REX THE ROACH

In this simple interactive odyssey, a little robot cockroach learns to listen to his mum and to say “Please,” after flushing himself down the toilet.

Ignoring a parental warning as so many human children are wont to do (though likely not with the same consequences), Rex pulls the chain while he’s still sitting—and finds himself in a dingy alleyway. From there, a rude robot fly, an aggressive robot mosquito and other mechanical bugs send him sauntering on his way. Among other adventures preceding the final joyful reunion with his mother, he fixes a spider with a literal screw loose, pauses to play a chance-found electric guitar and, by asking politely, enjoys a quick ride on a saloon’s aptly named “Bronco Buck.” One or two flashing cues on each screen show where to tap to pull the chain, avoid the mosquito or otherwise move the action along. As jaunty music plays in the background, an optional narrator with a pleasant British accent reads the text in a measured way. Useful controls include a thumbnail index and separate volume-control sliders for the voice, the music and the humorous sound effects.

A polished showing with spare but well-integrated animated effects and several silly twists.