The title says it all.

National Geographic Panda is a simulation game about taking care of a panda. The purpose of the game is to teach people about pandas, with a mixture of realism and fantasy elements. The result is a well-designed educational game that does a good job of teaching players about pandas. However, even with a few fantasy elements thrown in, this game isn't the most entertaining effort out there.

Players will choose a panda and name it after starting the game for the first time. Later, other pandas can be added. Once the panda is named, it's time to feed it. Besides food, there are toys that players can give to the panda. These items can be purchased in the shop or the mail order store, along with other items like accessories for the panda and decorative things for the panda areas.

At first, only a few items are available for purchase, like bamboo, water, and an exercise ball. As play advances, more items will be unlocked. Money to purchase these items is added in increments of $300 each day, but don't get excited, these things are expensive!

Players can teach their panda helpful skills such as executing a somersault, climbing a tree and balancing on the exercise ball. They can also pet their panda, and pull its paws to help it roll around.

The stylus is used for all interaction with the Panda, and to access the menus. The stylus works adequately with the Panda, but sometimes it's a little difficult to touch or drag something in just the right spot. Giving the panda items can be a little frustrating at times, especially if the bamboo is dropped on the green grass. Give up trying to find the green stick in the green grass, you won't do it, and that's money down the drain.

The camera view can be moved around 360 degrees, and be zoomed in and out. However, the zooming is accomplished by using the L button, and it is not a good button to use for this purpose.

The main areas are the Panda House and the Panda Park. The Panda House is the living area for the panda, and the park is the outside play area. The same things items can be used in either place, so it really doesn't matter where the panda is if players want to feed it or give it a toy. The park has more stationary things, such as climbing trees and other like things.

While this is a worthwhile game that is full of interesting facts about pandas, it really isn't all that fun. There are many things players can do with their pandas, but how many times can you pet, feed, or give a toy? The accessories are pretty cool, but they don't add all that much to the game overall. Changing the walls in the Panda House doesn’t really change the overall look very much. The panda accessories are more fun, but this one feature isn’t enough to elevate the game. The articles are informative, but once read, there is no reason to read them again.

I'm not sure of the target audience of this game. If for adults who want to know more about pandas, well, they can always read about them online or at the library for free. If for children, there is not a lot of incentive to keep playing this game. I don't see this game competing with more lively games such as Super Princess Peach or Viva Pinata.

The bottom line is that this is a good educational game that has been designed with careful attention to details, but one that will only appeal to a small number of people.

Gameplay: 6.5
The pandas are cute and the game is educational, but there just isn’t enough to do. The idea is worthy, but the result is less than desired. Players will become bored very soon.

Graphics: 7.0
The graphics that have to do directly with the panda and the environments are nicely handled, but the interface is dull in appearance.

Sound: 7.0
The music is average, and isn’t jarring.

Difficulty: Medium
This game has a medium level of difficulty. The game mechanics are easy, and players will pick them up quickly. The game can be a bit difficult at times, due more to the game controls than anything else.

Concept: 6.0
Simulation games featuring animals have been around for awhile, and this game doesn’t really add anything new to the genre. The execution is fine, but there is not enough variety in the content.

Overall: 6.5
National Geographic Panda is intended to educate people about pandas, while entertaining them; unfortunately, the entertainment factor is not very high. Best for people who really love pandas and want to learn more about them in an interactive environment.