Common Sense Media Review
By Christy Matte
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Pratfall game based on TV show has some control challenges.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Wipeout 2
What's It About?
WIPEOUT 2 is a game show where contestants attempt to get the fastest time through a series of summer and winter obstacle courses. Each course includes several rounds of play, most of which involve running from one end of the track to the other without being knocked into the water, mud, \"snow,\" or other messy substance. An elimination round requires a player to stay on a platform for as long as possible without being knocked off. Players get penalties for being knocked off, but can gain bonus time for collecting gold and silver rings. The player with the lowest overall time at the end of the entire game wins. Replays and commentary from the hosts are designed to exaggerate punches, falls, and other mistakes. Some of the obstacles include swinging on a rope, dodging punching gloves, jumping on trampolines and moving platforms, avoiding a large swinging bat, and walking on a rotating pole.
Is It Any Good?
WIPEOUT 2 will likely appeal to those who think it's hilarious when someone trips, falls off a bike, or walks into a wall. The learning curve for using the controls is high and may be frustrating for some kids, but as the "fun" of the game is in falling off, this could be less pronounced than other games. The ability to skip an obstacle and take on a time penalty is also a bonus for kids who are more focused on finishing than finishing first. There are eight courses to play, but they start to feel repetitive after a while; and unlocking new avatars isn't all that compelling. However, the game encourages kids to get up a move in time with what is happening on the screen. It will really come down to whether or not you find it entertaining to see someone punched off a platform.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stunt-orientated play. What is safe? What isn't? How are the contestants in the show protected? What is safe behavior around the house?
Families can also talk about laughing at/making fun of other people. What makes the show so funny? Would it be as funny if you saw someone fall like that in real life? Why or why not? How would you feel about being on the show? How would you feel if you fell or hurt yourself in real life?
Game Details
- Platforms : Nintendo DS , Nintendo Wii , PlayStation 3 , Xbox 360
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Activision
- Release date : October 11, 2011
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : July 2, 2022
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