Dinosaur Zoo

What it is: interactive dinosaur encyclopedia with 15 dinosaurs.

What you do with it: choose a dinosaur, watch a short 3D animation (you can also try to 'play' with the dinosaur, e.g. when you tap on the screen theMonolophosaurus will try to 'bite' your finger or you can throw a fish to the Ornithocheirus). Tap on the icon below the screen for some text and visual data (basic facts, size & weight, time & place, fossil discovery, reconstruction/paleontologist notes).

What we liked: the concept, good quality 3d models and animations, sounds and sound backgrounds, relatively good educational value.

What we didn't like: only 15 dinosaurs (although as we understand the producers promise more updates in the future). Parental assistance necessary (for reading and explaining more complex terms). We wish there were better concepts for some of the animations and interactions: you get fighting Dimetrodons finally 'break' the screen of your device (can be scary for some), in the scene with Argentinosaurus you make the dinosaur perform a ... 'toilet routine' etc.). The interface could be easier to use.

Bottom line: a good app for all dinosaur fans (as long as you accept there are only 15 dinosaurs).

Appysmarts