Bakugan Battle Brawlers (Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi, PlayStation 2)
common sense media says
Shallow card/strategy game promotes the Bakugan brand.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Bakugan Battle Brawlers is tied to a television show of the same name as well as a card game popular with young boys. The game’s young protagonists are, in fact, kids who collect these cards and use them in tournaments. Some of the best are called “battle brawlers” and have attained celebrity status online. It’s a clear case of massive cross promotion, with the likely result that a child who has experienced one Bakugan property will want in on the rest. As for game content, there is plenty of fantasy violence of the Pokemon variety, which is to say players see Bakugan monsters snarling, swinging claws, and using magic, but we don’t really see actual contact. There’s simply a bright flash of light, with the losing monster staggering and perhaps falling down. Note, though, that the monsters are a bit fiercer than those in Pokemon games.
Educational value:
Not applicable.
Positive role models:
The kids in the game are nice enough and their mission is to save the universe from evil entities, but they don’t seem to be interested in anything other than Bakugan and card games. In fact, some have become online celebrities (within the game) for their card playing prowess.
Ease of play:
It’s a strategy game, so there are plenty of rules to learn. A quick 15 minute tutorial does a good job of distilling the basics, but players will likely continue to learn tactics well into in the story and multiplayer modes.
Violence:
The Bakugan take the form of various humanoid and animal monsters. Human-like Bakugan are covered in armor and might shoot beams of light from their hands or have long claws with which they can slash. Animal monsters could be based on anything from scorpions to dinosaurs and often attack by charging or using magic. Players don’t see contact, but rather animations that depict aggressive movements and bright flashes of light. Monsters that have been struck often stagger back or fall to the ground. There is no blood or gore.
Sex:
Some of the female characters where somewhat skimpy outfits, including very short miniskirts and low-cut tops (though no cleavage is shown).
Language:
Not applicable.
Consumerism:
This game is based on the Bakugan card game and Bakugan Battle Brawlers anime television show. The protagonists are kids who play with the cards. Clearly, the video game exists to help promote the card game and television show, and vice versa.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Not applicable.
More on Bakugan Battle Brawlers
Screenshots
Review It
Most useful reviews by all members
madaco
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
I think the consumerist complaint is overreacting, but I agree with the clothing part.
I don't understand why this website is so obsessed about consumerism. I do agree however that some of the outfits are a little skimpy.
I was surprised when I saw the outfit on a leapster read the book to you and play games thingy. 4 yeah old cousin likes the series, but hasn't been taught the entirety of the rules of the card game yet.
also, why isnt there a good rating? it jumps from just fine to really good. thats silly.
The bakugan (that is the plural form right?) unrolling on the cards was a really neat idea, although it may make decks a little bit thick.
WHOOPS! I thought I was rating the card game, did not realize i was rating the wii game.
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sorbin1295
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
It's awsome! This game is what made me a bakugan fantic! But in one part, dan charges you for bakugan training. Wich I think is kinda weird. But other than that, AWSOME!!!
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RoronoaZoro9
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
This game is OK.The game has a lot of rules and complicated controls to learn but it just requires practice. The game's constant focus on only playing Bakugan can get tiring so you really like the game or really like Bakugan. Most girls think this game is sexist because when making your avatar, you can only make a boy character, so the game puts female Bakugan fans down. Like I said before, the game has lots of complicated controls and has some intense battle sequences, so its more for kids 8 and up.
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bonso
kid, 11 years old
kid, 11 years old
awesome!
i liked it and i do not know why common sense said it was bad because it is really fun
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madelineshadowrose
teen, 13 years old
teen, 13 years old
not for girls
I had minor issues with the fact that there's no gender choice I had to play as a boy
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