Item: Stack the States® 2
Rating: 93
Author: Dinsun

Dinsun Review

Dinsun here. I usually avoid 'edutainment' like the plague, as it usually fails at both education and entertainment. Stack the States 2, however, is a rare exception. The physics of stacking the differently-shaped states is genuinely challenging, and the trivia is integrated in a way that doesn't feel like a lecture.

The art style is charming in a storybook sort of way, and the mini-games provide enough variety to keep kids (and, frankly, some adults) engaged. It’s well-polished and works perfectly. My only gripe is that it’s purely US-centric, but that’s by design. It’s a solid, honest app that does exactly what it sets out to do without trying to trick you into spending money on extras. I respect that level of integrity.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

Effective and engaging learning tool
Fun physics-based stacking mechanic
Polished and child-friendly UI

Narrow focus (US geography only)
Can feel repetitive for older players once facts are learned
Limited variety in mini-games

Technical Report

Performance: Flawless performance on iPad and iPhone; no bugs encountered.

Accessibility:

High contrast text
No high-pressure time limits in main mode

Audience Fit

Buy if: You want to learn US geography or need a high-quality educational game for a child.

Skip if: You have zero interest in geography or US-based trivia.

Similar Games:

Stack the Countries
Oregon Trail
Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun, 40-year-old conservative critic
Hardware: iPad (10th Gen)
Playtime: 4 hours
Status: Unlocked all 50 states

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

1080767538

$2.99 4+★4.5 1110 reviews

Author : Freecloud Design, Inc.

Pubish Date : Wed Mar 09 2016

Last Update Date : Wed Sep 25 2024

Support Languages : English

Genres :

Version 2.2Wed Sep 25 2024

* Updated Minnesota flag
* Changed Barrow, AK to Utqiagvik, AK
Requires iOS 12.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Watch the states come to life as you learn US geography!
Stack the States® is back and better than ever with new question types, new bonus games, voice mode, 3D graphics and a detailed interactive map!
As you learn state capitals, cities, shapes, landmarks, flags and more, you can actually touch, move and drop the animated states anywhere on the screen. Carefully build a stack of states that reaches the checkered line to win each level.
You earn a new state for every successfully completed level. All of your states appear on your own personalized map of the United States. Try to collect all 50! As you earn more states, you begin to unlock the free bonus games: Map It, Connect 2 and Capital Tap. Four games in one!
What’s new in Stack the States® 2:
- New question types
- New bonus games: Connect 2 and Capital Tap
- New voice mode that helps non-readers play independently
- Brand new interactive map featuring major cities and a 3D elevation view of each state
- Beautiful 3D graphics
- 10 different 3D scenes depicting various locations in the US
- 3D models of over 90 US landmarks
Plus, all the great features that you loved from the original Stack the States®:
- 50 flash cards — one for each state
- Hundreds of unique questions
- Up to six player profiles
- A personalized map of the US
- Fun sound effects and music
- Works on both iPhone and iPad - a universal app
Stack the States® 2 is an educational app for all ages that's actually FUN to play. Try it now and enjoy four games for the price of one!
PRIVACY DISCLOSURE
Stack the States® 2:
- Does not contain 3rd party ads.
- Does not contain in-app purchases.
- Does not contain integration with social networks.
- Does not use 3rd party analytics / data collection tools.
- Does include links to apps by Dan Russell-Pinson in the iTunes App Store (via Performance Horizon).
For more information on our privacy policy please visit:
http://dan-russell-pinson.com/privacy/

Ratings & Reviews

4.5 out of 5 with 1110 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 4+

Stack the States® 2 makes learning about the 50 United States more engaging than ever. This sequel introduces 3D graphics, new questions, and expanded mini-games like 'Puzzler' and 'Spin the Globe.' Players answer geography questions to earn states, which they then must physically stack on a platform. Balance is key! As you build your collection, you’ll learn capitals, flags, shapes, and landmarks, eventually unlocking the ultimate 50 State Challenge.

Features

New 3D animated states and cities

Interactive globe and detailed U.S. map

All-new games: Puzzler, Guess the State, and Match

Unlockable '50 State Challenge' mode

Personalized map to track your progress

Tips

Building Your Collection

Answer a question about a state's capital or border correctly to earn that state. Once it appears, drag and rotate it to drop it onto your stack. Be careful—if the stack tips over and falls below the platform, you'll need more states to reach the checkered finish line!

Promotion Videos

N/A

Gameplays

Physics-Based Geography

The core gameplay combines trivia with physics. You'll learn that stacking a flat state like Nebraska is much easier than balancing the jagged edges of West Virginia. As you successfully reach the goal, you earn a permanent state for your personalized map of the U.S.

Q&A

While designed with kids in mind, the varying difficulty of the questions and the physics-based stacking make it fun and educational for learners of all ages.