Parents' Guide to

Bulletstorm

By Marc Saltzman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 18+

Gory and profane sci-fi shooter definitely not for kids.

Game PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox 360 2011
Bulletstorm Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

  • Bulletstorm Game: Screenshot #1
  • Bulletstorm Game: Screenshot #2
  • Bulletstorm Game: Screenshot #3

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 9 parent reviews

Sergio M.
Sergio M. Adult
September 18, 2018
age 18+

Bulletstorm

This is a first-person shooter in which players assume the role of a space pirate who must escape a planet populated by mutant cannibals. Players use futuristic machine guns, shotguns, magnum revolvers, assault rifles, and chain guns to perform over-the-top kills that dismember and decapitate foes. Injured enemies emit large sprays of blood that stain the ground and surrounding walls. Specialty kills (i.e., Skillshots) represent the most intense instances of violence: enemies can be dismembered with explosives; impaled on spikes; and drilled into walls, resulting in body parts breaking into pieces. During the course of the game, players can consume alcohol and kill enemies in order to receive an Intoxicated Skillshot; the screen turns blurry during these sequences. The dialogue contains numerous jokes and comments that reference sexual acts, venereal diseases, and having sex with one's mother (e.g., "Guess I know where the ol' gal got that limp."). The names of some Skillshots are infused with sexual innuendo (e.g., Gag Reflex, Rear Entry, Drilldo, Mile High Club); one Skillshot (i.e., Fire in the Hole) allows players to shoot at enemies' exposed buttocks. Language such as "f**k," "sh*t," "p*ssy," and "c*ck" can be heard in dialogue.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much swearing
joshua G.
joshua G. Adult
October 25, 2016
age 12+

IT IS NOT AS BAD AS IT IS MADE OUT!!!!

as you may have heard - bullet storm is a gory, swearword riddled game that can't get any worse. BUT, did you know that the developers went through the trouble to create an option that lets you play with no swearing in the script and no blood / gore. SO if you are a 12 year old kid, yearning to buy this game - it might just be okay! ALSO - if it is not then try GOLDEN EYE RELODED - an old shooter with new hd graphics ( great first shooter for teens who really want something like call of duty!

This title has:

Great messages
See all 9 parent reviews

What’s It About?

If the name BULLETSTORM doesn't give it away, this is an extremely violent, futuristic shooter. It tells of a space pirate, Grayson Hunt, and his cyborg sidekick, Ishi Sato, who crash-land on the planet Stygia. Problem is, this once-peaceful vacation spot in the galaxy is now overrun by mutated criminals, flesh-eating plants, and larger-than-life boss characters. While trying to escape and exact revenge on their previous boss, the protagonists have to battle their way through hordes of enemies and navigate through dangerous environments. Played from a first-person perspective, the action is fast, gory, and over-the-top in presentation and gameplay.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (9):
Kids say (26):

Bulletstorm can be fun, but only for those who enjoy violent and irreverent first-person shooters (think Duke Nukem and Serious Sam). At the heart of the action is a "skillshot" system that rewards players for performing kills in a creative function. By stringing your moves together -- kicking, shooting, whipping, sliding, and running -- you can create unique skillshots for bonus points. You can even pause the game to see which skillshots you've performed and which ones haven't been attempted yet. Along with the single-player campaign, the game has online modes and downloadable content. While not likely to win any "Best of the Year" game awards, this shooter will appeal to those looking for exaggerated action with gory visuals.

Online interaction: The game is playable online for all three versions of the game: Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. Up to four players can play at the same time over the Internet in a number of multiplayer modes. A headset microphone is supported, which means players can talk to each other while fighting online. That means players may be exposed to foul language and inappropriate topics of conversation, and that they can share personal information.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about whether players are desensitized to violence after playing these kinds of games. Do violent games breed violent behavior in real life? Can they make someone crave violence after the game is turned off? Could it possibly act as a safe way for mature players to de-stress and blow off steam?

  • Families can also discuss the game's carefree use of sexual insults and profanity. How do you react to this sort of language? Could the game have been as edgy or extreme without it?

Game Details

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