Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fantasy brawler features extreme, visceral violence and sex.
Parents Need to Know
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God of War III
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 23 parent reviews
Based on 37 kid reviews
Kids say the game is loved for its engaging story, thrilling gameplay, and impressive graphics, yet it remains polarizing due to its extreme violence, gore, and sexual content. While some younger players feel mature enough to handle the intense themes, many reviews caution that it is not suitable for children or teens due to its explicit material and violent gameplay.
- violence and gore
- mature content
- engaging story
- not for kids
- educational value
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
Sony's biggest and baddest action game series is back with GOD OF WAR III, set once again in the realm of brutal Greek mythology and starring ex-Spartan warrior Kratos. Armed with his wrist-mounted chain blades, daredevil acrobatics, and for the first time in the trilogy, magic, this fallen god must avenge those who have betrayed him in a 3D world four times larger than the last game. This single-player epic also retains some of the platforming elements found in its predecessor, which includes jumping over chasms, climbing up mountains and shimmying across ledges. Plus, gamers can now mount huge, ride-able creatures to bypass obstacles, solve puzzles, or inflict damage on swarms of enemies (we're talking roughly 50 creatures on the screen at once, thanks to the processing power of the PS3).
Is It Any Good?
Yes, absolutely -- but only for those 17 years of age or older, as the over-the-top gratuitous violence, sexual themes and strong language means this game is most definitely not for kids. However, for those who crave visceral action, God of War III delivers the goods, and the controls are just as tight and responsive as the previous God of War games for the PS2 and PSP.
Kratos also has access to new weapons, such as a bow and fiery arrows. Plus, he can pick up enemies and decide whether to throw them or put them on his shoulder like a linebacker and run into walls to bash their heads, use them as meaty shields, or drop them into crowds and set off a bomb to blow all the baddies into the air. PS3 gamers anxiously awaiting this mature sequel won't be disappointed with the experience.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why a game like this is so popular. Is it because it lets them live in a fantastic world populated by enormous creatures? Does it deliver a virtual, visceral thrill for mature players, perhaps making them feel like immortal warriors? Is the experience so far removed from our daily (and often mundane) lives that it feels like pure fantasy?
Families can also discuss the game's depiction of the female form. Did you find the countless bare breasts on display distrurbing, or does the game's setting give them artistic purpose?
Game Details
- Platform : PlayStation 3
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Sony Computer Entertainment
- Release date : March 16, 2010
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : June 20, 2022
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