Common Sense Note
Parents should know that while PARIAH is not the bloodiest first-person-shooter (FPS) game on the market, it still has a plentiful supply of non-stop violence and graphic bloodshed typical of the genre. Bodies go flying when grenades explode, and blood sprays from wounds. A smattering of heavy-duty profanity during animated cut scenes ensures this game isn't a good choice for kids and that the ESRB rating of M is well-justified. The star rating given this game is based on quality of game play within this genre of video gaming and not endorsement of the violence within the game.
Families may wish to talk about the overall mediocrity of this game. Would a more compelling storyline make the violence be more tolerable? Think about other games, like Grand Theft Auto, or even violent movies; does creativity ever justify over-the-top blood and guts?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Jeremy Gieske
PARIAH is at best a mediocre game. What it does have is a limited storyline, average gameplay and a good deal of violence. In other words, this is a good game to leave on the store shelf.
The storyline, while short (10-15 hours total), is confusing. Players take the role of Jack Mason, a doctor for the Transgenic Control Commission. His latest assignment is to move a virus-infected prisoner known as Karina to an off-earth medical facility. Unfortunately, during transport the ship is shot down, and Jack finds himself battling for both his and Karina's life.
The jerky plot is mostly told through brief cut scenes between levels, and despite a few twists and turns and a budding romance between Karina and Jack, the story itself fails to captivate much interest.
As with many other FPS games, the level and intensity of violence in Pariah is going to be the primary concern for parents. While other FPS games, such as DOOM III and HALF-LIFE 2 are perhaps gorier, the game still features a heavy amount of blood and guts. For example, blood splatters out of enemies when shot, and explosive weapons such as rockets and grenades actually send foes flying many feet in the air. Corpses are left behind, crumpled in bizarre and disturbing poses. A head shot with a sniper rifle or shotgun blows the victim's helmet off.
Players will find some extended gameplay with the multi-player mode, and the map-editor offers a bit of an opportunity to be creative. But, overall, the game offers little return on investment for adult players and contains too much violence and profanity to be suitable for kids. Sci-fi FPS/action alternatives that are more suitable for teens include MECHASSAULT 2: LONE WOLF and STAR WARS BATTLEFRONT.
Rate It!
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Sexual Content |
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ViolenceConstant bloodshed with graphic depictions of gunshot wounds and explosions. Bodies go flying and blood sprays from enemies as they are shot. |
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LanguageOffensive language in some of the animated scenes, the manual, and in gameplay, including the "F-word". |
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Social BehaviorJack betrays Katrina in hopes of having his daughter resurrected; however, later he changes his mind. Government/authority figures are represented as corrupt and power-bent. Justice is primarily dictated by the gun. |
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