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Parents' Guide to

Kick the Buddy HD

By Chris Morris, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Violent stress-release app lets players assault rag doll.

App iPad Arcade Games
Kick the Buddy HD Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this app.

  • Kick the Buddy HD App: Screenshot #1
  • Kick the Buddy HD App: Screenshot #2
  • Kick the Buddy HD App: Screenshot #3

Community Reviews

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age 16+

Based on 27 parent reviews

em0oh
em0oh Adult
September 9, 2020
age 18+

As a teacher I look up content on youtube to show my students in classes...

Today I was looking up videos about dinosaurs, a really common topic for any young child. I found out about this game because on youtube Kick the Buddy is being played livestream by what I assume pro-game players for monetized content on youtube and it's the #1 search result. I had no clue what this game was, saw the doll getting gassed in it's little box/gas chamber. I understand now it's a doll and a game but at first glance it looks like you gassing a screaming baby. That's a bit much especially to stumble on when looking for something completely unrelated.
Sagesmom2012
Sagesmom2012 Parent of 7-year-old
July 12, 2020
age 18+

And this is what’s wrong with our society...

this showed up on my sons tablet and I was absolutely horrified when I finally took the time to check it out. I feel terrible that it was on his tablet for a few days before I really understood what it was. I am fully aware of how diligent I need to be now. The first thing I noticed were the meat hooks hanging from the ceiling of what looked like a torture room where the doll/buddy was. The “game” literally is all about torturing the buddy while he begs you to stop. He also says things that are supposed to make the player mad. My stomach hurt watching this. I wish there was more I could do to make things like this disappear.
See all 27 parent reviews

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (27 ):
Kids say (31 ):

There's unquestionably something cathartic about taking out your frustrations on a rag doll, especially one that flings trash talk your way before begging for mercy. And while KICK THE BUDDY isn't an app for young kids, those old enough to realize it's just fantasy and stress releasing will have fun coming up with creative ways to assault the smiling little fellow.

It's hardly an app that's one you want to spend a lot of time with, though. Even with the variety of weapons, the core mechanic is the same and it gets old after a while. You might return to it from time to time, but you'll wonder why you spent a few bucks on this when you do.

App Details

  • Device: iPad
  • Release date: June 7, 2011
  • Category: Arcade Games
  • Publisher: AppZap
  • Version: 1.5
  • Minimum software requirements: iOS 3.2 or later
  • Last updated: June 29, 2018

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