Nat Geo Adventure: Lost City of Z (Windows)
common sense media says
Superb search-and-find game teaches about the Amazon.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Nat Geo Adventure: Lost City of Z is an intriguing search-and-find puzzle game that has a somewhat intense storyline and atmosphere. Aside from two people who have been bit by snakes, no one is ever hurt over the course of the plot. But the game does a good job of building suspense, which makes it feel as if there is constant danger. Parents should also be aware that the game sneaks in lots of stealth knowledge about the Amazon, it's peoples, and its fauna; as well as some references to National Geographic.
Educational value:
There's a lot of incidental knowledge to be gained here -- about the Amazon, its indigenous peoples, several of its native animals, and the true history of explorer Colonel Fawcett and his ill-fated search for the Lost City of Z.
Positive role models:
The protagonist is a noble hero who risks her own safety to find her lost sister. She also puts herself at risk to save the life of a native boy she's never met. She cares greatly about the environment and has an avid curiosity about foreign cultures and history.
Ease of play:
While challenging at times, the gameplay is designed to be simple enough for casual play. There is no time limit and infinite hints (as long as you wait a while in between receiving them). One feature -- uncommon in search-and-find games -- allows you to see the shape of the items you're looking for.
Violence:
There are swords, knives, spears, and guns present in the visuals of the game, but none are ever used. One brief live-action clip shows real Amazonian tribesmen pointing spears toward the camera in a somewhat menacing way. Two different characters get bitten by snakes (off-screen), and players must tend to the wounds, which appear as small dots surrounded by large reddish welts on the characters' arms.
Sex:
One brief live-action clips shows male and female Amazonian natives in traditional (i.e., skin-revealing) dress. There is absolutely nothing sexual in the presentation of this footage.
Language:
Not applicable.
Consumerism:
The National Geographic brand is in the game's title. The protagonist's missing sister is a National Geographic employee. And players can earn, as bonus prizes, wild animal wallpapers with the Nat Geo logo in the corner that they can upload to their PCs.The disc also comes loaded with demos of other games by Valusoft.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Cigars and pipes appear in the visuals, but are never seen lit and no one ever smokes them onscreen.
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