Dr. Panda's Bus Driver
By Mieke VanderBorght,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Simple, fun simulation game puts kids in driver's seat.
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Dr. Panda's Bus Driver
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What’s It About?
Kids are in the driver's seat in this driver-simulation game. They choose a view (through the windshield or above the bus) and a travel speed and steer using a finger (though the bus follows the road even without steering). Kids can choose to stop when they see a sign appear, sometimes to let on a passenger, other times to let a pedestrian cross the road. Kids also can stop to fill the gas tank and wash or paint the bus. The scenery is randomly generated, so it constantly changes, which makes every driving experience unique.
Is It Any Good?
DR. PANDA'S BUS DRIVER is fun, has great graphics, and is easily accessible, even for young kids. Kids will enjoy playing driver, as they're in charge of letting cute animal passengers get on the bus or cross the street. The scenery is interesting, and it's fun to admire the mountains, cute towns, drawbridges, and more. It would be nice if kids' actions (or inaction) had realistic consequences. For example, if kids choose not to stop to fill the gas tank, the bus could eventually stop driving, or a tire could be damaged if kids went over a speed bump too quickly. It might also be frustrating that kids have no control over what activity is offered. That is, if kids want to re-paint their bus, they have to wait until the opportunity is randomly cycled through. Overall, though, Dr. Panda's Bus Driver is an engaging simulation game for young kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about road safety. Why is it important to stop for pedestrians, not speed through a town, keep your vehicle clean, and so on?
Ask questions about the scenery. What kind of place do you think the bus is driving around in? Does it remind you of anything you've seen before or anywhere you've been?
Kids can learn more if parents help extend some of the themes by asking questions or drawing connections to things that have happened or could happen in kids' lives.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire
- Subjects: Language & Reading: storytelling
- Skills: Creativity: imagination, Responsibility & Ethics: respect for others, Health & Fitness: fine motor skills
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Release date: December 12, 2013
- Category: Education
- Topics: Cars and Trucks
- Publisher: TribePlay
- Version: 1.0
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 6.0 or later; Android 4.0 and up
- Last updated: October 15, 2019
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