#IDARB
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that #IDARB is a super fast-paced downloadable e-sport multiplayer game. The goal is to get the ball into your team's goal before time runs out. This isn't an old-fashioned soccer game; it's best described as soccer on caffeine. From the moment play begins, it's a free-for-all to get and keep the ball in your possession by whatever means necessary, whether it be swatting, ricocheting, or alley-ooping itl around your opponent. Secret "hashbombs" can be input via Twitch or Twitter to disrupt or change the dynamic of gameplay; this feed shown at the bottom of the screen can contain lots of profanity. The commentator can throw out quotes that could be inappropriate to some young players. Getting a shot into the goal may seem easy, but it becomes apparent rather quickly that skill and teamwork are required, especially if you have lots of players on a team. Violence is limited to hitting players with soccer balls or zapping them with lasers, and there's no gore.
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What's it about?
#IDARB stands for "It Draws a Red Box" and has become a sensation to thousands of followers. The goal is to get the ball into the net before time runs out, and it sure seems to run out quickly when you're maneuvering through rows and columns to get close enough to take a shot. The arena stays the same, but the characters are ever-changing, with a live Twitter feed that allows players to put in "hashbombs" that affect gameplay in real time. Players can build their own characters if they can't find one they like, and they can create theme music and design logos that suit their teams. The game seems random, but skill is required to get the ball from one end to the other and into the goal. Up to eight players can enter a match, but two-on-two is suggested for the best gameplay.
Is it any good?
There are a couple of reasons why #IDARB appeals to players of all ages: It's fast, it's entertaining, and it's easy to get the hang of quickly. Everything is customizable, from the music to the characters, so players have lots of options for each match. This keeps the action fun even if it's the same arena game after game. It might not be easy to fully decipher lots of the characters thanks to their pixelated design, but younger players will have no problem warming up to them thanks to games such as Minecraft that have brought such animation back to the forefront.
Kids will like seeing their characters jumping around the screen, but they may have a hard time keeping track of their avatars if there are more than four players, since having more players turns on-field action into complete chaos. The one warning that should clearly be provided to parents is that they'll need to disable the live Twitter feed along the bottom of the screen to block the language and suggestible dialogue between players. If you can overlook the language and sometimes chaotic play, you'll find #IDARB is simple, silly fun.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about the world of soccer. How is the game played? How do you score a goal?
Do you recognize any of the characters in the game? How would you create a character? What logo would you use to represent your team?
Game details
- Platforms: Xbox One
- Price: $14.99
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Available online? Not available online
- Developer: Other Ocean Interactive
- Release date: January 30, 2015
- Genre: Arcade
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts, Book Characters, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models
- ESRB rating: E for Alcohol Reference, Comic Mischief, Simulated Gambling
- Last updated: June 19, 2019
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