 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Stoked
Common Sense Media says
Realitstic, sponsor-heavy snowboarding simulation
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there are few worries regarding kids playing this game. If blatant consumerism (in the form of sponsorships and the promise of more and better gear for your boarder) is a concern, then you may want to reserve this game for players who can put such issues into mature perspective. There are also a few songs on the soundtrack that reference drugs, violence, and sex. Music can be turned off or, users can chose to substitue their own music.
What's it about?
In STOKED, players assume the role of a novice snowboarder dropped by helicopter onto one of five large mountains in the game - each complete with sophisticated weather effects. The object is to master tricks and maneuvers, unlocking new challenges. Eventually, you'll turn professional and mastery rewards players with better tricks, sponsorships, and gear.
Gameplay requires players to repeat short sections until tricks are done correctly. There are several hours worth of these needed before a player can advance from amateur to professional, unlocking the more fun and complex tricks. For some players, the challenges could prove frustrating; there's little immediate gratification. Rather, persistence and mastery is rewarded. This philosphy places the game into the "realistic" category in which nothing is accomplished simply.
Is it any good?
For players seeking real challenge, and a simulation experience, Stoked is the best of its type. The sense of accomplishment from working through tough challenges is enormously satisfying. Gamers who appreciate the control scheme and realism of Skate will enjoy Stoked.
Because there is little story and no over-the-top characters and moves, the game has a no-nonsense quality that teen players, especially, will like. The focus on realism emphasizes mastery over frills and extras. Learning and nailing specific tricks (through sometimes maddening failure) pays off with fame, fortune, and fun competion.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about whether racing is more satisfying than doing tricks; "tricking" is very much an individual sport in which players challenge themselves rather than going against others and playing on a team.
What are the advantages and disadvantages to solo versus team sports? What about freestyle type sports that allow creative interpretation? How do they differ from sports that assess success by the clock or points scored?
The game also requires players to drill tricks over and over until they are mastered; can you think of some real world examples of this practice-makes-perfect concept.
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| Topics: | sports and martial arts |
| Platforms: | Xbox 360 |
| Available online? | Available online |
| Genre: | Sports |
| Developer: | Destineer |
| Release date: | February 24, 2009 |
| Price: | $39.99 |
| ESRB rating: | T for Lyrics, Mild Suggestive Themes |
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