Nat Geo Challenge: Wild Life

Review

Common Sense Media says

Challenging quiz game creates educational family fun.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Net Geo Challenge: Wild Life is a science-based quiz show game from National Geographic. It features tons of images and videos from the National Geographic archives, some of which include depictions of predator animals eating their prey. Be aware that the questions on these quizzes are very challenging, though many of the answers can be learned by watching the videos in the game's global "Quest" mode.

  • Positive messages5
    The game makes science -- and learning about the world around you -- into a fun, entertaining experience.
  • Positive role models2
    The game encourages kids to be smart and to want to learn. The only negative role modeling comes in the form of some sarcastic jibes that the unseen "host" throws at contestants for wrong answers.
  • Ease of play3
    Have no doubts about it: These quizzes are tough. There's a ton of scientific minutiae in there that most average people aren't going to know. However, you will come to realize that if you play the "Quest" mode first, and watch the many videos that it features, you'll end up learning the answers to many of those impossible-seeming quiz questions.
  • Violence1
    Some of the questions are accompanied by either video or still photos of predator animals eating their prey. In some instances, drops of blood can be seen on fur or whiskers. This is presented in a purely educational fashion.
  • Sex0
    Not applicable.
  • Language0
    Not applicable.
  • Consumerism1
    The game is sponsored by, and features the logo of, National Geographic.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking1
    One still image features a man with a cigarette in his mouth. A couple of questions feature "jokey" multiple choice answers that make alcohol references. For example: "Q: Can crabs walk forward? A: Only when drunk."
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What's it about?

NAT GEO CHALLENGE: WILD LIFE offers game-show-esque quiz competition for brainy, science-loving groups. In the main quiz mode, you'll be challenged with very tough questions, accompanied by lovely National Geographic nature photos and videos. In the "Quest" mode, contestants will travel around the globe, watching videos and answering questions on what they've just seen. If you start out here, it will give you an edge in quiz mode, as you will have learned information you can use there. There are also a slew of unlockable jigsaw and sliding puzzles.

Is it any good?

 

Upon first playing Nat Geo Challenge: Wild Life, you will probably be impressed by the visual beauty of it all and the slick and sleek presentation, but you may also think, "Wow, these questions are tough!" Do you happen to already know the habitats of specific species of spiders? Or the diets of various whale species? However, when you realize that much of this info can be learned in the game's educational videos, you realize that this isn't just a you-know-it-or-you-don't quiz game, this is a learn-while-you-play quiz game. The more you play, the more you learn, and the better you get at these quizzes. Pretty smart. 

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about the value of science. Why is it important to learn about our planet and the life forms upon it? How can this information benefit us?

  • This game is intended for group play. Do you like to play as a family? In a game like this, do adults have an edge over children? What can you do to help even the odds?

This review was written by Christopher Healy

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This review was written by Christopher Healy
Platforms:Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3
Available online?Not available online
Genre:Party
Developer:D3Publisher of America
Release date:November 16, 2010
Price:$29.99
ESRB rating:E for Alcohol and Tobacco Reference, Mild Blood
This review was written by Christopher Healy

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

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