Common Sense Media Review
By Christy Matte
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tween rhythm game based on TV show is fun but short.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Victorious: Taking the Lead
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
VICTORIOUS: TAKING THE LEAD follows Tori and Jade as they vie for the lead in the high school musical and the chance to kiss Beck on stage. Kids can play as either Tori or Jade as they compete in dance-offs, try-outs, rehearsals, and the final show. There are a few other levels that involve blocking sword attacks, flirting with girls (very mild), and trying to maintain the spotlight. In most of the games, you watch the other character do a few dance moves and then you repeat them in time with the music by drawing up, down, left, or right with your stylus (on the DS) or button-pushing and moving the Wii remote (on the Wii). Higher scores unlock new dance moves, different outfits, and stickers to decorate your virtual locker. You also unlock mini-games to enjoy outside of the story. The game is divided into chapters and it's easy to go back to try for a perfect score on a level.
Is It Any Good?
Victorious: Taking the Lead is a fluffy game with a mediocre storyline and a lot of repetition. Fans of the show will likely enjoy seeing the characters and listening to the music. It's very easy to navigate and move around in, and it's very difficult to lose a dance-off in easy mode. The biggest issue may be that the game is quite short. Kids with decent rhythm and hand-eye coordination can easily complete it in an hour or two, while still managing to unlock most of the content. The question remains if they will want to go back and play again to make it worth the purchase. Victorious: Taking the Lead is a fine game, but lacking in substance.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about competition and rivalry. When is it fun and when does it go too far?
They can also talk about rhythm games. What makes them fun?
Game Details
- Platforms : Nintendo DS , Nintendo Wii
- Subjects : Language & Reading : reading , Arts : rhythm
- Skills : Communication : listening
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Release date : November 13, 2012
- Genre : Music & Dance
- Topics : Arts , Friendship , School ( High School )
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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