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Wizard 101
(2008, Online Video Game - Massively Multi-player Online Game (MMOG), Rated E10+, Play it on: Windows)
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Magical MMO where kids learn to become wizards
In this game kids can: battle others, live vicariously, play in a virtual world, play multiplayer games
updated 07.03.09
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 10 and Up
The good stuff
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Ease of play:
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Educational value:
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Role models:
What to watch out for
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Online interaction:
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Violence:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Wizard 101 was written by Carolyn Koh
Parents need to know that this is an engaging massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) for kids set in a fantasy world involving wizards. Kids will duel using magic spells that have some crude humor including the release of farts. Wizard 101 is COPA compliant and there are several ways to pay for this game. The download of the game is free and there are free areas for children to try out the game, including the ability to play all the minigames. Family plan subscriptions are $6.95 (per account) a month and general subscriptions $9.95. A micropayment plan beginning at $1.00 is also available to obtain permanent access to particular streets or areas within the game. Game gift cards are also available at various retail outlets. This allows parents to structure a reward system for their kids and many families do play this game together. However, it is also a game that ropes kids in for free, and then dangles additional compelling content in front of them to encourage them to become consumers.
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 this online world encourages you to spend money. For talking points, parents might want to check out Money Lessons in Online Worlds Tips.
- Do you like playing as a fantasy avatar with others who are really other people?
- Do you find yourself playing this game longer than you think you should? How might families set time limits?
- Does this game remind you of Harry Potter's world?
More on Wizard 101
What’s the Story?
WIZARD 101 is a massively multiplayer online game where children take on the role of wizards while playing this game over the internet. Children begin by creating a character, selecting gender, hair, face, skin color, and the color of their clothing. Names are selected through a combination of first names and a two part last name. Children can take a fun quiz to determine the school of magic they are most suited for, or make the selection themselves. Then its off to Ravenswood Academy, to enroll in the various schools of magic. As young wizards, you will run errands and go on quests to earn skills and to obtain new spells, equipment, and gold to purchase more items.
As a wizard, kids can use various magic spells to defeat enemies. These spells are represented in game by Trading Card Game style cards showing a graphic of the spell and icons representing the different schools of magic. Most spells will bring up some form of cartoon animal representation, such as a Fire Cat, Lightning Snake, Unicorn, etc. that actually blasts the enemy with magic clouds or sparkles. Combat is carried out by duel and each participant goes in turn. Little Wizards can also team up against enemies or jump in and assist each other. Defeated Wizards are sent back to the school and can go to the faire and play minigames to replenish their depleted health and mana (magical power). High scores attained in these games are displayed at the end of each game.
CloseIs It Any Good?
This game will appeal to children who enjoy Edward Eager or JK Rowling's magical stories. Apart from combat, little Wizards can earn enough gold in-game by playing minigames and dueling to buy new clothing, accessories, Treasure cards, as well as Houses and housing items to place in their house. As with any MMOG (Massively Multiplayer Online Game), Wizard 101 is constantly changing because it provides regular and free updates to the game giving players more things to do. This is a fun game for parents to explore with their kids. They can even team up with their children in duels. Close
Publisher’s Details
Released on 9/2/2008, price $Free & Subcription, online enabled
ESRB rating: E10+ (for Crude Humor, Mild Fantasy Violence)
ESRB rating: E10+ (for Crude Humor, Mild Fantasy Violence)
Our Members Say
See all 506 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive consumerism
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
- Easy to play
Really Good
Really good but windows only serisouly but also you pretty much have to become member or get crowns after a while
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Negative role models
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
- Easy to play
Seriously, this is one of the better games to play for family fun. It's easy and fun. I know a 40-year old who still plays it. Some of the minigames help improve reactions and puzzle solving, such as matching and short-term strategy. The main wizard, Merle Ambrose, shows a definite difference between good and evil with his opponent Malistair. However, you can go to a school of death, giving you access to dark things like skeletons, "heckhounds", and helephants. ALl I need to say about the violence is that it's pretty violent. Like the MMORPG AdventureQuest violent.
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Negative role models
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
- Easy to play
Seriously, this is one of the better games to play for family fun. It's easy and fun. I know a 40-year old who still plays it. Some of the minigames help improve reactions and puzzle solving, such as matching and short-term strategy. The main wizard, Merle Ambrose, shows a definite difference between good and evil with his opponent Malistair. However, you can go to a school of death, giving you access to dark things like skeletons, "heckhounds", and helephants. ALl I need to say about the violence is that it's pretty violent. Like the MMORPG AdventureQuest violent.
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
Fun game, until you meet the marketing
I tried this game because my little brother was playing it. We played together and had some fun. However, being used to chatting in MMOs I was a little turned off when I found out I had to subscribe to chat : ( But still It's lots of fun, but you know how if you don't pay they say it's the free trial that lasts forever? Well, that's half true. Eventually every single one of your quests will lead to areas you need to buy with in game money you get with real money. So yeah, you can enjoy a little PVP and fight some dungeons, but unless you pay you can't do anything else. Also, the areas get more and more expensive as you get further on. I spent a little money on this game myself, 750 crowns a place, 5 dollars for 2500 crowns, not bad. Then, I got to Krokotopia where every single place is 915 crowns, and I said "Heck no!" So play it because it's fun but DO NOT spend more than five bucks on it, you will regret it.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 52% | of parents say kids find it easy to play |
| 35% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 35% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 30% | of parents feel the site is safe |
| 26% | of parents say it's educational |
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