Parents' Guide to

Takenoko

By Chris Morris, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 6+

Flawed, largely forgettable board game adaptation.

App iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android Paid Board Games
Takenoko Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this app.

  • Takenoko Screen #1
  • Takenoko Screen #2
  • Takenoko Screen #3

Community Reviews

See all

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

What’s It About?

In TAKENOKO, players attempt to complete tasks on objective cards. This is achieved through one of five actions on the game board: placing a tile, moving the panda or gardener, taking an irrigation channel, or drawing another objective card. The panda will eat bamboo when he moves to a tile, whereas the gardner will grow bamboo on tiles he inhabits, assuming it's irrigated. Players get two actions per turn and continue playing until one reaches the required number of objective cards (which varies by player). Players get points for each satisfied card, and the winner is the one with the most points.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

If nothing else, this strategy title is a soothing game -- when it works. Takenokos calm music and gentle gameplay is the opposite of the rushed pace of so many other apps. The problem is: That gameplay isn't especially compelling. And, even if it was, the app's riddled with bugs and glitches, causing it to freeze for some players. And the game's tutorial is fair to middling, so there can be some confusion if you're not familiar with the original board game (though it does guide players somewhat during gameplay). The game becomes somewhat repititious after a few playings as well.

While it's loaded with impressive artwork and is nice to look at, Takenoko, ultimately, is a game that will quickly lose your interest.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about pandas and their habits. How much bamboo do they eat each day?

  • What do you know about China and its rich cultural heritage? Do you think Takenoko would make you interested in finding out more about the country?

App Details

  • Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
  • Pricing structure: Paid
  • Release date: November 19, 2019
  • Category: Board Games
  • Publisher: Asmodee Digital
  • Version: 0.49
  • Minimum software requirements: Requires Android 4.4 and up; Requires iOS 7.0 or later
  • Last updated: June 3, 2020

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended app lists

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate