The Secret Saturdays: Beasts of the 5th Sun (Wii, Nintendo DS, PSP, Nintendo DSi, PlayStation 2)
common sense media says
Good TV adaptation with scary monsters, cartoony violence.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this TV-based action game features some truly creepy characters and scary monsters. There's a good deal of violence, but it never goes beyong the cartoon level. The sound can actually be the most disconcerting element sometimes. For instance, when Zack (and, by proxy, the player) takes control of a large, snarling wolf-like beast, its attacks on the enemies are accompanied by truly vicious sounding chomping noises -- wet, growly snaps that could easily frighten a child.
Educational value:
Not applicable.
Positive role models:
Zack is brave, knows when to ask for help, marvels at nature, and usually listens to his parents (but not always). Characters within game are diverse.
Ease of play:
The graphics look 3-D, but the game really plays along a set path (a style sometimes called 2-1/2 D). The linear nature of the movement makes control much simpler. There's a lot of platform-jumping involved, but the task is less frustrating here than in many other games of this ilk.
Violence:
Heroes use both fists and weapons (flaming swords, magic staffs, rocket laucher) to battle creepy monsters and masked enemy agents who themselves wield arms such as ray guns. Zack, the young protagonist, can control monsters he has defeated and use them to do the fighting for him. Monster usually attack with sharp claws and teeth -- accompanied by growling and snapping sounds, some which sound gruesomely realistic. Defeated enemies yell and disappear. Descriptions of some creatures in the "cryptopedia" include violent descriptions, such as one monster that plucks the brains from its prey. This is never seen on screen.
Sex:
Not applicable.
Language:
Some trash-talking the bad guys and mild language like, "kick you butt."
Consumerism:
The game is based on the animated Cartoon Network series, The Secret Saturdays. Merchandise (toys, T-shirts, DVDs) for the show is advertised for three pages of the instruction booklet.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Not applicable.
More on The Secret Saturdays: Beasts of the 5th Sun
Screenshots
Review It
There aren’t any reviews yet. Ask your friends to review this title.
An independent voice for families
Advice on the big issues
Already played it? What do you think?
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
