Parents' Guide to Magicka 2

Magicka 2 is a ridiculously fun, over-the-top action role-playing game that challenges players to mix and match elements to create everything from ice shields to laser beams to fireballs. Spell-slinging is complicated at first: You initially select a combination of elements to try and then choose how and where to cast the spell (either at an enemy, an ally, or an area, on a weapon, or even on yourself). Hot keys help to keep a few of your favorite power spells handy, but to get the most out of your spell book, you'll need to invest a little extra time and effort in practice.

Magicka 2 is a game that's best shared with friends. Playing solo is entertaining enough, but it can be a chore to go through the campaign solo, as you're generally overwhelmed by the sheer number of foes. Playing with friends helps even those odds, but thanks to friendly fire you might end up getting defeated by a stray shot from an ally as often as you get speared by a goblin. That being said, some of the fun in the multiplayer matches can come from "accidentally" zapping a buddy from time to time. Either way, though, Magicka 2 is a blast to play and is not to be missed.