Review

Arcania: Gothic 4

Common Sense Media says

Average action role-playing game with some violence.
Age
13
Quality
 
  • Positive messages0
    The goal of the game is to protect a town from evil, but this noble aim is outweighed by the player's engagement in bloody violence and exposure to coarse language, tobacco, and alcohol.
  • Positive role models2
    The lead character is a likable guy who has a sense of loyalty and pride. He also has a love interest, who we meet early in the game, and is willing to help townsfolk out with their tasks. He's not a bad role model but uses violence to solve most of his problems.
  • Ease of play4
    The PC version of the game is very easy to play, using the WASD keys to move around the world and the mouse to attack. It's quite simple -- too simple for some, perhaps.
  • Violence4
    This game features plenty of hack-and-slash, bow-and-arrow, and magic-based attacks. Blood spurts from  fallen enemies, both human non-human (such as goblins and trolls). However, the amount of blood is not copious, and there is no gore.    
  • Sex0
    Not applicable.
  • Language3
    Swear words can be heard occasionally in dialogue sequences, including "s--t," "asshole," "damn," and "hell."
  • Consumerism0
    Not applicable.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking4
    Characters consume alcohol and smoke. In one mission players move mead from one part of the town to another.
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Arcania: Gothic 4 is a fantasy role-playing game that focuses heavily on combat. That said, the fighting isn't gory -- players see only a small amount of blood. Players fight other humans, wild critters roaming about, and larger creatures, such as goblins, trolls, and other mythological beasts. There is some drinking and smoking in this game as well as the occasional instance of foul language.

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This review of Arcania: Gothic 4 was written by

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Parent of 11 and 15 year old
April 20, 2011
12
OK for kids & up
 
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Helped me decide (12) | Had useful details (9) | Read my mind (7)
Teen, 13 years old
February 25, 2012
13
OK for kids & up
 
It was ok. Din't get into it
The fighting wasn't anything special. Some of the themes are kind of iffy (a woman gets pregnant, then she and the man she loves get married). Had some language.
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Helped me decide (5) | Had useful details (3) | Read my mind (3)
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