Ben 10 Omniverse

 Review

Common Sense Media says

TV-based action game with puzzles, some fantasy battles.
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
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Learning2
Best: Really engaging, great learning approach.
Very Good: Engaging, very good learning approach.
Good: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
Fair: Somewhat engaging, okay learning approach.
Not for Learning : Not recommended for learning.
Not for Kids: Not age-appropriate for kids; not recommended for learning.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Ben 10 Omniverse is based on the TV cartoon series of the same name. In this game, players control the central character, Ben Tennyson, as both a teenager and a young kid after a malfunction causes his friend to travel back in time. Because the game is set in a world that has become populated by monsters, players need to defeat as many creatures as possible to prevent evil from taking over. The violent content is very fantastical in nature, and it is always against non-human creatures to keep it as detached from reality as possible. It's the sense of empowerment, responsibility, and selflessness that shines through in this game, rather than violence.

  • This game shows players that anyone can be a hero, no matter how young or small. In addition, even though there is a lot of combat and action in this game, there is a stronger emphasis on solving puzzles and using brain power to get through tough situations.
  • The central character, Ben Tennyson, has been gifted with special powers but rather than use them for selfish reasons, he puts his powers to use by keeping the world safe and free of destructive alien creatures. Unlike most other superheroes in comic books or movies, Ben is still just a kid and yet he exudes excellent characteristics like responsibility and altruism.
  • For the young age group that this game targets, there should be enough of a challenge to keep players engaged and focused. The game is manageable as long as players concentrate and follow the instructions that are presented to them. The most difficult areas are those with a lot of monster creatures to defeat, as well as the boss battles late in the game. There are also numerous puzzles that players need to solve, many of which require some cognitive reasoning and/or trial and error.
  • This game does place a large emphasis on fighting; however, it is all very fantastical in nature. Players transform into various alien creatures to attack other-worldly enemies using fireballs, lasers, and other fictitious weapons. There is also some hand-to-hand combat, but because it is not depicted as humans fighting humans, it is easy to divorce this content from reality. In addition, players only engage in violence in order to get rid of evil creatures. The stronger message from the game is about being selfless and saving the world.
  • Not applicable.

What kids can learn

2

Kids can learn puzzle-solving skills and that they are never too young to make a difference. This game empowers kids to be the best that they can be, and also to overcome any obstacles that may come in their way, including visual or logical puzzles. The game's central character is different than other kids and instead of being discouraged by this, he uses it to his advantage to save the universe from evil forces. While solving puzzles and saving the world, kids playing Ben 10 Omniverse also see that being different doesn't have to be a bad thing and that you're never too young to make a difference.

Subjects
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Arts
  • Hobbies
Skills

What's it about?

In BEN 10 OMNIVERSE, players follow the central character Ben Tennyson as he tries to save the world from an evil force. Over the years, Ben has grown from a 10-year-old kid with superpowers to an even more powerful teenager, but in this game, players are thrust back in time to when Ben was just discovering his newfound abilities. Players alternate back-and-forth between "past Ben" and "present Ben" as they try to track down a mad scientist bent on global destruction. Players use Ben's patented ability to transform into various aliens in order to attack a variety of creatures and to eventually foil the evil scientist's plans.


Is it any good?

 

Ben 10 Omniverse should have no problems appealing to fans of the TV show. Knowledge of the Ben 10 franchise is not necessary, however, since the message within the storyline is universal and the gameplay mechanics can be easily learned. The time travel aspect is interesting because it requires players to go back-and-forth between two different sets of skills and abilities. Long-time fans of the series will appreciate going "back in time" and remembering when Ben was just a little kid. There is enough of a challenge in the game to keep players engaged and satisfied, but not too much to frustrate them. All in all, it is a fine addition to the Ben 10 franchise and one that any fan should enjoy.


Explore, discuss, enjoy

  • Families can talk about the fantastical violence in this game and its impact. What makes the violence in this game more tolerable than other depictions of violence?

  • Do you think it's possible for kids and adults alike to make a difference in the world?

  • If you could have one special power, what would it be and why?


This review of Ben 10 Omniverse was written by

What kids can learn

2

Kids can learn puzzle-solving skills and that they are never too young to make a difference. This game empowers kids to be the best that they can be, and also to overcome any obstacles that may come in their way, including visual or logical puzzles. The game's central character is different than other kids and instead of being discouraged by this, he uses it to his advantage to save the universe from evil forces. While solving puzzles and saving the world, kids playing Ben 10 Omniverse also see that being different doesn't have to be a bad thing and that you're never too young to make a difference.


Subjects
  • Language & Reading: following directions, reading
  • Math:
  • Science:
  • Social Studies:
  • Arts:
  • Hobbies:
Skills
  • Thinking & Reasoning: logic, solving puzzles
  • Creativity:
  • Self-Direction:
  • Emotional Development: moving beyond obstacles, persevering
  • Communication:
  • Collaboration:
  • Responsibility & Ethics: honoring the community, integrity
  • Tech Skills:
  • Health & Fitness:

What's it about?

In BEN 10 OMNIVERSE, players follow the central character Ben Tennyson as he tries to save the world from an evil force. Over the years, Ben has grown from a 10-year-old kid with superpowers to an even more powerful teenager, but in this game, players are thrust back in time to when Ben was just discovering his newfound abilities. Players alternate back-and-forth between "past Ben" and "present Ben" as they try to track down a mad scientist bent on global destruction. Players use Ben's patented ability to transform into various aliens in order to attack a variety of creatures and to eventually foil the evil scientist's plans.


How kids will learn

The powerful messages in this game come from the storyline that unfolds in between gameplay levels. They resonate more deeply, however, because of the interactive nature of the game, putting players right in the middle of the story. Players control the main character, Ben Tennyson, as he overcomes obstacles, solves puzzles, and selflessly puts himself at risk to keep the world safe. Players will need to use cognitive reasoning, with some trial and error, to figure out how to complete each puzzle and reach the end of the game.


How parents can help

  • Encourage kids to find ways they can make a difference, either by volunteering, recycling, or other activities that help empower them.
  • Tell kids how you have overcome a difficulty in life, and ask them how they might respond in a similar situation.

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This review of Ben 10 Omniverse was written by
Platforms:Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS
Available online?Not available online
Genre:Action/Adventure
Developer:D3Publisher of America
Release date:November 13, 2012
Price:$29.99
ESRB rating:E10+ for Cartoon Violence (Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo Wii U, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360)

This review of Ben 10 Omniverse was written by

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