Kung Zhu
Common Sense says
- Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi
- $29.99
- 2010
Parents say
Kids say
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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 Kung Zhu may be a Zhu Zhu Pets game, but that it is nothing like the Zhu Zhu Pets your children already know and love. This combat heavy game is an effort to get action-hungry boys interested in the Zhu Zhu Pets franchise. To that end, the hamsters here are all cast as violent warriors who weild massive weapons and battle hundreds of enemies. The violence is all rather cartoony, but be aware that this is a far cry from the other, very innocent Zhu Zhu video games that are available.
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User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
This game is erotic AF
why Kung Zhu is Problematic for young homosexual African Islamic transgender Americans
Short Summary: it is just fine
What's it about?
KUNG ZHU is an action game spun off from the popular cute-and-cuddly Zhu Zhu Pets hamster toys. The hamsters of Kung Zhu (which resemble bears more than hamsters) are members of a special ops military team. They use martial arts, swords and throwing stars, heavy guns, and robotic action suits to battle an army of evil hamsters that have stolen a collection of ancient tablets and kidnapped their comrades. Each hamster you free from imprisonment joins your team. You will also earn new uniquely-powered battle suits as you play.
Is it any good?
Kung Zhu bears no resemblance to any other part of the Zhu Zhu Pets franchise. It is an out-and-out military action game -- even if its heroes are hamsters. And as long as you're not looking for the cuddly positivity that you usually associate with Zhu Zhu Pets, it's a pretty good action game. There are a slew of playable characters, each with his own special weapons and attacks -- and a bevy of unique battle suits to equip them with -- which keeps the gameplay varied and exciting. And the controls are super simplified, making it easy for action-game novices to jump right in. Each labyrinthine level offers numerous crossroads that will lead you in all sorts of different directions and offers plenty of opportunity for exploration (not to mention replay value). It's definitely a decent game -- it's just a bit shocking to anybody who knows and likes the Zhu Zhu Pets in their softer, friendlier forms.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about the violence in the game. Does violence and fighting belong in a game about cuddly hamsters?
If you're a boy, does the combat and weaponry make the game more appealing to you? Do you still like the other, nonviolent Zhu Zhu Pets games?
Game details
- Platforms: Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi
- Price: $29.99
- Available online? Not available online
- Developer: Activision
- Release date: October 19, 2010
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- ESRB rating: E10+ for Cartoon Violence
- Last updated: June 19, 2019
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.