Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Lafferty
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Minor violence in robot combat game; can play co-op.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Spare Parts
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
SPARE PARTStells the story of robots Mar-T and Chip, who are stranded on a strange and dangerous planet along with a broken space ship.The two robots must find the missing parts to repair the ship, fight, or avoid the minions of the evil Lord Krung (who is intent on stopping them) as well as fend off the various creatures that inhabit the world.There are creatures and robots to fight, collectibles to find, and even other robots to rescue on the various levels of the game. Along the way, the robots will unlock upgrades (such as rocket boots that allow for short bursts to elevate the robot), as well as be graded on each level completed.
Is It Any Good?
Spare Parts is a visual treat, and the action is fast and furious. The levels are well designed, though relatively short, and the overall mechanics should be familiar to anyone that has played a platforming game before. The game begins as a single-player effort and then expands into cooperative play, both offline and online. The online was enjoyable, though several levels played were lost due to disconnects by the host. The narrator speaks in a tone that suggests the game was made for kids. There is really nothing innovative or fresh in this game; still, it is fast paced, looks very nice, and is particularly entertaining in its cooperative mode.
Online interaction: Cooperative gameplay is available, online or offline. During online portion, players can get into a quick level with a player chosen at random or manage invites. There is no direct communication between the players within the game.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about separating the violence seen onscreen from real violence.
They can also discuss how to responsibly handle the amount of time playing games.
Families can talk about how to practice good safety habits when playing any online games.
How do you integrate creative problem-solving when playing platform- and level-based games?
Game Details
- Platforms : PlayStation 3 , Xbox 360
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Electronic Arts
- Release date : January 19, 2011
- Genre : Arcade
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : February 15, 2023
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