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Pariah
Common Sense says
Parents 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 while this isn't the bloodiest first-person shooter on the market, it has a plentiful supply of nonstop violence and graphic bloodshed typical of the genre. Bodies fly when grenades explode, and blood sprays from wounds. A smattering of heavy-duty profanity during animated cut scenes ensures this game isn't a good choice for kids and that the ESRB's M rating is justified. The star rating given this game is based on quality of gameplay within this genre and not an endorsement of the violence in the game.
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- Kids say
teh suck
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What's it about?
PARIAH's storyline, while short (10 to 15 hours total), is confusing. Players take the role of Jack Mason, a doctor for the Transgenic Control Commission. His latest assignment is to move a virus-infected prisoner known as Karina to an off-Earth medical facility. During transport the ship is shot down, and Jack finds himself battling for both his and Karina's lives.
The jerky plot is mostly told through brief cut scenes between levels, and there are a few twists and turns and a budding romance between Karina and Jack.
Is it any good?
PARIAH is at best a mediocre game with a limited storyline, average gameplay, and a good deal of violence. In other words, this is a good game to leave on the store shelf. The level and intensity of violence is the primary concern for parents. Blood splatters out of enemies when shot, and explosive weapons such as rockets and grenades send foes flying many feet in the air. Corpses are left behind, crumpled in bizarre and disturbing poses.
Players will find some extended gameplay with the multi-player mode, and the map editor offers a bit of an opportunity to be creative. But, overall, the game offers little return on investment for adult players and contains too much violence and profanity to be suitable for kids.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about the overall mediocrity of this game. Would a more compelling storyline make the violence more tolerable? Think about other games, such as Grand Theft Auto, or violent movies: Does creativity ever justify over-the-top blood and guts?
Game details
- Platforms: Windows, Xbox
- Price: $49.99
- Available online? Not available online
- Developer: Groove Games
- Release date: May 4, 2005
- Genre: First-Person Shooter
- ESRB rating: M
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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.