Back to the Future: The Game (Episode 1)

Review

Common Sense Media says

Enjoyable first chapter in movie-based episodic series.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Back to the Future: The Game (Episode 1) isn't rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) as it's a digital download, but there are some inappropriate themes and language for younger ears. Specifically, there's swearing, and one of your missions has you stealing alcohol from mobsters at an illegal gin establishment (pretending to be a soup kitchen).

  • Positive messages3
    The game is about saving your friend, Doc, who is trapped in the past. This isn't sending out a bad message, but the lead character, Marty, isn't squeaky clean (see Role Models section).
  • Positive role models1
    Marty McFly is a courageous, nice teenager who wants to save his friend, but he swears a bit and steals items -- such as alcohol and a mobster's hat by posing as a shoe shiner.
  • Ease of play4
    This adventure game is very easy to play. Controlling Marty's movements is simple because of limited options (click the mouse and push in a given direction) and selecting dialogue from a list of options is a breeze. Opening the inventory to get items might take a little practice.
  • Violence2
    There are a few animated scenes of violence, including police and gangsters shooting at each other during a car chase and one scene of someone getting punched in the face.
  • Sex0
    Not applicable.
  • Language3
    The game has some language not suitable for young ears, including a few instances of the word "s--t" (spoken by Doc and Biff). Other words include "damn," "hell," "heck" and one instance where Marty says "Jesus Christ, Doc! You disintegrated Einstein!"
  • Consumerism0
    This is a game based on the popular movie of the same name.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking3
    The game includes references to alcohol and cigarettes. In fact, one of your missions is to steal gin from a soup kitchen run by bootleggers. Ms. Strickland looks through binoculars and yells "Hey you kids, put out those cigarettes!" There is also a reference to "drunken bums."
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What's it about?

BACK TO THE FUTURE: THE GAME (EPISODE 1) takes place after the three Back to the Future films. Marty McFly (voiced by a Michael J. Fox sound-a-like) travels back in time -- to the dirty thirties, no less -- to rescue his friend Doc (voiced by the real Christopher Lloyd from the film trilogy). McFly uses Doc's souped-up DeLorean, with his faithful dog Einstein, to zap back in time to bring Doc back to the future -- but he runs into some resistance by the police, mobsters, and a younger Ms. Strickland, a peppy newspaper reporter. By solving puzzles, exploring Hill Valley in the 1930s, and interacting with the townsfolk, Marty can complete his ambitious goal -- or can he?

 

Is it any good?

 

This first downloadable episode in the 5-part series is an excellent adventure game. The puzzles are thought-provoking but not too challenging. For example, in one scene you need to tell your imprisoned friend Doc about a formula that's being muttered by the younger Doc walking around the town. Because you have a tape recorder, you're able to capture what young Doc is saying and play it back for your friend who is sitting in a jail cell (remember: the two Docs must never cross paths for it could disrupt the time-space continuum!). While on the short side, this first tale in the series is ideal for those who love a good story, have patience to solve puzzles, and enjoy clicking on dialogue to get the info you need from characters. Note: the $24.95 price covers all five games.

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about whether Telltale Games should've made the game more appropriate for everyone instead of for teens and adults. That is, does the swearing really add to the experience?

  • Also, families can also talk about whether they like the idea of episodic games or would you rather have the entire story in one download? Do you mind waiting for Episode 2 if it takes a month or longer?

This review was written by Marc Saltzman

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This review was written by Marc Saltzman
Platforms:Windows
Available online?Not available online
Genre:Adventure
Developer:Telltale Games
Release date:December 23, 2010
Price:$24.95
ESRB rating:NR
This review was written by Marc Saltzman

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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.
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BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
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