Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Extremely violent and mature military shooter sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Battlefield 4
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 47 parent reviews
Based on 77 kid reviews
Kids say the game is highly enjoyable, especially for its immersive multiplayer experience and impressive graphics, although the strong language and moderate violence in the campaign raise concerns for younger players. Many reviewers suggest that while the multiplayer can be fun and relatively low in blood and cursing, the campaign may not be appropriate for kids under 12 or 13 due to its intense themes and profanity.
- fun multiplayer
- strong language
- moderate violence
- age concerns
- immersive experience
- impressive graphics
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
As with its popular predecessor, BATTLEFIELD 4 is a first-person shooter that drops the player into modern-day battles. The single-player campaign lets you assume the role of Marine Corps Sgt. Daniel Recker, a member of the Tombstone squad, who is tapped to diffuse a spark ignited by China and Russia that could result in a global conflict. By fighting over land, sea, and air, you'll take on enemies, issue commands, and stop this global threat before it's too late. As with previous Battlefield games, much of the attention is on the multiplayer matches played in large groups over the Internet on massive maps. This game is powered by the proprietary Frostbite 3 engine from developer DICE and has realistic graphics and smooth animation. Note: Battlefield 4 plays out the same way on all versions (Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Windows PC), and there are next-generation versions, for PS4 and Xbox One.
Is It Any Good?
Yes, for sure. Electronic Arts/DICE has created an explosive sequel worthy of your time, money, and effort -- but take heed of the ESRB's "Mature" rating for strong and realistic violence (and strong profanity). Battlefield 4 feels great (in both close-quarter, squad-based combat and wide-open warfare), looks amazing (with huge and well-designed set pieces), and offers a ton of gameplay to sink your teeth into. This is especially true for the multiplayer modes playable with others online, including the new Obliteration mode, wherein two rival teams fight to retrieve a bomb and use it to blow up three enemy targets. Also back is the Conquest mode, which also delivers a ton of challenge, thanks to its many weapons and vehicles: helicopters, jets, ships, tanks, and jeeps. The only disappointment is the absence of the six-mission co-op mode from last year's Battlefield 3. Gamers who like this series will love this sequel, while newcomers to the franchise will ask themselves why they waited so long to jump in.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
There's a long-time battle between the Call of Duty games and the Battlefield games. Which franchise is better, overall? Best story? Graphics? Multiplayer maps and modes? It's a heated debate, so which side are you on, and why?
What is the impact of media violence on kids?
Game Details
- Platforms : PlayStation 3 , Windows , Xbox 360
- Subjects : Social Studies : global awareness
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : applying information , decision-making , strategy , Self-Direction : effort , goal-setting , time management , Collaboration : meeting challenges together , teamwork , Health & Fitness : fine motor skills
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Electronic Arts
- Release date : October 29, 2013
- Genre : First-Person Shooter
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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