 | 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. |
Red Faction: Guerrilla
- Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows
- Price: $59.99
- Genre: Action/Adventure
Common Sense Media says
Sci-fi shooter tackles tricky topic in terrorism.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this third-person action game tackles the difficult subject of wartime insurgency and terrorism. Players take on the role of a reluctant freedom fighter who uses his expertise in demolitions to help defeat a corrupt, militaristic occupational force. The violence, while more or less constant, is often directed at buildings rather than people, and players are encouraged to avoid hurting civilians whenever possible. When they do get into direct combat players use a variety of ballistic and melee weapons. Blood can be seen, but only in small splotches. Parents should also be aware that this game features a moderate amount of coarse language in its voice dialogue. Online modes facilitate open voice communication.
What's it about?
Part Total Recall part Far Cry 2, RED FACTION: GUERILLA is an open-world sci-fi shooter set on Mars with a lead character best described as a resistance fighter. The governing powers are sending death squads out on the streets and crushing anyone who resists their authoritarian rule, including our hero’s brother. This forces our otherwise peaceful protagonist, a demolitions expert by trade, to hook up with the Red Faction, a resistance group intent on forcibly removing the Earth Defense Force -- Mars’ current rulers -- by destroying key installations and helping citizens whenever they come under attack. Players freely explore six separate sectors of the Red Planet, choosing missions as they like with an aim to raise the morale of civilians and eventually get them to help fight for their freedom.
Is it any good?
There’s plenty to like about Red Faction: Guerilla, not least of which is the intelligent way in which it handles the always touchy topic of terrorism. Our hero is a hesitant insurgent who only takes action against the EDF once his brother is killed and he looks to be next. And while the conflict in the game’s story is black and white, painting one side as purely malicious and the other as noble and good, it’s not unrealistic to think that stepping into the shoes of a virtual terrorist could make players think about insurgents in real-world wars and consider their potential motives.
Beyond politics and philosophy, the game is quite a bit of fun to play. Virtually everything in the world can be destroyed in satisfying fashion by smashing into it with vehicles, blowing it up with explosives, or simply pounding it with our hero’s trusty sledgehammer. Alas, all of the over-the-top destruction can and does grow a bit repetitive after a while. Still, it's recommended for older players looking for a bit of narrative substance.
Online interaction: Several online modes facilitate competitive action for up to 16 players. The game supports open voice communication with all players, which carries with it the potential for personal information to be exchanged and distasteful language to be overheard. Common Sense Media does not recommend this sort of online play for pre-teens.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the differences between terrorism, insurgency, resistance fighting, and freedom fighting. Is it merely a matter of semantics? Many of the game’s characters are labeled terrorists by the military. Do you believe that’s what they are? Is bombing a building, regardless of perpetrator’s motive, automatically an act of terrorism? Do you think this is a topic that can be adequately addressed within the context of a video game?
Did playing this game changed the way you look at the world? At terrorism?
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AGE
This game is not M! it is just violent there are no bad words except h--l is said once
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AGE
absolutely
there is no gore no contraband and is basically like freeing nazi occupied france but on mars
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AGE
for older teens
This game is not violent at all. Basically you just walk around crushing broken parts and shooting martians. The only problem is the language. My fourteen year old loves this game and I allow my twelve year old to play it occasionally.
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AGE
VERY FLIPPING FUNDAMENTAL!!!!
It A Very Educational Game it Teaches Good Values Like Killing Aliens What If Aliens Actually Did Invade Mars HUH I BET YOUD FEEL STUPID HA
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AGE
This game is pretty fun. It's a nice little distraction while waiting for better games, and it's only 20 dollars, so, you know, why not? The ridiculously over rated M rating is ridiculous. The game is not bloody though bloodstains do appear on bodies and on walls. It's really about blowing things up. Which is a blast (pun intended). There is an F word maybe once every three hours. If you buy this game, you will definitely enjoy it. Just don't expect a story, or compelling characters, or anything like that.
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AGE
i hate this site sometimes
um first this review is horrible "OH online play poses a risk of personal information to be said in open chat" u know teens and pre-teens are not dumb its not like "hey uh new person i dont know who is most likely older than me here is my address" and oh my god terrorism hes fighting oppression like the patriots in the revolutionary war our ancestors were no different. also cigarettes most people smoke cigarettes like parents of children so overall its a great game but i hate this review HATE in capital letters
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AGE
"Not for kids" !!! What is this website on about !!!
Firstly id like 2 say HE'S NOT A TERRORIST!!!! He's a hero fighting a violent corrupt government. He is sticking up for himself and others which in my mind is a great role model. He also regrets killing people but does it for the greater good. If it didnt have the swearing in i think it could pass for a 12+ game. The only down side to this game is the online swearing but this can be avoded via changeing the consoles security settings. Overall there is little wrong with this game.
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AGE
good for 10+
This game isn't too bloody or violent, and the language is not terrible. It's a great game for anyone over 10.
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| Platforms: | Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Windows |
| Available online? | Available online |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Developer: | THQ |
| Release date: | June 3, 2009 |
| Price: | $59.99 |
| ESRB rating: | M for Blood, Strong Language, Violence |
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