Tools for this page
Print

The Barbie Diaries: High School Mystery (PC)

(2006, Computer Software - Girl Software, Rated E, Play it on: Windows)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Modern Barbie is a smart, resourceful sleuth.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Puzzles are good, and the mystery is fun to reason out.
 

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Barbie is smart and resourceful. Unfortunately, she is so resourceful that she hacks into the school's computer to solve the mystery. Barbie's friends are culturally diverse.
  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    This game is based on The Barbie Diaries movie and on the Barbie doll franchise.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of The Barbie Diaries: High School Mystery (PC) was written by Jinny Gudmundsen

Parents need to know that the Barbie represented here is not the one with a greatly exaggerated figure. Rather, she is a cute, petite high school girl. Unfortunately, she walks with a runway-model's swish of the hips. Some of the behavior modeled in the game is negative, including a high school girl who lies and is snobby to others. Also, to win the game, Barbie must hack into the school's computers.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about how the Barbie represented in this software is different from the doll. Is that a good thing or a bad thing, and why? Parents might also want to discuss the part where Barbie hacks into the school computer to solve the mystery. Is it ever OK to break the law? Should Barbie have hacked into the computer or sought help from the school administration?
Did this review help you decide?
Do you play it? Review It!

More on The Barbie Diaries: High School Mystery (PC)

What’s the Story?

Barbie, the popular doll, takes on the role of detective in THE BARBIE DIARIES: HIGH SCHOOL MYSTERY, based on the straight-to-DVD movie The Barbie Diaries. On the day of her school's "Battle of the Bands" competition, Barbie's Charmz band mate receives a threatening text message telling the band to drop out and someone vandalizes their staging area -- and Barbie decides to try to discover who is trying to bungle the battle of the bands. Barbie's path throughout the game is linear, but you have flexibility to explore the high school's seven locations, talk to whom you want, and click on sparkling objects you want to investigate. You go through the game by accomplishing a series of objectives, such as getting information about a specific student by talking to people or solving puzzles. Close

Is It Any Good?

The Barbie represented in this computer game is a refreshing change from the doll -- she looks like a pretty blonde teen with a normal figure instead of an exaggerated one. And while you still help her choose what she wears to school each morning, dress-up is a minor part of the game. This is a game that requires logic to help Barbie solve a mystery at her high school.

Testers really enjoyed solving this mystery. In addition to talking to characters, players liked the in-game puzzles and extra activities, including designing a necklace for a friend and decorating a friend's locker. A minor complaint was that the fun experience doesn't last long enough. While Barbie isn't a perfect role model -- she hacks into the school's computer -- she does show girls that it's OK to be smart, funny, and good at music.

Close

Publisher’s Details

Released on 10/12/2006, price $29.95, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E (for everyone)

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Do you play it? Review It!

  • What did you think about The Barbie Diaries: High School Mystery (PC)?
  •  I think this game is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 11 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0

    I perdect !

    cool

  2. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0

    cool

    cool

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Must read...soo true

    hellloo..?its true :)

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Kansas
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 1.0

    bad

    bad

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Fame (2009)

    Fame (2009)

    Teen musical remake has edgy content for a PG movie.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Set limits long before they get behind the wheel.

  • Book of the Week

    Shiver

    Shiver

    Does for werewolves what Twilight did for vampires.

  • Most Popular This Week

    Family Gaming

    Family Gaming

    The Fab Four generation is about to go gamer. Yeah, yeah, yeah!

  • Game of the Week

    NHL 10

    NHL 10

    Excellent, authentic pro hockey sim includes brawls.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy