Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Exceptional strategy sequel with some mature themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 27 kid reviews
Kids say that while this game is an exciting and engaging strategy experience, it includes mature themes such as violence, swearing, and elements of substance use which make it more suitable for older teens rather than younger children. The gameplay is praised for its complexity and strategy, though many feel it should not be played by those under the age of 13 due to its intense content, even if some descriptions of violence are exaggerated.
- mature themes
- strategic gameplay
- well-crafted story
- suitable for older teens
- intense content
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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Pass
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Does not meet our recommendations for privacy and security practices.
Fail
Does not have a privacy policy and should not be used.
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Our expert evaluators create our privacy ratings. The ratings are designed to help you understand how apps use your data for commercial purposes.
Pass
Meets our minimum requirements for privacy and security practices.
Warning
Does not meet our recommendations for privacy and security practices.
Fail
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What's It About?
A dozen years is a long time to wait for a sequel -- especially when it's the follow-up to one of the most popular and influential computer games in history. But when you're game behemoth Blizzard Entertainment you can take your time to do it right. With STARCRAFT II: WINGS OF LIBERTY they have done just that. The sci-fi saga continues between the Terrans (humans), the tech-savvy Protoss, and the swarming Zerg – three powerful and well-balanced races that face off on alien worlds, each with their own tactics, technology, units, and weapons, as well as unique characters and motivations. The 29-mission single-player campaign continues the adventures of Jim Raynor, a marshal-turned-rebel leader for the Terrans (unlike the first game, you can't play as other races in the solo campaign, which might disappoint some). While the goals are set per level -- such as freeing allies, defending your base, recovering an artifact, or exploring the map to attack enemies -- you can often choose which technology and military upgrades to invest in and even select the desired path to take.
Is It Any Good?
This real-time strategy game doesn't mess with the original StarCraft formula, but the gameplay is so tight and polished it's impossible to resist its charm. As with its predecessor, StarCraft II has you collecting resources, such as blue crystal minerals and vespene gases, creating new recruits, constructing varied units, developing new technologies, and battling against uncompromising enemy species.
Along with introducing new (and familiar) units and characters, this sequel is rendered in full 3-D and can handle huge skirmishes on the battlefields. The story-driven cut-scene sequences are stunning to say the least, complemented by well-written dialogue and a moody soundtrack. StarCraft II also shines in its multiplayer modes, but fans of LAN (local area network) parties might be upset to hear Blizzard isn't allowing for this kind of head-to-head play in StarCraft II. Without question, StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty will satiate both seasoned strategy fans and newcomers alike. Get ready to fall in love with your computer all over again.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the difference between fantasy violence and that of the more realistic variety. Why is it generally easier to stomach fantasy fights? Is it because what we see is so far removed from the real world? Do standard morals not apply in battles against monsters and aliens?
Families can also talk about how the people behind StarCraft II took their time in delivering this sequel -- 12 years after the first game (and seven years in actual development). Is this a model other game development studios should follow (budget permitting) or is this too long? Should game companies crank out a sequel every year or so or take their time with an aim to perfect it?
Game Details
- Platforms : Mac , Windows
- Subjects : Language & Reading : following directions , reading , Social Studies : exploration , geography , Science : energy , geology , rocks and minerals
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : analyzing evidence , applying information , strategy , Creativity : brainstorming , developing novel solutions , making new creations , Collaboration : cooperation , meeting challenges together , teamwork , Tech Skills : digital creation , using and applying technology , Self-Direction : identifying strengths and weaknesses , time management , work to achieve goals
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Blizzard Entertainment
- Release date : July 27, 2010
- Genre : Real-Time Strategy (RTS)
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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