Common Sense Media Review
By Mark Raby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intense, graphic deathmatch; survive by solving puzzles.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors
What's It About?
In NINE HOURS, NINE PERSONS, NINE DOORS, players awake to find themselves trapped on board a sinking ship. Their character can barely remember how he got there, and suddenly finds himself in the middle of someone's very dangerous game -- a game where losing means death. Stakes are high as players solve logic puzzles and choose from various forks in the road as they figure out the best way to escape from the ship. Eight other characters are trapped and all only have nine hours before the vessel is submerged and drowns everyone. Incorrectly solving a puzzle may lead to death, and players will find other victims through their quest. The story is about survival and avoiding violence, but sometimes it almost appears unavoidable.
Is It Any Good?
Despite the intense nature of the content in Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors, the story is captivating, creative, and exciting. The concept is a bit unsettling, but it is mitigated by the fact that everything is presented in a cartoon setting, easily divorcing it from real life. The perfectly inserted forks in the road and logic puzzles make the unfolding story an interactive experience, but the focus is always on figuring out what will happen next to the characters. The very nature of the content in this game makes it unsuitable for kids and younger teens, but for those who can get past the heavy language, jarring violent descriptions, and occasional images of blood, there is a very intriguing and riveting experience to be had.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the striking violent content can be used to tell a compelling story, but the non-violent heroes should be considered the stars. What are the effects of violence in the media?
How have you used teamwork to get out of a difficult dilemma?
What are the first things you should do if you are ever faced with a dangerous situation?
Game Details
- Platform : Nintendo DS
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Aksys Games
- Release date : November 16, 2010
- Genre : Adventure
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : April 10, 2026
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