Thomas & Friends: Magic Tracks
Get on Play StoreThomas & Friends: Magic Tracks is a simulation game aimed at kids aged 2-7, offering a safe and easy adventure. It boasts sensational game mechanics and fabulous visuals, but is hindered by annoying ads and bugs that can affect gameplay. Overall, it provides a hilarious and entertaining experience for young train enthusiasts.
Phone
Android
Mobile Platform
Tablet
Reviews
- The game is fun and engaging for young children, especially fans of Thomas & Friends.
- The graphics are colorful and appealing, making it visually enjoyable for kids.
- The game encourages creativity as players can build their own train sets and explore the Island of Sodor.
- The game is riddled with ads and in-app purchases, making it frustrating for parents and children alike.
- Many users report frequent crashes and freezing, particularly during key gameplay moments.
- The requirement to pay for additional content limits the overall experience and enjoyment of the game.
- monetization115 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 80 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game has drawn significant criticism, with users expressing frustration over the overwhelming number of ads and the reliance on in-app purchases. Many parents report that the frequent ads disrupt gameplay for their children, making the game nearly unplayable, while others are disappointed that ads persist even after purchasing the full version. Overall, the game is perceived as a cash grab, prioritizing profit over user experience, particularly for a children's game.
“If it weren't for the fact this game heavily relies on in-app purchases, it would have been much more enjoyable.”
“Too much reliance on in-app purchases; kids won't be able to play with their favorite train unless parents fork out a certain amount of dollars. A system in which the child could work toward unlocking an engine without the need for parental funds would be greatly appreciated.”
“For an app for toddlers, there are way too many in-app purchases.”
“Riddled with ads, pay to play rule... if I could give you less than 1 star.”
“This game is one of the most blatant cash grabs I've seen on the Google Play Store in a long time.”
“I understand ads in the free version, but do not expect to be hammered with them after purchasing the 'full game'.”
- graphics74 mentions
- 70 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many users praising the art style and quality, describing them as "good" or "excellent." However, some players express disappointment, citing low-quality graphics in certain areas and a desire for improvements. Overall, while the graphics are generally appreciated, there are calls for enhancements and updates to elevate the visual experience further.
“The graphics are really good.”
“This game has the best graphics and fantastic animations.”
“Very good game and the graphics are cool.”
“The gameplay is okay, buggy but okay, but the art style is abysmal.”
“I really liked the game, but after these graphics changes, it ruined my childhood.”
“The graphics are very bad... please upgrade the graphics.”
- stability62 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 2 % neutral mentions
- 98 % negative mentions
The game suffers from significant stability issues, with frequent freezing and crashing reported by users, particularly after purchasing additional content. Many players express frustration over the game's inability to function properly during key gameplay moments, leading to a disappointing experience despite their investment. Overall, the game's stability is a major concern, detracting from its enjoyment.
“Paid twenty bucks for everything and the game freezes every 10 minutes.”
“My son loves the game and I bought him all the trains, but it freezes/crashes constantly!”
“The game constantly freezes and the developer thinks it is acceptable to advertise even after you have purchased the full game packs.”
- gameplay19 mentions
- 68 % positive mentions
- 16 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally well-received, with many praising its mechanics, controls, and engaging elements, particularly for younger audiences. However, several users express frustration over monetization practices, such as paywalls and intrusive ads, which detract from the overall experience. While some find the gameplay enjoyable and immersive, others criticize it for being repetitive and buggy, indicating a mixed reception overall.
“I like this game because its graphics, controls, and gameplay are so nice. This game has real engine sounds and trains from the Island of Sodor. It's also good for kids to learn, and I know you will do more updates on this game <3”
“This actually is my dream game; it's so cool, and it has very cool gameplay.”
“Awesome gameplay, thanks Budge Studios.”
“The gameplay loop is boring and is made worse by the abundance of ads you will see.”
“The gameplay is okay, buggy but okay, but the art style is abysmal.”
“It is priced much higher than it can deliver on gameplay and content development.”
- humor19 mentions
- 95 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely appreciated, with many users finding it entertaining and funny throughout their experience. Players enjoy the comedic elements, such as the quirky interactions and humorous scenarios, although some express frustration with the monetization aspects. Overall, the game is characterized as a lighthearted and amusing adventure that appeals to a broad audience.
“It's only 3 stars because the other adventures of this app are what to buy first, but this game is good and funny.”
“I think it's a funny sort of game helping build buildings, do puzzles, and wash the engines out.”
“That this game is very funny and very entertaining.”
“Money money is not funny.”
- music10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally praised for being enjoyable and fitting, but some users report technical issues, such as audio glitches and the inability to listen to their own music while playing. Additionally, there are complaints about the game's freezing during specific sections, which affects the overall experience. Overall, while the soundtrack is appreciated, it suffers from quality assurance problems that detract from gameplay.
“Best game I've ever played and I'm like a teen, awesome music.”
“Love this song and game.”
“It doesn't allow me to listen to songs while playing this game; I am disappointed.”
“Freezes on Henry's Tunnel; it would be nice if the music matched the engine you play as.”
“The minigames sound like Shaun the Sheep music.”
- story8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is perceived as lacking depth, with players expressing a desire for a more engaging narrative that includes quests or missions to unlock new content, rather than relying on in-game purchases. While the game is enjoyable for kids and features appealing graphics, the monetization strategy detracts from the overall experience, leading to frustration among users who want a more rewarding gameplay structure.
“This app is great! Can you add Edward, Duck, or Vinnie please? That would be cool, along with a new mini-game and maybe a story mode?”
“These is a very good game for kids with high graphics, enjoyable tasks, missions, and very different trains.”
“It's my favorite Thomas game, but I give it three stars because I can't unlock the other trains. I hope in the next update you need to complete quests to unlock new trains.”
“It's my favourite Thomas game, but I give it three stars because I can't unlock the other trains. I hope the next update requires completing quests to unlock new trains.”
“It's a fun game, but my son is 3, and having to pay to play or encountering an ad every other mission is not acceptable and would blatantly be a waste of time.”
“Most mobile games have a currency that you can buy to complete quests and jobs, but you also have the opportunity to grind out hours of gameplay and still complete the game.”
- optimization3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users express dissatisfaction with the app's optimization, citing poor performance that detracts from the overall experience, especially given its high price point. Many feel that the app struggles to run smoothly, making it a frustrating investment.
“Considering the amount of money it costs, the performance is very poor.”
“The performance of the app is struggling, making it a waste of time to play.”
“It is at least a third more expensive than I have ever paid for an app, so I honestly expect better performance.”
- character development2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players express dissatisfaction with the character development, particularly criticizing the shift from the original character designs to a more child-friendly version, which they feel lacks the calming presence of the previous characters. Many users prefer the 2017 version's character portrayal and are calling for options to revert to the original designs.
“This game needs to have a setting where you can decide if you want the original character designs or the new and not improved version.”
“The fact that the 2017 version of this game is much better than the new version, and I miss the old guy talking. It was much more calming, but the kid talking now is not calming. The fact that they changed the character design to make it more kid-friendly is disappointing; the old design was much better. I will give 1 star if you fix this game; I will give you 5 stars!”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users express that the emotional impact of the game is significantly diminished by excessive commercialization, which detracts from the nostalgic and wholesome experience intended for players.
