My 8 year old daughter was given this for Christmas and loves it. Her Dad is a scientist (hence the gift!) and he has spent time with her talking to her about what she is doing and why. It requires the player to be able to read fairly well and it also demands good control of the wii handset. I am not sure if she would play it on her own but she loves playing it with her Dad in the background helping her and chatting to her about it. Great for older children but not many younger kids would find it very satisfying.