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Hellboy: The Science of Evil (PSP)

common sense media says

A lukewarm side-story -- not movie-based.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Hellboy dispatches countless waves of enemies (supernatural creatures and later Nazi soldiers) with a combination of weapons like guns and grenades, supernatural powers like magic, and an especially strong stone-like appendage nicknamed Right Hand of Doom. There's no gore, and the violence isn't particular graphic -- there's just a lot of it.

Educational value: Not applicable.
Positive messages: Hellboy doesn't look like your typical hero, but he's the good guy who fights sinister adversaries.
Violence: Combat with punches, kicks, grenades, and guns against supernatural enemies and Nazis.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: The occasional "damn" and "hell."
Consumerism: The Hellboy franchise also includes comics and films.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Hellboy: The Science of Evil

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how the character of Hellboy addresses certain preconceptions about how people look versus how they act – he's the stereotypical red-skinned, horned "devil," but he's also the good guy who works to hunt down evil.

What's the story?

What's the story?
Although timed to coincide with the release of the second Hellboy film (Hellboy II: The Golden Army), this Hellboy videogame for the PlayStation Portable entitled HELLBOY: THE SCIENCE OF EVIL doesn't actually follow the plot of the film. Rather, it's billed as a side-story, with cutscenes that feature a graphical style that more closely resembles the original Hellboy graphic novels than anything cinematic.

Superhuman demon hunter Hellboy is on the trail of a witch when he uncovers an even more sinister adversary in the form of Hermann Von Klempt, who has hatched a half-baked plot to take over the world. Hellboy must put a stop to it, which, for the gamer, translates into defeating endless waves of adversaries using combinations of punches, grabs, magic, and various weapons including Hellboy's trusty oversized pistol and grenades. Levels center mostly on combat with a few light puzzle-solving challenges and fetch-quests.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
There's nothing horribly wrong with the game, but Hellboy isn't the most agile character to control, and the design of the levels and enemies doesn't seem particularly inspired. Translation: the game is playable, but can get dull over long sessions and it doesn't demonstrate any particular creativity. Hellboy fans might find enough to sink their teeth into, but if it's a good brawler or dungeon crawl that you're after, there are better games out there.

Game themes & details

Game Details
Available on: PSP
Not available online
Genre: Action/Adventure
Developer: Konami
Released on: June 24, 2008
Price: 20-50
ESRB Rating: T for Fantasy Violence, Mild Language
This review was written by Erin Bell
 
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is 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
Our child development rating guidelines