Dora the Explorer: Dora Saves the Mermaid is based on a DVD movie of the same name. Kids join Dora on an adventure to save the mermaid kingdom from an ecological disaster caused by an evil garbage-dumping octopus. The story is told by rapidly flashing still pictures, a method that is rather confusing. It is easier to understand if you have seen the DVD.
The game’s format follows the set-up of the Dora TV show, with the character of Map explaining that you need to go to Seashell Bridge, Pirate Island, and Silly Sea. At each location there is a series of minigames to play, some of which are educational. For example, to sail across the Silly Sea, Dora needs you to tap a certain number of silly animals, including two cowfish. Kids will learn discrimination skills as well as counting. To cross the Seashell Bridge, kids must tap on the numbered shells from one through nine. In all, there are 18 minigames, and they can all be played separately from the adventure.
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