 | 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. |
Dungeons and Dragons Online: Stormreach
- Windows
- Price: $39.99
- Genre: Massively Multi-player Online Game (MMOG)
Common Sense Media says
Huge online D&D role-playing game; teens and up.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the commitment level for this game is high. It requires Internet access, and you must pay approximately $15 each month on top of the purchase price to play. Players gain experience through quests, which usually require the assistance of other players; an entire quest must be finished to acquire points, so there is often pressure to play longer than intended. Common Sense Media does not recommend online play for anyone under 12.
What's it about?
DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS ONLINE: STORMREACH gets many of its cues directly from the circa-1970s pen-and-paper version of the game. A Dungeon Master narrates elements of the game. For example, when entering a dungeon, players may hear the DM tell them something along the lines of, "...it's evident this room hasn't been used for years, as the thick dust on the floor is disturbed only by the faint footprints of rats and mice."
Unlike most RPGs that give out points for defeating individual enemies, experience points in D&D Online are awarded only at the completion of the quest. Players will find it difficult to pull out in the middle of a mission, since other players are depending on them. Players unfamiliar with the pen-and-paper version of the game may be puzzled by references to things like "saving rolls" and skill checks. For example, in true D&D style, damage is indicated in figures like 1d8 + 2 (the roll of one eight-sided die plus 2).
Is it any good?
While this game is entertaining, teens (and their parents) may want to make sure it's the right fit for them before signing up for the $15-a-month fee. The main concern: This game is a major time suck. Social interaction isn't just encouraged --- it's very nearly a requirement. Few of the game's quests are easy enough for a single player to complete, requiring players to join into parties, mixing and matching the skills of their individual characters to help each other out.
The game offers impressive displays of scenery, but the quests are typically staged in cramped dungeons, cellars, and underground caverns, which rarely seem as vivid as players might expect. As with many online games, the game can lag. Popular common areas can get jerky and slow, to the point of locking up the computer. There is plenty to admire here, but parents should set serious guidelines before allowing their kids to play.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the popularity of games that charge a monthly fee on top of the purchase price. Does the added cost pressure you to play, even when you don't have the time? Are there advantages -- or disadvantages -- to a game that is played entirely online versus a game played individually? Parents whose kids are new to online gaming should check out our guidelines for gaming.
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AGE
This is a great game. As a character you can either join partys or go alone on quests into dungeons. These dungeons always include fighting other creatures or solving puzzles
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AGE
Similar to Pen and Paper Wonder!
Sometimes companies make online games with titles like "Warhammer" or "World of Warcraft" but never actually make an online game like its predecessors. Dungeons and Dragons Online actually incorporated many, if not all, aspects from its D&D 3.5 system. I had lots of fun interacting with the many different characters like the rogue and spell casters. If you are a fan of the D&D 3.5 system you will love this game. It bring all the fun elements from the tabletop version to your computer. Like the above review I would agree that this game tends to be a time sink and would require that your teen regulate time spent on the computer with other activities.
I would also like to point out that the above review also says things about lag and system crashes... this is tied to the kind of computer you are using. Apparently the one that this particular person used must have met below minimal system requirements because I run a computer that meets the requirements and I have NEVER EVER had that kind of problem.
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AGE
if you've played moderatley violent games, its fine. quite complicated for under 10s.
Its a great game, although thouroghly agree that
a) it drags you into the fantasy world
b) its very hard to pull out of in the middle
another point to add is that if you allow your children to play moderatley violent games, this is no biggie. The reason i rated it 11+ is that gameplay is quite complicated, and can fustrate other players playing with an incompetant 6 year old who wont type or know any gameplay terms.
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AGE
I think this is a very fun game to play in your spare time. There isn't too much violence, and most mature 10 year olds will be able to deal with it violence and the difficulty of the puzzles. Sometimes players may use swear words in the chat box, but there is a good filter. It has good messages, such as teamwork and not giving up. It is also sort of an inspiration to be creative, although you do have to be careful not to get sucked in. Overall, it is a very good game
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AGE
Dungeons and Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited Review (Written by a child)
Dungeons and Dragons Online is a great way for kids and adults alike to improve their thinking skills and strengthen their reflexes.
Dungeons and Dragons Online features in-depth dungeons that offer mind-bending puzzles and devastating traps that will impress, and possible frustrate, anyone of all ages.
However, the game does come with a few drawbacks, nearly all of the game's gameplay/content involves combat with another enemy creature and promotes violence. Little to no profanity is used in the game, with the exception of made-up words used by NPCS.
Dungeons and Dragons online is not for everyone. The combat may frighten and frustrate a child under the age of ten, and the complex yet interesting dialogue may confuse someone with low reading skills.
However, if used correctly, the game can enhance a child's vocabulary, reflexes, and strategy in extraordinary ways.
When deciding whether your child is able to play this game efficiently, age is not a virtue.
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AGE
good game and i want to see more out of it.
i love dnd and warhammer, but would like to see more out of this game. it was pretty good i would have said age 9 except for two things it is online so you can interact with with other people i say stay away from them unless you know them out side of the internet because there always will be that creepy guy tiring to mess with you other then that you can get drunk it has negative affects on you so it's not recamended.
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AGE
What is D&D online at its core?
I would not suggest this game to anybody under the age of 10, it definitely has some monsters that would creep out some people. Due to the dated graphics and given the amount of intense imagery kids now see on T.V, this game doesn't even compare to some children television shows playing on the cartoon channels nowadays. The things that shine in this game really are the dungeon instances and the strategy behind solving them as well as the combat itself. Personally, no other game has gotten this quite right. And parents who get protective over the subject of "Drinking, smoking & drugs", it is a game, as well as a fantasy with dwarves, elves, and goblins. Please people, I don't think Gimli is going to put anything other then some good old Middle Earth tobacco in his pipe, and making potions doesn't count as making "drugs" either. There is drinking in this game, but is more for playing in character then any sort of malicious thing. I also like how the women are not negatively stereotyped as "skimpy fantasy babes" in game.
This game does not require a monthly subscription, although it did in the past. It now encourages players to buy in game content, which includes extra character slots, multiple different races to play as, and in game items. This system is optional but once you put money in it might be hard to stop, based on the statistics for maple story. (Yes, that is not the best example, but it has a relative concept) The game does give players that can't pay the chance to earn credits. Playing the game will earn you credits from challenges, achievements and various different methods of gaining the currency for buying in game purchased additions.
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| Platforms: | Windows |
| Available online? | Available online |
| Genre: | Massively Multi-player Online Game (MMOG) |
| Developer: | Atari |
| Release date: | February 28, 2006 |
| Price: | $39.99 |
| ESRB rating: | T for Alcohol References, Blood, Violence |
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