Pocket Academy

 iOS
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. TouchArcade
    Jul 5, 2011
    100
    A sharp little simulation game packed with depth and, oddly enough, a little emotion.
  2. 148Apps
    Jul 13, 2011
    90
    It's the same song and dance that we've all come to expect from Kairosoft: excellence and addiction wrapped snugly in oversight.
  3. Eurogamer
    Jul 11, 2011
    80
    Given time, though, and Pocket Academy gets under your skin just like the other Kairosoft efforts, largely thanks to the attachment to your pupils, the satisfaction from their eventual progress, and the burgeoning relationships with other pupils. It's enough to bring a tear to your eye.
  5. AppSpy
    Jul 5, 2011
    80
    While not as immediately addictive as Game Dev Story, Pocket Academy provides a deeper challenge with huge amounts of replay value.
  6. Pocket Gamer UK
    Jun 30, 2011
    80
    Slow to start, and surprisingly easy to fail at first, give Pocket Academy time and it'll grip just as hard as Kairosoft's previous management games.
  7. Multiplayer.it
    Jul 28, 2011
    78
    Pocket Academy is probably Kairosoft's deepest and most polished sim actually in the App Store, with a lot of things to do and a huge attention to students' characterization. However, it's also another example of disengagement from a developer that continues to reuse the same engine over and over, without taking real advantage of the technology behind iPhone and iPod Touch.
  8. Slide to Play
    Aug 2, 2011
    75
    It takes longer to get into than past efforts, but Kairosoft's latest is as addictive as ever.
  9. Thunderbolt
    Jan 10, 2012
    60
    The difficult thing about reviewing a game like this, however, is that even at their least inspired the developer represents the upper-echelon of the platform. Yet there's a difference in quality now and Pocket Academy comes in below expectations.
  10. Gamer.no
    Sep 16, 2011
    60
    Kairosoft games are some of the most charming titles you'll ever experience on mobile platforms, but the touch interface struggles to hold up when the games' complexity increases. With Pocket Academy, the interface gets in the way for a game whose intricacies are as fascinating as its quirky farm-school hybrids.
  11. The Onion (A.V. Club)
    Jul 17, 2011
    58
    The game is warm and pleasant, but it's ultimately a vapid exercise.
  12. Gamezebo
    Jul 5, 2011
    50
    With an excellent simulation in Grand Prix Story still fresh on the market, there's just no reason to settle for such an inferior game.

Awards & Rankings

72
#72 Most Discussed iOS Game of 2011

User Reviews

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User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 10 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 10
  3. Negative: 2 out of 10
  1. busbfran
    Dec 29, 2013
    7
    Pocket Academy instantly grabs your attention as your character walks throw the gates of your developing school and kisses you goodbye as hePocket Academy instantly grabs your attention as your character walks throw the gates of your developing school and kisses you goodbye as he leaves in a helicopter to his new CEO job. thanks to your teachers, students, facilities, wildlife and after taking the national championship for the glee club. Your school will have to face competing schools and your need all your help from cool kids, nerds and jocks to take commend, so you decides who rules the school… Full Review »
  2. TechnologoDoom
    Aug 2, 2011
    9
    Though it doesn't quite match the peerless Game Dev Story for compelling content, Pocket Academy does a remarkable job of investing the playerThough it doesn't quite match the peerless Game Dev Story for compelling content, Pocket Academy does a remarkable job of investing the player in the success of your simulated school. It's complexity is robust, and it would definitely take a few playthroughs to see all the game has to offer. Though the early years of managing the school can be frustrating, eventually Pocket Academy flowers into a massive simulation that will keep you enthralled for countless hours. Kairosoft has done it again.… Full Review »
  3. NMulholland
    Jul 2, 2011
    9
    Everyone and their nan have been waiting for what seems forever for Kairosoft to release a new game on iOS. With what seemed like ignorance toEveryone and their nan have been waiting for what seems forever for Kairosoft to release a new game on iOS. With what seemed like ignorance to its iOS gamers with the Android-exclusive release of Grand Prix Story last month, the wait is over. Pocket Academy follows in the life-sappingly addictive footsteps of Game Dev Story and Hot Springs Story before it, though it admittedly lends more similarity to the latter, by way of itâ… Full Review »
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