Common Sense Media Review
By Mark Raby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
FEMA-sponsored game teaches about disaster preparedness.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Disaster Hero
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
DISASTER HERO puts players in the position of a \"hero\" that sets out to conquer all major natural disasters. Players complete a series of activities, each of which is connected to a specific type of disaster. For example, players are shown two versions of the same room and must find which room is missing the appropriate disaster preparedness items (e.g., an emergency kit, extra food for their pets, a list of emergency contact numbers). After players complete the activities for each disaster, they receive a certificate that they can print at home, recognizing them as a \"Disaster Hero.\"
Is It Any Good?
For some of the activities in Disaster Hero, there is a disconnect between the gameplay and the educational content. Some mini-games, for example, focus on speed and award players for getting through it as quickly as possible rather than studying the disaster preparedness tips. There is also a lot of unnecessary dialogue during the intermittent story scenes and dialogue. Rather than using this time to educate players about disaster preparedness, there is a lot of talk about the fictitious sci-fi world in which the game is set -- talk that is neither captivating nor pivotal to the gameplay or the overall message of the game.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about their emergency preparedness plans. What is your family's plan will be in case of a natural disaster?
What disasters are most likely where your family lives?
Have you ever been frightened before during a storm or other form of natural disaster? What can be done to help you from being frightened in the future?
Game Details
- Platforms : Mac , Windows
- Subjects : Science : weather
- Skills : Collaboration : cooperation , group projects , meeting challenges together , Self-Direction : achieving goals , set objectives , work to achieve goals , Emotional Development : handling stress , moving beyond obstacles , Health & Fitness : preventing sickness
- Pricing structure : Free
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Legacy Games
- Release date : February 13, 2013
- Genre : Edutainment
- Topics : Superheroes
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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