Kongregate

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Some games have mature content; iffy forums.
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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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this gaming site has a lot of other interactive features besides games. Users can register to create a profile, chat while playing games, and post in forums. The site has extensive guidelines for "good behavior," appoints moderators, and encourages users to flag inappropriate content, but some users get away with posting hateful (racist, sexist, or homophobic) comments on their profiles or in forums. (The chat feature censors profanity.) It's hard to keep tabs on the thousands of games -- some are violent shooters and feature a bit of blood, but most are fairly mild and fine for teens.

  • As in many online communities, most people are respectful, but a few users are abusive and make racist, sexist, and homophobic comments.
  • Lots of shoot 'em up games (zombies are a popular target). Most of the violence isn't overly gory or realistic.
  • Some scantily-clad animated women; occasional sexual comments in forums and on profiles.
  • A filter censors profanity in the chat rooms, but there's a fair amount of cursing (including some hate words) in forums and profiles.
  • There are ads, and some games are sponsored and link to other sites.
  • A few discussions about drinking and drugs in forums.

What's it about?

Innovative game developers can showcase their creations on KONGREGATE.COM, a gaming portal that allows registered users to upload their own flash games -- and to share in the ad revenue that's generated. Teens who just want to get their game on will find plenty of options here, from simple shoot 'em ups to complex multi-player adventures. There's also a community element that allows registered users to chat, participate in forums, rate games, earn points, and other interactive features.


Is it any good?

 

Most gaming portals are a mixed bag, but Kongregate's rating system -- and its policy of "hiding" games with bad ratings -- helps steer users toward the best offerings -- like the deceptively addictive "Dolphin Olympics" and the beautifully illustrated "5 Things" puzzle game (both of which, incidentally, are completely G-rated). Some of the forum threads (particularly "serious discussions") can get a bit heavy or hostile for teens, so it's smart to stick with what the site does best -- gaming.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about what a good amount of time is for playing online games, and draw up some guidelines for balanced use, since some of the games on this site can be very addictive. Families can also watch our video about online gaming. Parents should also review what kind of information is OK to post in a profile and what's not.


This review was written by Susan Yudt
Teen, 16 years old
January 25, 2012
 
Not a gaming site.
This gaming site is too disappointing in fact I don't even believe I can call it a gaming site more like a social site. Pros -Free games -Your own profile -Tons of games -Games come along with badges for users to get -Perfect place for game developers to start Cons - No rewards for users who have level up (Almost seems like leveling-up is pointless) - Not user friendly - So much profanity (Post up links to music video that contain sexual content or offensive profanity) - Forums are horrible (As well users post offensive profanity as well as a few moderates that I know) - Chat rooms are dead (By dead I mean silent or not too many active users - Some chat rooms need Moderates - Moderates need to do a better job (Some approve inappropriate links that are posted on user's shouts) - Security is an issue (Especially when it comes to kreds that you pay with credit card) -Not a gaming site at all (Most users log in just to chat and not to play games so hardcore gamers will not like this site) - Content and games are created by users (May contain inappropriate things, stolen games from other websites, and just plain horrible) 2/5 stars for this site. I believe that there are many other great free gaming sites on the internet. Most of the games here are bad due to lack controls, story, not enough verity or no game at all. (Perfect example Just Chatting/Trolling has 4 stars and no game at all as well as "Burn The Rope" took me only 30 seconds to play the game). The users are rude and it is not user friendly at all consider I've seen users post inappropriate link or picture and the moderates/admins don't do anything about and just let it slide.

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 16 years old
October 30, 2011
 
Not a Gaming site.
To me, I think Kongregate is an okay site. It has over 49,000 free games to choose from and a good start if you want to be a developer. However it feels more of a social site then a gaming site. Most of the users go on just to chat and most chatrooms have a lot of users that are mean, offensive or just use profanity. The moderates in this site also need to do their job better. Most just take the opportunity to gain more friends and not do the job at all. Some ignore the chat, go away for over hours and just ignore it and not help the users out. Since I tend to be a gamer it's not a site for me. I rather stick to playing games on console.

Flag as inappropriate 
Adult
January 28, 2009
 
Teens and up only ...
The chat rooms are not safe for kids and are pretty salty. Games have mature themes.

Flag as inappropriate 
Kid, 11 years old
November 23, 2010
 
Why kongregate sucks!
violent things = laser guns,burning people corse language = some stuff messages = some stuff Saftey = BANNING DOESN`T WORK! User = A little of violent things on profiles My opinon is it sucks cause my username and me were made fun of.

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 18 years old
July 7, 2009
 
Not very good.
There was a funny page with Chuck Norris stuff, but that's it. There's a dragon game where you end up KILLING your character(the dragon). It made me sad. :(

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 18 years old
July 12, 2010
 
Ok younger kids and tweens should be watched
Kids 12 and under need to be watched by an adult or older child when on site.Other than that have at it my favorite game site though I never get on forums.

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 17 years old
October 2, 2009
 
The features and variety on the site as far as games, community, and options is amazing. Plenty of resources, user-to-user communication, and well-intended games. I suppose some of the games (Appx. 20%) are inappropriate for anybody under the age of 13 (the site requires you to be 13 anyway), as well as the Serious Discussion forums (Which is intended for people mature enough to discuss drugs, religion, ect.), and some messages other users might send you (problems in all social sites). Overall, the site is wonderful, and doesn't expose anything an average 13 year old isn't already exposed to. I mean- if you learn about drugs and sex-ed in grammar school (Around ages 11 and 12), then you should be well aware of it by the age of 13 (middle school.)

Flag as inappropriate 
Teen, 14 years old
March 11, 2010
 

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Kid, 1 year old
February 5, 2011
 
perfect for everyone over the age of 13
Best vidya gaman website ever. 5/5

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Kid, 11 years old
November 23, 2010
 
Great Website!!!!
Some games are good, some games are bad. Some people on the fourms make me mad!

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This review was written by Susan Yudt

This review was written by Susan Yudt

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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