Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Lafferty
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Face hard choices in brutal post-apocalyptic RPG adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
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Where to Play
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Wasteland 2: Director's Cut
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
WASTELAND 2: DIRECTOR'S CUT is directly tied to the events of Wasteland (which is included in the deluxe edition for those who may not have played the original). Wasteland 2: Director's Cut takes place 15 years later and focuses on a ragtag band of desert rangers who are investigating the death of a fellow ranger at the hands of locals. The dead veteran, Ace, had been sent to investigate a strange radio signal that hinted at "man and machine becoming one," which, of course, is a omen of cyborgs. The player controls a team of four -- which can be created from scratch or chosen from pre-built characters -- and begins to unravel the homicide and mystery surrounding the ranger's death.
Is It Any Good?
This adventure takes a classic approach to its gameplay, while tossing in a lot of moral choices and violence to indicate this rough new world. Wasteland 2: Director's Cut's tactical gameplay and storytelling elements come from classic role-playing game (RPG) mechanics that have been refined over decades. Those who've played RPGs like Baldur's Gate will recognize the group-and-move style of tactics, as well as the ability to select a team member and give individual attack orders. The look and sound are solid, but that's not where the hook lies -- Wasteland 2: Director's Cut has a strong, evolving storyline that pulls players deeper into the less-than-perfect desert rangers and drives the game home with a story that lures and rewards players as they uncover the truth behind the innocuous radio signal.
The downside to the game is also one of the draws -- it's a dark tale that requires players to put aside notions of good to accomplish the mission goals. That the developers chose to integrate foul language and put in real-world elements, such as brothels, to underscore the feel of the game's desolate world seems a bit unnecessary and likely could have been discarded. Character creation also feels a little thin when it comes to character looks. Additionally, the camera, which is so zoomed out for a top-down perspective, is so removed from on-screen action that it can be extremely difficult to read text. Switch owners are better served docking their system to read words on a TV than its screen. But overall, the story and the classic gameplay of Wasteland 2: Director's Cut are what will keep RPG fans coming back hour after hour to play this adventure.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in video games, like the kind found in Wasteland 2: Director's Cut. Is the impact of the violence in Wasteland 2: Director's Cut affected by the amount of combat and gore that's shown? Is the impact lessened by the camera angles for the game, which aren't nearly as focused on the action?
Is it necessary for the game to include frequent swearing? What about the derogatory terms for women? Could these ideas have been presented in a different way that conveyed the same message?
Game Details
- Platforms : Linux , Mac , Nintendo Switch , PlayStation 4 , Windows , Xbox One
- Pricing structure : Paid
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Deep Silver
- Release date : September 13, 2018
- Genre : Role-Playing
- Topics : Adventures , Fantasy
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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