Stranger Things: The Game
Engaging old-school adventure made for '80s nostalgia fans.
Parents say
Based on 1 review
Kids say
Based on 11 reviews
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Stranger Things: The Game
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Stranger Things: The Game is an old-school-style adventure game meant for fans of the TV show. Players use slingshots, their fists, and other items to attack other people, and those people use their fists and guns to attack the player. But because the game has a pixelated arcade look about it, there's no blood or gore. There are also times when you'll see lit cigarettes in ashtrays, or hear a cheeky comment in the dialogue -- it's nothing you wouldn't hear on the show. It's also clear that the game was designed to promote the show, with a link to it on the main menu, even though the app is free. Read the app's privacy policy on the game's website to find out about the information collected and shared.
Community Reviews
good but hard
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What’s It About?
Set after the events of the first season -- and possibly during the time of season two -- STRANGER THINGS: THE GAME has you exploring the town, the lab, and the mysterious realm known as The Upside Down. This gets handled by activating every switch, pressing every button, and attacking every guard who'd rather you not do these things. Players will also switch between characters from the show, each with his or her own abilities and equipment, to bypass difficult sections and accomplish goals.
Is It Any Good?
Though created to promote the second season of the Netflix show, this clever, old-school-style adventure game actually stands on its own. Set after season one (and possibly during the upcoming second season), Stranger Things: The Game has you exploring various locations as different people from the show. Though fittingly, it's all done in the style of an '80s adventure game; it's very similar to the original The Legend of Zelda. That's why this has an aerial perspective, pixelated graphics, and simplistic mechanics and combat. But while this may be old school, it's no old fool, as the game is rather clever in how you have to solve complex situational problems. Oh, and if that's not challenging enough, there's an option that will make this as unforgiving as, well, an '80s adventure game. In fact, the only downside is that people who don't remember the '80s, because they weren't born yet, may not appreciate the old-school aesthetics and mechanics. But then, they probably wouldn't appreciate the TV show either. For those who do, though, Stranger Things: The Game is a real fun blast from the past.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about marketing and promotion. This game was made to promote a TV show, but do you think it's effective? Do you think you can enjoy the game and not watch the show?
Talk about helping people. In the game, you put your life on the line to help others, but why is this a good thing?
Discuss using the right tool for the job. In the game, you switch between characters, and each has unique abilities. Why is it important to recognize when to use the right tool for the job?
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
- Pricing structure: Free
- Release date: October 12, 2017
- Category: Arcade Games
- Topics: Adventures
- Publisher: BonusXP Inc
- Version: 1.0.223
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 9.0 or later; Android 4.4 and up
- Last updated: August 11, 2021
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