National Geographic Challenge
- Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii
- Price: $19.99–$29.99
- Genre: Educational
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Common Sense Media says
Game show/board game is a blast -- but questions are tough!
 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that National Geographic Challenge is a fun, well-made quiz game/board game mash-up that features thousands of tough, challenging questions covering just about any topic that fits under the broad umbrella of world history and geography. There's not much to be concerned about, content-wise, but be aware that these questions can be real stumpers. Even the "easy" level should pose a challenge to most players. Also, be aware that there is simulated betting in certain rounds of the game, as players need to wager points on whether they'll answer a question right or not.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn facts about world history and geography while playing a game show. This game is more fun when played with others, allowing families to compete together. The game tests your knowledge by asking timed questions, but it also instructs by showing the correct answer when you guess incorrectly. The game uses lots of different media, including stunning videos, and a wide variety of question formats. Players can choose their level of difficulty. Learning social studies facts is wild fun with this competitive game show.
Skills
- Thinking & Reasoningdeduction, logic, memorization
- Creativity
- Self-Direction
- Emotional Development
- Communication
- Collaborationmeeting challenges together
- Responsibility & Ethics
- Tech Skills
- Health & Fitness
What's it about?
National Geographic Challenge offers multiple game modes for world trivia buffs. One is a game-show-like quiz format, while another works like a board game that sort of plays like Risk, but with trivia battles instead of armies. Players move around a global map, winning territories by answering questions correctly. There's also a slew of visual photo puzzles that can be played individually, outside of the quiz and board game modes.
Is it any good?
The standard quiz show mode of National Geographic Challenge is pretty great unto itself. But the "Explorer Mode," which plays like a world-conquering board game, is a fresh and exciting addition that is especially fun with four players. All modes make good use of photo and video clues, and it's nice to have access to those picture puzzles even when you're not looking for a full-on trivia challenge. The questions are real doozies, though, so be prepared to hear plenty of "wrong!" buzzers. Unless you feel completely confident on your knowledge of, say, the reigns of Soviet premiers or the populations of South Pacific islands.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about some of the historical events brought up in the game's questions. Parents can use the game as a conversation starter, expanding upon some of the subjects that appear.
Does your family prefer playing family games on a console or around the kitchen table? Why or why not?
What kids can learn
Kids can learn facts about world history and geography while playing a game show. This game is more fun when played with others, allowing families to compete together. The game tests your knowledge by asking timed questions, but it also instructs by showing the correct answer when you guess incorrectly. The game uses lots of different media, including stunning videos, and a wide variety of question formats. Players can choose their level of difficulty. Learning social studies facts is wild fun with this competitive game show.
Subjects
- Language & Reading:
- Math:
- Science:
- Social Studies: events, geography, history
- Arts:
- Hobbies:
Skills
- Thinking & Reasoning: deduction, logic, memorization
- Creativity:
- Self-Direction:
- Emotional Development:
- Communication:
- Collaboration: meeting challenges together
- Responsibility & Ethics:
- Tech Skills:
- Health & Fitness:
How kids will learn
Kids will learn by answering a series of questions about world history and geography. Questions range from global history subjects to geographic ones, including being able to correctly identify city names from images that appear on the screen. Players can learn additional facts and trivia if they're unable to answer a question, because the game always presents the correct answer. In addition, some of the puzzles can be played in a standalone format.
How parents can help
- Play games using maps where you ask kids to find specific locations.
- Encourage discussion about global cultures.
- Play the license plate game while traveling in the car.
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| Platforms: | Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii |
| Available online? | Not available online |
| Genre: | Educational |
| Developer: | Ignition Entertainment |
| Release date: | November 29, 2011 |
| Price: | $19.99–$29.99 |
| ESRB rating: | E for Alcohol and Tobacco Reference, Mild Suggestive Themes (Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360) |
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