Is it too sad for young kids?

There is a scene involving the loss of a family member and clear depictions of forest fires and animal capture. It's handled with care—no gore or graphic violence—but it is definitely a 'tear-jerker.' If your kid is very sensitive to animal peril, play it with them.

How difficult are the controls?

The game uses a simple two-button or two-tap system. One to grab/swing, one to slide. The challenge is in the timing, not memorizing complex combos. Most 6-year-olds can get the hang of it within ten minutes.

Is there any combat or 'enemies'?

There is no traditional combat. The 'enemies' are environmental hazards (like fire or electricity) and humans who are trying to capture the gibbons. You don't fight back; you just try to escape.

Is it actually educational?

Yes, but in a subtle way. It includes an 'Encyclopedia' section that unlocks facts about real gibbons and the specific threats they face in the wild, which is great for curious readers.

Gibbon: Beyond the Trees – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Gibbon: Beyond the Trees

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

game2022

89%

WISE Score

61%

IGDB

A gorgeous, high-speed jungle gymnast simulator that hits you with a powerful message about the cost of human progress.

Gibbon: Beyond the Trees

game

2022

89%

WISE Score

61%

IGDB

A gorgeous, high-speed jungle gymnast simulator that hits you with a powerful message about the cost of human progress.

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Where to Play

Screenwise Verdict

Gibbon: Beyond the Trees is a rare bird—or ape. It’s a beautiful, focused experience that respects a kid’s intelligence. It doesn’t distract them with loot boxes or endless loops. Instead, it gives them a pair of long arms and a jungle to swing through until that jungle starts to vanish.

It’s short, punchy, and visually arresting. If you have Apple Arcade, this is a must-download. If you're buying it on Switch or PC, just know you're paying for a high-quality short story rather than a massive open world. It’s the kind of game that sticks with you after the screen goes dark.

Age Fit

Perfect for kids 7 and up who can handle a bit of environmental 'real talk.' Younger kids can enjoy the swinging mechanics with a parent nearby to help with the sadder story beats.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It centers on a gibbon family and their bond. While it deals with heavy themes like habitat loss, it does so with deep empathy and a focus on survival and connection.

Imaginative

The movement mechanics are genuinely unique, focusing on the physics of brachiation (swinging). The painterly art style creates a vivid, dreamlike jungle that feels alive.

Safe

As a premium title (and part of Apple Arcade), there are no ads, no in-app purchases, and no social chat features. The only 'danger' is the emotional weight of the story.

Enriching

It is a masterclass in 'show, don't tell' environmental education. Kids learn about deforestation, poaching, and climate impact through gameplay rather than a textbook.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Satisfying movement lets you find a 'flow state' as you swing and somersault through the canopy.
Stunning visuals look like a living watercolor painting, making it as fun to watch as it is to play.
Meaningful storytelling addresses deforestation and poaching without being preachy or boring.
Zero microtransactions means no nagging for digital currency or battle passes.

⚠

What to Watch For

The story gets genuinely sad in the middle. Seeing the jungle replaced by industrial zones and fire can be upsetting for sensitive kids.
It is a very short game, usually under two hours. It’s a one-afternoon experience, not a long-term hobby.
The movement is momentum-based, which might frustrate younger kids who just want to move forward without timing their swings.

Conversation Starters

"How did it feel when the jungle started to disappear and turn into a city?"
"Why do you think the gibbons kept moving even when things got scary?"
"What can people do in real life to help protect the animals we saw in the game?"
"Which part of swinging through the trees felt the most like being a real animal?"

Deep Dive

The Art of Brachiation

Most games treat movement as a way to get from Point A to Point B. In Gibbon, movement is the whole point. The developers at Broken Rules (the same team behind the excellent Old Man's Journey) focused on the physics of brachiation. When you time a swing right, the sense of speed is incredible. It’s a 'flow' game that feels like Alto’s Adventure but with more verticality and heart.

A Documentary You Can Play

While the first twenty minutes are a joyful romp through green leaves, the game shifts gears quickly. You’ll see the 'beyond the trees' part of the title—human settlements, burning forests, and the infrastructure of palm oil production. It’s an effective way to teach environmentalism because the kid is the gibbon. When the tree you were aiming for is gone, you feel the loss mechanically.

Best Way to Play

Because it’s so short, this is a great 'co-pilot' game. Sit on the couch, let the kid handle the swinging, and talk about the changes in the background art as you go. It’s a much better way to spend ninety minutes than a mindless YouTube scroll. It’s safe, it’s beautiful, and it actually has a soul.

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