Parents' Guide to

Dungeons and Dragons Online: Stormreach

By Jeremy Gieske, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Huge online D&D role-playing game; teens and up.

Game Windows 2006
Dungeons and Dragons Online: Stormreach Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 11+

Based on 5 parent reviews

Tristan D.
Tristan D. Adult
January 11, 2021
age 8+

The Game isn't that graphic

As long as your child has average thinking and problem solving skills, then this game would be fine. I'm seeing all of these other reviews about how the "violence" may be frightening or confusing to children, I must say, this is not accurate for most cases. The best part about this game is that it is what you make it. Every scenario or section in the game that would include violence would be described by the dungeon master, which would most likely be a parent or an older sibling or family friend, so if they know a child that is easily disturbed is playing, they can tone down the description. And on top of all of this, there are no visual images of violence. It is purely set in the imagination of the player.
Chris Monroe
Chris Monroe Adult
May 10, 2012
age 10+

What is D&D online at its core?

I would not suggest this game to anybody under the age of 10, it definitely has some monsters that would creep out some people. Due to the dated graphics and given the amount of intense imagery kids now see on T.V, this game doesn't even compare to some children television shows playing on the cartoon channels nowadays. The things that shine in this game really are the dungeon instances and the strategy behind solving them as well as the combat itself. Personally, no other game has gotten this quite right. And parents who get protective over the subject of "Drinking, smoking & drugs", it is a game, as well as a fantasy with dwarves, elves, and goblins. Please people, I don't think Gimli is going to put anything other then some good old Middle Earth tobacco in his pipe, and making potions doesn't count as making "drugs" either. There is drinking in this game, but is more for playing in character then any sort of malicious thing. I also like how the women are not negatively stereotyped as "skimpy fantasy babes" in game. This game does not require a monthly subscription, although it did in the past. It now encourages players to buy in game content, which includes extra character slots, multiple different races to play as, and in game items. This system is optional but once you put money in it might be hard to stop, based on the statistics for maple story. (Yes, that is not the best example, but it has a relative concept) The game does give players that can't pay the chance to earn credits. Playing the game will earn you credits from challenges, achievements and various different methods of gaining the currency for buying in game purchased additions.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much consumerism
See all 5 parent reviews

What’s It About?

DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS ONLINE: STORMREACH gets many of its cues directly from the circa-1970s pen-and-paper version of the game. A Dungeon Master narrates elements of the game. For example, when entering a dungeon, players may hear the DM tell them something along the lines of, \"...it's evident this room hasn't been used for years, as the thick dust on the floor is disturbed only by the faint footprints of rats and mice.\"

Unlike most RPGs that give out points for defeating individual enemies, experience points in D&D Online are awarded only at the completion of the quest. Players will find it difficult to pull out in the middle of a mission, since other players are depending on them. Players unfamiliar with the pen-and-paper version of the game may be puzzled by references to things like \"saving rolls\" and skill checks. For example, in true D&D style, damage is indicated in figures like 1d8 + 2 (the roll of one eight-sided die plus 2).

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5 ):
Kids say (6 ):

While this game is entertaining, teens (and their parents) may want to make sure it's the right fit for them before signing up for the $15-a-month fee. The main concern: This game is a major time suck. Social interaction isn't just encouraged --- it's very nearly a requirement. Few of the game's quests are easy enough for a single player to complete, requiring players to join into parties, mixing and matching the skills of their individual characters to help each other out.

The game offers impressive displays of scenery, but the quests are typically staged in cramped dungeons, cellars, and underground caverns, which rarely seem as vivid as players might expect. As with many online games, the game can lag. Popular common areas can get jerky and slow, to the point of locking up the computer. There is plenty to admire here, but parents should set serious guidelines before allowing their kids to play.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the popularity of games that charge a monthly fee on top of the purchase price. Does the added cost pressure you to play, even when you don't have the time? Are there advantages -- or disadvantages -- to a game that is played entirely online versus a game played individually? Parents whose kids are new to online gaming should check out our guidelines for gaming.

Game Details

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