Common Sense Media Review
By Carolyn Koh
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violent MMO has drugs, sex, and cursing; for mature players.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
The Secret World
What's It About?
In an alternate universe, three secret societies rule THE SECRET WORLD and players join one to vie against the others (player vs. player) in world domination; but then all three societies band together to save the world from evil. Magic is very much part of this universe and the ancient myths are alive. Zombies, vampires, and werewolves need to be cleansed from the earth, and cults that are calling upon the ancient gods need to be stopped from bringing forth more evil into the world.
Is It Any Good?
For the mature player, The Secret World can be a fascinating game. The modern day setting is rare in an MMO and the modified sandbox style of gameplay and character development can be attractive. The game is a "thinking players" dream as character development is via various active and passive skills that can support each other. Templates are provided to help guide players but as skills can be combined and switched out, the building of skillsets is complicated and could be a game in itself.
The investigative quests are also riveting as these require players to solve riddles and puzzles, using the in-game browser to search the internet for clues. There are several websites built by the company for in-game locations such as Kingsmouth.com that can provide clues and answers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in video games. Why is it so prevalent in this game?
Families can also discuss how to stay safe while playing game online.
Game Details
- Platform : Windows
- Subjects : Language & Reading : following directions
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : applying information , investigation , solving puzzles , Communication : conveying messages effectively , Collaboration : meeting challenges together , teamwork
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Electronic Arts
- Release date : July 3, 2012
- Genre : Massively Multiplayer Online Game (MMOG)
- Topics : Adventures
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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