Common Sense Media Review
By David Chapman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Revisiting classic stories with new, modern-day twists.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
The Wanderer: Frankenstein's Creature
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
Inspired by Mary Shelley's original Frankenstein novel, THE WANDERER: FRANKENSTEIN'S CREATURE takes players on an artistic and emotionally charged journey of what it truly means to be human. Abandoned by his creator, the only father he's known, the Creature awakens alone in an unfamiliar world. Driven by the need to understand the world and what his place in it is, the Creature sets out on his own, taking in the awe and wonder of all around him. But exactly how he sees this new world is up to you and the choices you make. Others may have told his story in the past, but this time it's yours to tell. Will you follow a path of hope and innocence, a gentle giant seeking acceptance? Or will you follow a darker path, your imposing form bringing fear and hate to those who dare to cross your path? Will you find a sense of peace and solace? Or will you be consumed by your rage?
Is It Any Good?
Most people's image of Frankenstein's monster is the slow and sluggish brute with bolts sticking out of his neck from the classic Universal monster movies. But The Wanderer: Frankenstein's Creature takes its cue from the original Mary Shelley novel, which presented the Creature as an intelligent but naive creature, shaped by how others treat him and by his desire to be accepted. In this game, the Creature is once again a blank slate -- only this time his world view is dictated by your actions. These choices direct the path of the story but don't end it prematurely. There's no "Game Over" until the narrative you've crafted comes to its natural conclusion.
The Wanderer: Frankenstein's Creature is less of a game and more of an interactive story. There are a few light puzzle elements that spring up over the course of the story, but none of them are particularly difficult to figure out. In fact, they almost seem like an afterthought tossed in just to remind you that this is still, technically, a game. It's also a relatively short game, clocking in at about two hours or so from start to finish, depending on your actions. In spite of this, watching everything unfold -- whether it's the bright color palette when things are going right or the dismal grays as things fall apart -- feels like a true work of art coming together as you play.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about self-image. How important is it for us to define our own personality, rather than have it defined for us by others? How can our personality and demeanor reflect our view of the world, and how the world treats us in return?
What are some examples of classic literature being updated for newer audiences? Do you prefer these updates to remain closer to the original source? How can these classics inspire today's content creators?
Game Details
- Platforms : Nintendo Switch , Windows
- Pricing structure : Paid
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : ARTE
- Release date : October 30, 2019
- Genre : Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy , STEM
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
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.
See how we rate