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Secondhand Lands

(2009, Online Video Game - Massively Multi-player Online Game (MMOG), Rated NR, Play it on: Windows)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Comic fairytale MMO has plenty of snark.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    MMOGs all impart the lesson of teamwork. Some content requires groups of players to work together to defeat some bad guys.
  • Messages:

    Even though there are "kill" quests, players are generally asked to assist a fairytale character or to protect the village.
 

What to watch out for

  • 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 an issue.
  • 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 an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Secondhand Lands was written by Carolyn Koh

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.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about why this game is a parody? Why are the fairytale characters not exactly like what you would expect?
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More on Secondhand Lands

What’s the Story?

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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Publisher’s Details

Released on 1/29/2009, price $Free, online enabled
ESRB rating: NR

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