Elmo Monster Maker (CNET 100: iPhone Apps)

9 of 10 from Donald Bell's favorite iPhone apps (CNET 100)

The great part about having a kid who's addicted to Elmo is that you always know you can disarm any potential tantrums by cueing up some Elmo songs or a Sesame Street video. The downside, of course, is having to endure the sounds of Elmo's shrill cackles as the "Elmo's World" song pings around in your brain for what seems like the millionth time.

The Elmo Monster Maker app is a pleasant middle ground. Your kid (or you, if that's your thing) is given a choice of three generic monster muppets, which they can customize with different combinations of eyes, nose, and hats, and subject them to little prescribed skits with Elmo or make them dance in a virtual disco. It's not the sort of thing you or your kid will get hours of entertainment from, but it's a well-done, silly way to get a taste of the Elmo "experience" without going insane. In spite of Elmo's name being in the title, the vast majority of the game is about creating these goofy monsters.

Price: $3.99

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