Secondhand Lands

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Comic fairytale MMO has plenty of snark.
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

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is a massively multiplayer online game set in a fairy tale world. Younger kids may be attracted to Secondhand Lands because of its fairytale theme, but it is actually a parody on fairy tales and a there is a lot of humor in the game which won't be understood by younger kids -- thus the age setting of 12. While free to play, the game also offers players the ability to buy in-game enhancements with real money.

  • Even though there are "kill" quests, players are generally asked to assist a fairytale character or to protect the village.
  • Although there is no blood or gore, players kill things in game in order to gain experience to advance their characters. Quests may have you "stomp" a naughty creature.
  • Two player races can ride or "mount" two other player races, leading to some in-game innuendo and jokes made by other players.
  • Not applicable.
  • Free to play, but "tokens" may be purchased with real money for in-game services such as cosmetic changes to player characters, increase inventory space, and character slots and guild charters to create a guild.

What's it about?

Playing the massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) SECONDHAND LANDS is
like stepping into a world of fractured fairy tales. Skunks hold their tails like
a gun, ready to spray you with musk and bridge trolls act like the mafia
looking for protection money before you can cross the bridge. Instead of the
gorgeous Sugar Plum Fairy, this game has the Sugar Prune Fairy, an old lady who sits in a
rocking chair. And crime tape keeps you from visiting the Three Bears' house!

Kids choose to play in this game world as a Wolf, a Sheep, a Catgirl or a Scrapper, the
latter manifesting in several forms including a lizard, dragon, squirrel, or
skunk. Each "race" is very different in what they can do and is led by a
fairytale character including Little Bo Peep and Red Riding Hood. Like most
MMOGs, players spend most of their time going on quests which can include having to kill things, but there is no blood as
you stomp or smack other creatures. You can also craft things in the game, and
acquire pets – which can be snarky to their owners.


Is it any good?

 

Secondhand Lands distinguishes itself from other fantasy MMOGs by its use
of humor. For example, in one quest, you will help the three little kittens who
lost their mittens by stomping on the ducks who stole their mittens. In other
quests, you will be smacking clockwork rats and bridge trolls. Although going on
constant quests can be a bit of a grind, it is a quick way to make your
character stronger. Plus, the game creates interesting interactions between
characters as Scrappers and Catgirls can ride Wolves and Sheeps with the use of
a saddle for faster travel as they are small and slow. Also fun are the in-game
events and Player versus Player (PvP) game play.

For kids who get tired
of questing, the game provides other activities including exploring the
land to harvest mushrooms or to dig for ore. Also helpful is a Fairy Helper,
who follows you around and is basically your personal in-game guide and heals
you when you take damage (although you can be overwhelmed if you venture out
into the more dangerous lands before you have the levels to handle them).The
novelty in solo-play can wear off quickly so players should look to
participating in what MMOGs are created for, group and guild activities and
events.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about why this game is a parody? Why are the fairytale characters not exactly like what you would expect?


This review was written by Carolyn Koh

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This review was written by Carolyn Koh
Platforms:Windows
Available online?Available online
Genre:Massively Multi-player Online Game (MMOG)
Developer:Callipygian Games
Release date:January 29, 2009
Price:Free
ESRB rating:NR

This review was written by Carolyn Koh

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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.

 

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