 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Audition Online
- Windows
- Price: Free + micro-transaction
- Genre: Massively Multi-player Online Game (MMOG)
Common Sense Media says
Keyboard rhythm MMO features popular music, open chat.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Audition Online is a massively multiplayer online game about dancing that features songs with suggestive lyrics including references to sex and alcohol. Because the game has filtered open chat, we suggest it is appropriate for teens. The game itself is free to play, but players can easily get caught up with buying attractive outfits, hairstyles, and accessories for their avatars, which all cost real money and eventually expire so that you have to buy them again. Parents also need to know that a popular game mode is the "couples" mode where male and female characters ask each other to dance as a pair.
What's it about?
AUDITION ONLINE brings the social activity of dancing into the format of a massively multiplayer online game. Players can simulate dancing with and against other players by using either the arrow keys in 4-key control or the number pad for 8-key control. Players start off by choosing a male or female avatar and then play the tutorial to learn the controls. They select the game-modes of their choice to learn the game. Similar to Dance Dance Revolution, as the song plays, arrow keys are displayed and if the player depresses them in the correct sequence and within the time allowed, their avatar will then perform the dance moves and earn a grade of Perfect, Great, Cool, Bad, or Miss. At the end of the song, the player's stats are displayed - the number of points earned, the ranking in that dance contest as well as Beats (in-game cash) earned for that song. In-game items either have a Cash or Beat price and although the prices may seem exorbitant, Beats are quickly earned and accumulated.
Is it any good?
Audition Online is a fun way to play a dance game on akeyboard. The ability to play it online with and against other players by using avatarsthat are attractive also adds to its appeal. The dance animation graphics are fun to watch when playershit a sequence - i.e. make the right key strokes at the right time.That together the ability to dance to the latest music on the popcharts and play with friends online can make this a compelling game. Another plus is that the basics of Audition Online are simple - press the correct arrow keys in the correct sequence and hit the space bar at the right time, and your avatar will dance. But it offers great diversity because there are over 20 different game modes which run the gamut from individual practice modes to team synchronization, team against team, playing against the computer, "Simon Says," as well as a Story Mode - which is akin to a quest in other online role playing games. New players can flounder trying to figure out the game modes, but as they all use the same basic key controls, it simply takes a game or two to learn them. Difficulty level is set by beats per minute (BPM) in a song. The higher number of beats, the faster a player needs to depress keys.
Audition Online works well as a social space not only because of the activity of dance, but because it provides tools that support social networking. Players can create groups called Fams (Families) which are the game equivalent of guilds or clans. Players can pool together their Beats in order to upgrade various aspects of their Fams' looks and create special dance parties for their Fams. An instant messenger in game allows players to chat with others on their buddy list and an active message forum on the Redbana site is also where players interact. Once you log into the game, music is always playing in the background, whether you are shopping and trying on accessories before buying them or getting ready to join a game. The number of game modes, move combinations, and music updates ensure that this game remains fresh and fun.
Online interaction: Chat is open and although a profanity filter is in place, the quality of the interaction can vary considerably.
What families can talk about
Families can discuss the messages in today's top hits. Have you listened to the lyrics? What do you think the singer is trying to say?
Families can also discuss the concept of Internet Safety and Behavior. How do you know that that is really a buddy of a buddy? If you don't behave like this on the playground why do you think you should online?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 12 years old
October 15, 2011
AGE
i wanna act
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| Platforms: | Windows |
| Available online? | Available online |
| Genre: | Massively Multi-player Online Game (MMOG) |
| Developer: | Nexon |
| Release date: | April 17, 2009 |
| Price: | Free + micro-transaction |
| ESRB rating: | NR for Not Rated |
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