iffy for 8: FANTASY VIOLENCE AND UNSAFE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
Tools for this page
Rappelz
(2006, Online Video Game - Massively Multi-player Online Game (MMOG), Rated NR, Play it on: Mac/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 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 12. -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Online game starts free but ropes you into buying.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 12–13
The good stuff
-
Educational value:
What to watch out for
-
Violence:
-
Sex:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Rappelz was written by Erin Bell
Parents need to know that this is a massively multiplayer online game that starts free, but once you get into the game, you realize that helpful items cost money. The game contains combat where players can attack and kill both computer-controlled and player-controlled characters using medieval weapons. Costumes – especially the females – can be racy. The game offers both public and private chat, and like all online experiences, that chat can be unpredictable.
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 the game's "immorality system," which assigns penalties to players for bullying and other infractions. Is penalizing players in this manner a successful deterrent for bad behavior? Do you think that PvP (player-versus-player combat) is fun or detrimental to the online experience?
More on Rappelz
What’s the Story?
RAPPELZ is a free massively-multiplayer online game (MMOG) that allows players to explore a mythical fantasy world as one of three races: the Deva (beings of light), the Asura (representing darkness), and the Gaia (humans). After choosing a character and customizing his or her appearance (to an extent), players embark on quests and defeat computer-controlled monsters to receive money and items, and earn "Job Points" to allocate towards learning new jobs levels, skills and special abilities. Like most MMOGs, players can go adventuring with others in informal groups or by joining a guild, and can fight other players through player-versus-player (PvP) combat.
One of Rappelz's few unique features is an "immorality system," that penalizes anti-social behavior like engaging in PvP combat with low-level players (in other words, bullying) by reducing the offending player's movement speed and attack and defensive power.
CloseIs It Any Good?
Perhaps because Rappelz is free to play instead of charging players the usual monthly subscription fee, it has a throwaway feel to it in many respects, lacking the depth and attention to detail found in the very best MMOGs. There's very little about Rappelz that distinguishes itself in any way from other similar offerings. A murky good versus evil story doesn't do anything to suck the player in. Nor does the largely unimaginative "go here, get that, then bring it back" type of quests doled out by characters that lack charisma and speak in stilted and grammatically dubious dialogue like "If you dare to attack it, you had better make up your mind. You have to pay huge price." Rappelz is a good intro to MMOGs for players who want to get their feet wet without coming to a monthly subscription, but in terms of fantasy MMOGs, it doesn't hold a candle to any of the big guys. Close
Publisher’s Details
Released on 11/3/2006, price $FREE, not online enabled
ESRB rating: NR
ESRB rating: NR
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Safety is an issue
fun
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Do you play it? 
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
