Victorious: Taking the Lead

Review

Common Sense Media says

Tween rhythm game based on TV show is fun but short.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Learning2
Best: Really engaging, great learning approach.
Very Good: Engaging, very good learning approach.
Good: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
Fair: Somewhat engaging, okay learning approach.
Not for Learning : Not recommended for learning.
Not for Kids: Not age-appropriate for kids; not recommended for learning.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Victorious: Taking the Lead is based on the tween/teen Victorious TV show from Nickelodeon. The characters are competitive, and not always very kind toward one another, and the one adult seems like a questionable role model. Most of the games are follow-me rhythm games where the kids are in dance-offs or rehearsals. 

  • Positive messages2
    Although it isn't overt, the game encourages kids to try their best and go after their dreams.
  • Positive role models1
    Unlike the TV show and previous game, this game doesn't have a lot of positive modeling from these characters. One of the friends is supportive and helpful, but most of them are putting each other down. In one game, one of the characters keeps trying to bump your character out of the spotlight. The teacher isn't much better. After try-outs for the school musical, he tells one of the students that they "stink."
  • Ease of play4
    The game starts with slow rhythms and a lot of help and ramps up over time. Occasionally, it throws in something unexpected, like a clap sequence. The chapters can be played on Easy, Medium, Hard, or Extreme.
  • Violence2
    One of the mini-games involves blocking sword attacks from another player. Another involves bumping the other player out of the spotlight.
  • Sex1
    There are references to kissing, and at least one tiny dress. One of the songs has some mildly suggestive lyrics, including "You think we should hook up" and "Get your hands off my hips."
  • Language0
    Not applicable.
  • Consumerism1
    The game is based on characters from a popular Nickelodeon TV show.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking1
    Although there are no explicit references to drugs/alcohol, during one of the games the teacher drinks some coconut milk and starts having hallucinations. The coconut milk is a reference from the TV series, where it also appears that he has been using drugs.
  • Privacy & safety0
    Not applicable.
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What kids can learn

2

Victorious: Taking the Lead wasn't created with educational intent, and we don't recommend it for learning.

Subjects
  • Science
  • Social Studies
Skills
  • Thinking & Reasoning
  • Creativity
  • Self-Direction
  • Responsibility & Ethics
  • Tech Skills
  • Health & Fitness
See more details

What's it about?

VICTORIOUS: TAKING THE LEAD follows Tori and Jade as they vie for the lead in the high school musical and the chance to kiss Beck on stage. Kids can play as either Tori or Jade as they compete in dance-offs, try-outs, rehearsals, and the final show. There are a few other levels that involve blocking sword attacks, flirting with girls (very mild), and trying to maintain the spotlight. In most of the games, you watch the other character do a few dance moves and then you repeat them in time with the music by drawing up, down, left, or right with your stylus (on the DS) or button-pushing and moving the Wii remote (on the Wii). Higher scores unlock new dance moves, different outfits, and stickers to decorate your virtual locker. You also unlock mini-games to enjoy outside of the story. The game is divided into chapters and it's easy to go back to try for a perfect score on a level.

Is it any good?

 

Victorious: Taking the Lead is a fluffy game with a mediocre storyline and a lot of repetition. Fans of the show will likely enjoy seeing the characters and listening to the music. It's very easy to navigate and move around in, and it's very difficult to lose a dance-off in easy mode. The biggest issue may be that the game is quite short. Kids with decent rhythm and hand-eye coordination can easily complete it in an hour or two, while still managing to unlock most of the content. The question remains if they will want to go back and play again to make it worth the purchase. Victorious: Taking the Lead is a fine game, but lacking in substance.

Explore, discuss, enjoy

  • Families can talk about competition and rivalry. When is it fun and when does it go too far?

  • They can also talk about rhythm games. What makes them fun?

This review of Victorious: Taking the Lead was written by

What kids can learn

2

Victorious: Taking the Lead wasn't created with educational intent, and we don't recommend it for learning.

Subjects
  • Language & Reading: reading
  • Math:
  • Science:
  • Social Studies:
  • Arts: rhythm
  • Hobbies:
Skills
  • Thinking & Reasoning:
  • Creativity:
  • Self-Direction:
  • Emotional Development:
  • Communication: listening
  • Collaboration:
  • Responsibility & Ethics:
  • Tech Skills:
  • Health & Fitness:

What's it about?

VICTORIOUS: TAKING THE LEAD follows Tori and Jade as they vie for the lead in the high school musical and the chance to kiss Beck on stage. Kids can play as either Tori or Jade as they compete in dance-offs, try-outs, rehearsals, and the final show. There are a few other levels that involve blocking sword attacks, flirting with girls (very mild), and trying to maintain the spotlight. In most of the games, you watch the other character do a few dance moves and then you repeat them in time with the music by drawing up, down, left, or right with your stylus (on the DS) or button-pushing and moving the Wii remote (on the Wii). Higher scores unlock new dance moves, different outfits, and stickers to decorate your virtual locker. You also unlock mini-games to enjoy outside of the story. The game is divided into chapters and it's easy to go back to try for a perfect score on a level.

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This review of Victorious: Taking the Lead was written by
Topics:arts and dance, friendship, high school
Platforms:Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS
Available online?Not available online
Genre:Music
Release date:November 13, 2012
Price:$29.95
ESRB rating:E10+ for Alcohol Reference, Mild Lyrics (Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii)
This review of Victorious: Taking the Lead was written by

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