Parents' Guide to Rocket League

Game PlayStation 4 , Windows 2015
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Common Sense Media Review

Paul Semel By Paul Semel , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 8+

Arcade-style soccer, with cars and a giant ball.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 8+?

Any Positive Content?

  • Rocket League Screenshot #1
  • Rocket League Screenshot #2
  • Rocket League Screenshot #3

Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 8+

Based on 24 parent reviews

Parents say the game offers a fun, engaging experience for all ages, particularly enjoyable with friends, but it's crucial to disable chat options for children due to rampant toxicity and inappropriate language. While many find the gameplay exhilarating and easy to learn, concerns regarding the game's toxic environment, the pressure to achieve high ranks, and the potential for obsessive behavior are common themes among parents' feedback.

  • fun for all ages
  • toxic environment
  • disable chat options
  • addictive gameplay
  • challenging for kids
Summarized with AI
 

 

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age 7+

Based on 115 kid reviews

Kids say this game is highly enjoyable and easily accessible, offering a fun twist on soccer that many find addictive while promoting teamwork and competitive gameplay. However, some reviewers express concerns about toxicity in online matches and server issues that can hinder the experience, suggesting that parents might want to manage chat features and be aware of the potential frustrations tied to the competitive nature of the game.

  • fun gameplay
  • addictive experience
  • toxic community
  • manage chat settings
  • competitive ranking
  • family-friendly
Summarized with AI
 

 

See all 115 kid reviews

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What's It About?

Because ROCKET LEAGUE is a sports game, there really is no story. Sure, it looks like you and your friends drove into King Kong's backyard and starting playing on the enclosed soccer field he built for himself and Godzilla, but we're just speculating. What we can tell you is that though there are tons of arenas and you can unlock new flags, paint jobs, and hats to customize your car, the only thing motivating you is the desire to win.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 24 ):
Kids say ( 115 ):

If you like arcadey driving games, simple sports games, and playing against your friends, Rocket League could become your next online addiction. Essentially soccer with cars and a giant ball, this game has you drive around an enclosed arena, bumping into other players as you try to knock the ball into the goal. But in keeping with the arcade spirit, the physics are a bit on the unrealistic side, which is why your car can hop up and twist, you can drive up the sides of walls, and head-on crashes only cause you to bounce back (though, admittedly, the physics may be too unbelievable for those looking for a real athletic challenge). You also can play matches up to four-on-four, either online, via split-screen, or in a mix of the two, though the more populated matches tend to be a bit too chaotic. There's even an exhibition mode where you can play against the computer, and these matches also go up to four-on-four, though this gets old pretty quickly -- well, unless you customize your car with a pirate flag, purple boost smoke, and a sombrero. That's just funny.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about good sportsmanship. Why is it important to be a good loser? And why is it just as important to be a good winner?

  • Talk about teamwork. How will working with your teammates help you win games of Rocket League? How can you apply this to other games? Or the rest of your life?

Game Details

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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.

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