Mercenaries

Game review by Matthew Pavao, Common Sense Media
Mercenaries Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 18+

Killing-for-profit game definitely isn't for kids.

PlayStation 2 2005
Rate game

Parents say

age 11+

Based on 9 reviews

Kids say

age 11+

Based on 34 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate game

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this game.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that death and destruction are constant in this game. The violence is very real and bodies go flying, although there's little blood. Playing as killers for hire, players jack cars, take hostages, and mow down enemies for profit, not any noble cause.

Community Reviews

Sam M.
Sam M. Adult
November 19, 2017
age 13+

T-rated alternative to GTA

Constant bloodless shooting and explosions throughout. "No Noble Cause"? Sure your doing it for profit but i fail to see how overthrowing a North Korean dictator is "Ignoble". A character snorts cocaine in a couple scenes (mostly implied but hes clearly snorting something). Despite being clunky in several areas, such as AI, faction favor being way to easy to disrupt, some mechanically awkward mission design and mayhem in levels going into unbalanced proportions, the game has alot going for it. Being able to get all sorts of bombardments and airstrikes for use anytime adds spice and flare to objectives. The destruction was lots of fun for the time even though its merely (badass) window dressing and has no real tactical value. Combat is fun and frenetic. The vehicle variety is great and getting them is very accessible. The world is sterile and dreary yet has character. Missions may have very similar objectives but it always finds fresh ways of having $#!t blow up! Even even though its not as open as other open world games like San Andreas, there is tons of room to play around with the arsenal and plenty of nooks and crannies to find along with loot and targets.
mrmom
mrmom Adult
May 22, 2010
age 10+
This game is great. Although you kill many people, not for a cause just to get a quick buck,the game isnt exactly violent, you dont realy get close up to kill, and your enemys dont scream unless you shoot them in a non-leatal area, like the leg.
See all 9 parent reviews

What’s It About?

MERCENARIES follows the ExOps, a group of mercenaries looking to capitalize financially on a Korean conflict. You must guide the mercenary you have chosen to stop the new North Korean leaders before they amass a nuclear arsenal. Each enemy has been paired with a playing card to designate his importance. The mercenary goes through a deck of 52 enemies; the goal is to get to the Ace of Spades, Gen. Choi Song.

While hunting for the Ace of Spades, the mercenary has the option of running missions for the other factions located in the demilitarized zone. These missions can be for cash to purchase other useful items, such as cars and weapons, from the black market, or to keep interested groups in the area satisfied. Winning the favor of the Russian Mafia, the Chinese government, the North Koreans, and the Allied Forces, all of whom occupy some space in the DMZ, is of utmost importance to succeed.

Is It Any Good?

The strength of this game comes from the realism of its battle scenes. Whether sneaking through a North Korean camp to take out a signal jamming device, or using C4 explosives to take out a whole building, players will find their adrenaline pumping. These realistic battle scenes can become a little too real for younger players. While the amount of blood and guts in the game is a minimum, the death and destruction is constant, and there is enough authentic violence to warrant a 17+ rating.

Even for older players, the destruction of the game eventually grows stale. There's hardly any character development and the storyline doesn't even rip off a war movie, which would at least give it a little depth. The soundtrack is boring, and it takes a ridiculously long time to get to missions. Overall, mature players will find the realistic battle scenes and complicated missions entertaining enough, but younger players should stay far, far away.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the plot points and themes, especially those that are grounded in the real world. For example: Why are the North Koreans the enemy in this game? Why are mercenaries used in war? Is it ever ethical to be a mercenary -- or to hire one?

Game Details

Our Editors Recommend

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.

See how we rate