Discovery Kids: Parrot Pals
© 2009 505 Games (US), Inc.
A great idea, but poorly implemented, this parrot simulation marks the first bird simulator we've reviewed. Too bad it isn't better designed. Content includes three game save slots, and factual information on 12 types of parrots. The bad news is that the information is delivered on recipe-card like screens that require reading. At the heart of this program is the ability to name, feed and care for your pet parrot. The care and feeding is fairly fun -- you drag food items or toys into the cage to keep it happy, but when you try to talk to your bird, it seems hard of hearing. We tested the title on both a DS and a DSi, and had the same mediocre results. A parrot that can't copy what you say? What fun is that? There are three poorly designed minigames and a beautiful observation room, where you can watch parrots fly around inside a zoo-like cage. All in all, the poor design limits the value of this title. Bag it. Developed by StarFish for 505 Games.
$20, Nintendo DS
Teaches: language, timing, science, facts about birds
CTR Rating: 54%