The Last Airbender

Review

Common Sense Media says

No blood, but loads of intense, nonstop fighting.
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.

Find out more

Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

Find out more

Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the video game version of The Last Airbender tells the same story as that of the film is it based on, but from the perspective of that film's antagonist. It provides a nuanced portrait of Zuko, the main character, but he does not always act out of benevolent motives. Fighting is a constant in the game, but there's nothing too graphic. However, it may be too intense for the younger fans of this movie.

  • Positive messages2
    The story is told from the point of view of Zuko -- the film's antagonist. You get to see why he makes the choices he does and see him as a three-dimensional character. As a result, the game gives the message of not judging a book by its cover.
  • Positive role models1
    Zuko is a complex character, with both good and bad traits. At times he is a force for good; at other times, he's just out for himself. Having him as the protagonist of the game may pose a moral challenge to players, but as he is ultimately not an evil character, it's nice for kids to get a nuanced portrait. 
  • Ease of play4
    Aside from some occasional camera problems, the control scheme works very well. Pulling off fighting moves -- especially powerful finishing moves -- is made exceptionally easy.
  • Violence2
    The game contains loads of hand-to-hand martial arts combat, combined with magical elemental attacks (air blasts, fire balls, etc.). Fighters are often seen surrounded by flames. Characters sometimes yelp in pain when hit, and enemy characters often shout to one another to kill the protagonists. No blood is seen. Defeated characters vanish, turning into red and blue spheres that increase your character's health and energy. There are a few first-person segments, in which you shoot fireballs at enemies by aiming a cross-hair at them.
  • Sex0
    Not applicable.
  • Language0
    Not applicable.
  • Consumerism2
    The game is based on the hit live-action film of the same name. Ads in the packaging, however, do not promote the movie -- they instead promote Last Airbender books and encourage kids to read.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
CloseExpand to see more details

What's it about?

In THE LAST AIRBENDER, four warring nations -- each with different elemental powers (earth, air, fire, water) -- all seek to control the Avatar, a strange child who has the prophesied power to control all the elements. The game's story is told from the point of view of Zuko, the exiled prince of the Fire Nation, who seeks to get back in his tribe's good graces by capturing the Avatar on his own. You get to play as Zuko on some levels, and also as Aang, the Avatar. The game also offers a multiplayer arena mode, in which players do not fight each other, but compete to see who can defeat more enemies within the time limit.

Is it any good?

 

The Last Airbender is a fight-through-crowds-of-baddies, heavy action game. And while that type of gameplay can often grow tiresome after a while, this particular game handles the genre pretty well. First of all, the fighting controls are great, making it simple for even novices to take down hordes of villains (veterans can always up the difficulty to add more challenge if they want it). There are also some first-person targeting sections, and stealth sections filled with Prince of Persia-type wall jumping. All in all, this is a solid action game that Airbender fans should enjoy -- unfortunately, it may be too intense for the youngest of them.

Sign Up Message
Sign up for our weekly newsletter
Each week we send a customized newsletter to our parent and teen subscribers. Parents can customize their settings to receive recommendations and parent tips based on their kids’ ages. Teens receive a version just for them with the latest reviews and top picks for movies, video games, apps, music, books, and more.
Please enter an email address.
Please check your email address for possible typos.
Sorry, you must be 13 or older to subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
Sign me up!

What families can talk about

Families can talk about Zuko's conflicted motives. Is he a hero or a villain? How do you feel when you have to play as Zuko, as opposed to when you get to play as the more obviously heroic Aang?

This review was written by Christopher Healy

There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title below.
This review was written by Christopher Healy
Platforms:Nintendo Wii
Available online?Not available online
Genre:Action/Adventure
Developer:THQ
Release date:June 29, 2010
Price:$39.99
ESRB rating:T for Fantasy Violence
This review was written by Christopher Healy

Contact us to give us more feedback on our learning ratings.

 

Review It

Share your review with others

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.

Screenshots

  • 1 of 3
  • 2 of 3
  • 3 of 3

Tell us what you think about our new Learning Ratings. We value your feedback.

About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
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.
Our child development rating guidelines

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Action choices for younger kids
For kids who love fast-paced video games
Browse more games
 

vote now

Will you play The Last Airbender?

Game on
Press pause
Game over

Already played it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 
More from Common Sense Media
Age-appropriate reviews
Top advice and articles

Been There? Tell us about it