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Secondhand Lands (Windows)

common sense media says

Comic fairytale MMO has plenty of snark.


parents & educators say

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.

Educational value: MMOGs all impart the lesson of teamwork. Some content requires groups of players to work together to defeat some bad guys.
Positive messages: Even though there are "kill" quests, players are generally asked to assist a fairytale character or to protect the village.
Violence: 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.
Sex: Two player races can ride or "mount" two other player races, leading to some in-game innuendo and jokes made by other players.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: 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.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Secondhand Lands

What to talk about

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

What's the story?

What's the story?
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?

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.

Game themes & details

Game Details
Available on: Windows
Available online
Genre: Massively Multi-player Online Game (MMOG)
Developer: Callipygian Games
Released on: 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 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