ESRB ratings on videogames aren't always enough for some parents. While a Mature rating is a clear indicator that a 7-year-old shouldn't be playing the title, a Teen rating may have a full range of questionable content, and ESRB ratings don't do a good job of conveying exactly what that content is.
WhatTheyPlay is a newly launched Web site that gives parents the skinny on popular games. Straight forward reviews written by the site's staff give detailed information on what the game is about as well as what kind of content it contains. Site users can also add their comments and views on these titles, making this a solid reference for confused 'rents.
I spent some time poking around the site's 16,000+ game listings, which are searchable by console and genre. I was quick to check God of War and the head-shooting goodness of Persona 3, but both are currently lacking staff reviews. Final Fantasy XII did receive a staff review, and they go as far as breaking down the ESRB's bullet points.
The suggestive themes and partial nudity described refer to a number of the characters who wear somewhat revealing outfits, with one of the characters in the player’s party in particular wearing thigh-high boots and a tight leather one-piece that leaves little to the imagination.
The site also features parent-focused features like Games They Want Next: 2008, which gives non-gamer parents a preview of that their kids will be begging for later in the year.
It's great to see that some are setting out to educate non-gaming parents. Now, if only they could teach them how to say the console names properly...
Dale North is Destructoid's Editor-In-Chief, a founding editor, and specialist in Japanese gaming. An accomplished musician, Dale was reporting from Japan during the earthquakes of 2011. Luckily, he got the fuck out alive and is home in America now with his wife and beloved corgi, Einstein. Dale is also a co-founder of Destructoid's sister anime site
Japanator. Likes Corgis, Sega Saturn, PSP, iPhone, Photographic tools.
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Contest:
12:17 PM on 02.05.2008
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Also, will you do a front-page post describing each one?
I think not.
BTW, games don't make you violent!
Owned.
Sorting games with ugly characters from games that feature hot leather-clad ones :D
Thank you irresponsible, automaton parents!
Rating: M for Molecular Gastronomy.
Fuck, I knew I should have went a little higher. You win.
@Kapkomi
I'm cool with that scenerio
We don't care that apple jacks do not taste like apples.
And when the revolution comes we will dye our flags in their blood.
Clearly referring to Balthier
"Given the theme of the game, the violence aspect should come as no surprise, though it should be noted that indiscriminate violence is punished throughout. Early in the game, Altair is stabbed in the chest by his master, and stripped of his rank for letting an “innocent” die during a mission. The goal throughout the game is to take out the intended targets only, and this can be done with an assortment of means, including a sword during more traditional combat, or a concealed blade for “stealth” kills."
But then again, they'd find something objectable about anything.
From something like Viva Pinata, or Soldier of Fortune 2... o wait.
Hopefully they get some advertising and exposure in the mainstream market.
-----signature-----
here, there, everywhere
Uh oh. Fox News just got new material :D
Parents who don't already know all this stuff are too fucking stupid to find it.
#
educational for those who will join the army
#
"i think that every single first person/third person army shooter is quite educational for those who think about joining the army. it teaches the dialogue of military personnel, example: roger that etc. it also teaches people to be on their toes since in the game if you arent careful you're surrounded.and it teaches people to follow orders, example: in amission in this game it is all about stealth and if you dont listen to your captain the entire enemy army will come after you basically."
"Space age shooting at its finest"
um, WHAT?