Parents' Guide to

Little Inferno

By Chris Morris, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

An absorbing puzzle game with a cryptic message.

App iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad Puzzle Games
Little Inferno Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

  • Little Inferno App: Screenshot #1
  • Little Inferno App: Screenshot #2
  • Little Inferno App: Screenshot #3

Community Reviews

See all
age 9+

Based on 1 parent review

Steve S.
Steve S. Parent
November 8, 2013
age 9+

App is a version of the WiiU game

I've only played that version and it is a very addictive, deep but easy-to-play, casual game for grown-ups as well as kids. A big part of the fun (at least in the WiiU version) is the pun/puzzle aspect that rewards the player for figuring out which items to burn together based on the pun. If you liked World of Goo, you'll love this off-the-wall game too!
See all 1 parent review

What’s It About?

Players start the game as the new owners of a fireplace and are quickly encouraged to burn their belongings -- then purchase new products to burn as well. Burning an item is as simple as moving it into the fireplace with your finger, then \"lighting\" a fire by pressing another finger alongside, or under, the item. As items burn, coins (which let you buy even more items) and stamps (which speed up the time it takes to get those items) appear. Burning specific objects at the same time earns badges and unlocks new catalogues. Messages from a mystery sender begin appearing in the mail, suggesting there may be more to the game than meets the eye.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (3 ):

LITTLE INFERNO is a deceiving game. On the surface, buying things and tossing them in the fireplace doesn't sound like a lot of fun, but the game still manages to hook people (who give it at least 10 to 15 minutes) with an intriguing story line and the odd fun that comes with, well, burning things. It's mesmerizing, almost hypnotic.

The game makes a critical statement about the consumptive nature of our culture and the effects this can have on both the environment and our own psyches. However, this satirical message is likely to be lost on younger players. Older ones, though, will appreciate the deviation from the usual suspects of game genres and the chance to explore an entirely new style of play.

App Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate