Parents' Guide to

Radiation Island

By Neilie Johnson, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Explore, craft, kill, and survive in cool, open-world game.

App iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad Paid Adventure Games
Radiation Island Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

  • Radiation Island App Screenshot #1
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Privacy Rating Warning

  • Unclear whether personal information is sold or rented to third parties.
  • Unclear whether personal information are shared for third-party marketing.
  • Unclear whether this product displays personalised advertising.
  • Unclear whether data are collected by third-parties for their own purposes.
  • Unclear whether this product uses a user's information to track and target advertisements on other third-party websites or services.
  • Unclear whether this product creates and uses data profiles for personalised advertisements.
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What’s It About?

RADIATION ISLAND is about a World War II soldier taking part in the mythical Philadelphia Experiment, where military scientists attempted to make warships invisible. During this experiment, you're stranded alone on the island where the experiments were taking place, and your goal is to survive and solve the mystery to escape the island. Choose first- or third-player mode, customize your controller method, and then walk through the tutorial. Starting with nothing, you roam around collecting raw materials (chopping wood, mining stone, collecting plants) to craft the items you'll need to survive, while searching through abandoned military buildings for answers to your dilemma. If you play in exploration mode, you'll encounter fewer dangers, while in adventure mode you'll face zombies and hungry predators who can kill you. Advanced players can take on a third mode that is even more extreme. If you beat the game, you can advance even further into multiplayer mode.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (1 ):

In a field of mediocre "free-to-play" games that focus on draining your wallet rather than providing entertainment, this economical survival-horror game is a standout. For less than the price of a regular latte, kids get hours upon hours of absorbing exploration and customization and can explore mythology around one of history's most talked-about mysteries. Simple touch-screen controls and an intuitive menu interface set users up to live out a weird and frightening story while putting survival skills to the test. There are plenty of chances to hone these skills while collecting raw materials such as wood, stone and plant fibers and turn them into useful items such as axes, torches, and protective clothing. There are also a good number of abandoned military buildings that provide some protection from the cold and hungry animals. Because of its overall quality, it's possible to overlook the clumsy character models, awkward animations, and unrealistic game rules, such as how you can die of hunger over the course of one night. Also best ignored is the crude multiplayer mode, which looks and plays like an afterthought. However, if you're the type of gamer who enjoys a good scare and embraces a challenge, you're in for the best entertainment three dollars can buy.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about violence in video games. Are any parts of the game scary? Remind kids that there's a gameplay mode that doesn't involve as much violence and scariness.

  • Discuss the difference between playing in first or third person. Does it change how it feels to play the game? If so, why?

  • Talk about the Philadelphia Experiment and the history behind the game. Why is radiation a central feature in the game?

App Details

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