 | 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. |
Mafia Wars
- Price: free to play
- Genre: Action/Adventure
Common Sense Media says
Facebook strategy game embraces illegal, violent behavior.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Mafia Wars is a Facebook application that encourages players to bully, kill, and steal from other players, or to take jobs against non-playable characters in a quest-style setting and use illegal means to accomplish the various jobs. It also entices players to spend real-world money to buy coins to spend within the game's marketplace on items to make their mafias stronger.
What's it about?
Mafia Wars is a browser-based Facebook game in which players take control of gangs and run businesses, do jobs centered around illegal activities, and battle police or fight other players to level up. There is no direct contact between players, but friends can put out contracts on other players, compete against each other in a 'war,' or send each other gifts pertinent to the game's activities. The idea is to have the largest mafia, build hourly income, and buy armaments to fight other players.
Is it any good?
Mafia Wars is a mild diversion that has some depth of play but is not that compelling. The underlying message displaces reality and focuses on illicit activities, sending out a message that is inappropriate for younger players. This is a game that targets an adult audience, or at least one that can easily tell right from wrong and understands the concept of consequences for illegal behavior. There are better, more constructive Facebook games that are more engaging and enjoyable.
Online interaction: Other Facebook friends can be invited to join the Mafia to bolster ranks, but there is no direct communication with other players within the game.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the impact that violence in media has within the lives of real people.
They can also discuss how some games offer quick paths to success through spending money and how this is a form of marketing that is used to draw people in and then get them to spend money.
Why do many games allow players to be bad and encourage illegal behavior? Families might want to discuss why it is important to understand the difference between pretend and real-world actions.
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AGE
Perfect for well adjusted kids over 15 and they involve a stable parent in their game ;)
I can play it and talk on the phone, it's that easy to follow for me and my attention span can be limited. I would recommend it for a teen who is has finished their chores, homework, ate dinner and should be a game to do if they are absolutely bored. I know a well adjusted 15 year old who even allows her parents play using her mafia character. Caution: It IS addicting.
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Kid, 11 years old
September 27, 2010
AGE
AWESOME
I really love this game im like a level 260 but there is some bad content so im rating it 11+
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AGE
Mafia Wars is a cheaters wasteland!
Mafia Wars by Zynga is the biggest waste of time & money that I have ever spent! After 3 years of being completely shut down by cheaters & autos, Zynga still lies & promises to stop cheating but never goes any further than that. They also destroyed over $10k worth of my computers with 100% cpu. Zynga only cares about (profits.)With over 500,000 known cheaters using the greasemonkey add on, it is obvious that Zynga loves it's cheaters & has no plans of creating fair play, regardless of what their ToS says. Real death threats forced me to abandon my massive investment.....
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AGE
Illegal all the way!
Mafia Wars teaches people to do illegal activites like murder, bullying, drinking, smoking, and using weapons.
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AGE
Understand the Person who plays Mafia Wars
Grandparents play it. Christians play it. Stay at home Mr Mom's and Mrs Dad's play it. Full time careerists play it after work. Can be addicting and high PC time use required. Requires social networking. Should be monitored by parents of young teens and younger, especially who can read-comprehend and are familiar with many video games.
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AGE
Mafia
Well it is a mafia game but if you're playing it you should know that it is just a game but they keep adding things to it and it gets annoying.
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| Platforms: | |
| Available online? | Available online |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Developer: | Zynga |
| Release date: | June 1, 2008 |
| Price: | free to play |
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