Monster Jam: Path of Destruction

Review

Common Sense Media says

Challenging stunt driving with lots of crunched cars.
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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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Monster Jam: Path of Destruction is a game about performing stunts using monster trucks. Players crash through objects and race around tight corners with high jumps while causing destruction to the environments. A second controller will be needed for two-player competition on the same machine (on consoles). The controls can be a bit tricky and younger players may find that it takes time to learn how to turn their truck's front and rear wheels. 

  • Positive messages0
    The focus here is controlled carnage. Drivers are encouraged to smash and drive over other vehicles, creating mayhem inside the racing venue. The more dangerous the stunt, the more points are scored. 
  • Positive role models0
    The game's primary character is an announcer who hounds the player for not being destructive enough or for not performing enough outrageous tricks. He will also laud the driver when he or she succeeds in carrying off destructive stunts.
  • Ease of play3
    The controls come with a bit of a learning curve. On the consoles, there are different controls for the front and rear tires that affect turning radius, and knowing when to hit the nitro boost is essential in recovering from awkward takeoffs and landings. The PS3 version comes with a plastic attachment that snaps over the controller and looks like a steering wheel, but it basically just gets in the way and does not actually steer the trucks -- it is just something to hold on to.
  • Violence2
    Monster Jam: Path of Destruction encourages players to use monster trucks to smash through and run over objects. Players can destroy motor-homes, buses, and cars. The sound of metal being crunched comes through loud and clear. Aside from certain point-loss scenarios, crashes carry no consequences. There are no injured characters. 
  • Sex0
    Not applicable.
  • Language0
    Aside from encouraging the destruction of other vehicles, the language is not offensive.
  • Consumerism1
    Some trucks sport advertisement decals. An early vehicle has the Air Force logo stamped on it. 
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
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What's it about?

In MONSTER JAM: PATH OF DESTRUCTION, players embark on a career in the single-player mode that begins in lower-profile events and leads up to the World Finals. In split-screen multiplayer, two players can compete in head-to-head competitions to score points by performing stunts or racing around tracks in the quickest time. The game features eight real-world venues, 32 racing events, and 24 freestyle events (which involve stunts). Players can level up to unlock more vehicles and customization parts.

Is it any good?

 

Monster Jam: Path of Destruction's controls can be tough to learn; younger players may find success evasive. The game sports solid graphics -- including realistic tracks and vehicles -- and the sound effects accompanying each event create a nice ambience. However, the bottom line is that there is simply not a lot of racing diversity here. There are plenty of events, but they begin to feel a bit redundant after a couple of levels. 

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about the difference between driving in a game and in a real-world setting. Why are games that involve performing dangerous stunts often fun and appealing?

  • Families can also discuss how signs on vehicles and within stadiums are often tools used by advertisers.

This review was written by Michael Lafferty

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This review was written by Michael Lafferty
Platforms:Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi, PSP
Available online?Not available online
Genre:Racing
Developer:Activision
Release date:November 23, 2010
Price:$19.99-39.99
ESRB rating:E for Mild Violence
This review was written by Michael Lafferty

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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

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