Kerbal Space Program

Game review by Mark Chen, Common Sense Media
Kerbal Space Program Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 8+

Rocket-building sim helps determined kids reach the stars.

Linux, Mac, Windows 2011
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Parents say

age 8+

Based on 10 reviews

Kids say

age 8+

Based on 33 reviews

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  • Kerbal Space Program Game: Screenshot #1
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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 Kerbal Space Program is a space-themed engineering simulation that focuses on creativity as well as trial and error. It allows kids to build and test rocket ships using a highly visual creation tool similar to Spore's creature creator. The ships are crewed by little green astronauts, who do not feature prominently in the game. Many launches end in catastrophe and explosions. Most often the astronauts survive, but sometimes they disappear. Death isn't directly depicted.

Community Reviews

faggotboy3546
faggotboy3546 Adult
February 18, 2021
age 13+

good, but dlcs are pricey

the game is a perfect combo of learning and fun, though it is hard to understand so i recommend it for teens and older. the 2 dlcs combined with the game make it 70 usd so its very pricey to get the full game

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much consumerism
blelievre
blelievre Adult
September 2, 2018
age 6+

Not Playable

I would like to start by saying what a shame! The content of this game is astounding but, having played it for some time, I have discovered it is unplayable and eventually leads to frustration and disappointment. Initially, learning the game took some time. If you are unwilling to invest in the tutorials, you can leap right in but you will have some difficulties with the controls in the beginning. Game play, there is minimal violence. Occasionally your rocket may explode but there is no blood splatter or the that sort. My problem came when I was well into the game. It started pausing (stuttering). It was minor at first but progressively worsened over time. I Googled this problem and discovered this was a common unresolved problem with this program. For me, the straw that broke the camel's back was when I was in mid flight and the program paused. As much as this has been going on, it was unacceptable at such a stage of game play. I escaped out and immediately deleted the program. Again, this is a known, unresolved issue by the game developers so if you want frustration after hours of game play, by all mean, purchase this program and play it.
See all 10 parent reviews

What’s It About?

KERBAL SPACE PROGRAM is like a NASA simulator except it takes place in a fictional star system on the planet Kerbin. Players purchase various rocket parts such as engines and fuel canisters, put them together, and then see if they can get their ships into orbit, to one of Kerbin’s two moons, or even to another planet. The star system closely resembles our solar system, but the planet is populated with cute little green men reminiscent of the minions in Despicable Me.

Is It Any Good?

This space based simulation will be fun for determined, science-loving kids who can take the time to observe flight read-outs and use the provided controls to tinker with trajectory. They'll learn the fundamentals of rocket science and realistic, modern-day space flight. Though the amount of feedback can be overwhelming, the player community on the game's forums and on YouTube is robust and helpful and provides a rich resource for self-directed learning.

Players can and do provide feedback and feature suggestions. Now that it's finally been released, it sports a career mode with a series of missions, a limited parts-buying budget, and a personnel manager. But players should be aware that the game is a sandbox, meaning that players set their own challenges. What emerges are unique, self-designed experiences that nicely highlight the trials and tribulations of space flight.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how this game is designed to encourage trial-and-error problem solving.

  • Are simulations that are focused on building and creating more or less fun than violent games?

  • How can you protect your identity and privacy when/if you participate in Kerbal Space Program's online community?

Game Details

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