is a perfect game. There are some minor flaws and and at least one area of the game that needs some real work. A close look at the game's features will answer the most important question: can Tux teach math?

Game Play Overview

While there are two different types of game play (Training Acadamy and Arcade) the basics are the same for both. Tux, the Linux Penguin, stands at the controls of a laser defense system ready to defend his fellow penguins from falling comets. His companions are tucked safely away in igloos. Two igloos on each side of the defense station give Tux the task of defending a total of four other penguins.

As you might have guessed, each incoming comet has a math problem attached. Entering the correct solution will cause the laser to destroy the comet. Entering an incorrect answer will result in a miss.

This simple mechanic is entertaining, but it is what happens when a comet hits and igloo that makes Tux, Of Match Command interesting. The first comet strike will partially melt the penguin's igloo. A second strike and the igloo melts completely causing the penguin to run away.

No penguins are ever harmed, they simply walk away once their igloo is gone. Giving young players two tries before the penguin flees helps prevent them from becoming frustrated while still providing challenge. The developers however, took things a step further. In addition to the normal math problem comets, there are special bonus comets (red instead of blue).

Getting the right answer for a red comment will cause an animated rain cloud to fly across the screen and restore a damaged or missing igloo, allowing a penguin to return. If the player is doing well when a bonus comet appears, they can "bank" the cloud and it will be used as soon as an igloo is damaged. An excellent way to keep kids from giving up.

Differences in Play Modes

The game offers two different modes of play, well technically three, but we have a reason not to count the third one. More on that later. The first game play choice is the Training Academy. This offers a menu and large selection math aids. The program can teach addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. It will even introduce the concept of negative numbers.

The other style of play is the arcade mode. This allows the player to select a level of difficulty and move through various stages of problem solving. The game does not provide details on the types of problems presented in each difficulty level so some experimentation is necessary. While both modes of play feature score keeping, only the arcade mode makes it a focus.

The third type of game play represents one of Tux's few flaws. Clicking on the "custom game" option will present you with a screen telling you to edit a text file to create a custom game. It would have been great if kids could create their own math games from within the program. Sadly, even parents and teachers will find it tricky to make new math games by editing the configuration file.Supporting multiple players also means working with the command line or editing a configuration file.

Graphics and Sound

The Graphics and sound are somewhat sparse, but used to good effect. The backgrounds change frequently.The game does not break new ground in this area, nor does it need it. The graphics used are clean and professional looking. Sounds are clear and used well. Tux relies on solid gameplay. One not of interest is that the backgrounds used for the game are actual pictures taken by the Hubble telescope.

Getting A Copy

Another minor issue is actually get a copy of the game. While free to download, the project has moved hands a couple and not all of the old houses have been torn down. The best place to get the latest version is directly from the SourcForge page.

Tux, Of Math Command is a solid educational game. A little more variety in game play and a better system for customizing game play would take it to the level of exceptional. Regardless of its small flaws, it is an excellent teaching game that that will encourage kids to improve their math skills.