Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Lafferty
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violent arena combat pushes pay-to-play.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
SMITE
What's It About?
SMITE is an arena-based online multiplayer combat game in which users play as a god killing other gods and their minions. It features five modes of play (practice, co-op, normal, leagues, and custom) and four game types (arena, assault, joust, and conquest). Players enter a queue for a game type and are then put on a team. Once on a team, players select from one of the 50-plus deities, each of which has defined roles and skills. Some deities will need to be purchased to be accessible. Scoring kills in battle earn experience and reputation, which translates into stronger powers.
Is It Any Good?
SMITE is a decent game with strong graphics and special effects. Action is fast-paced -- although players may have to wait to get into a game (queues can last longer than a minute), once combat starts there's little time for anything else. The game features video tutorials for each match type, which is a nice feature. There's some hand-holding prior to jumping in and fighting, and experience is easy enough to come by to acquire higher-level skills.
The problem is that SMITE is basically a "wash, rinse, and repeat" multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game that can feel too repetitive. Plus, getting people on your team who disconnect when the tide of battle goes against you comes with the territory.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the importance of separating game violence from the real world in titles such as SMITE. Why shouldn't you let online emotions or frustrations surface in life? Is there something you can do to defuse your frustration when playing a game?
Parents, talk to teens about spending time and money online. How should game-playing time be regulated responsibly?
Talk about ways to protect privacy in online games.
Game Details
- Platform : Windows
- Pricing structure : Free
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Hi-Rez Studios
- Release date : May 25, 2014
- Genre : Massively Multiplayer Online Game (MMOG)
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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