50+ Popular Video Games Parents Need to Know (The Ultimate List)
With so many video games on the market, parents have asked for a quick reference about video game safety for kids. In this list of popular video games, we show parents what you most want to know about the games.
For more information about how to pick the right game for your family, visit our Pros and Cons of Video Games for Families Guide.
Click any of the video game categories to jump to the description and list of games:
Sandbox Games
Real Time Strategy Games
Shooter Games (FPS/TPS)
Multi Player Online Battle Arena Games
Puzzlers & Party Games
Action Adventure Games
Survival/Horror Games
Platformer Games
Role-Playing Game
Simulation & Sports
"Sandbox" Games
Sandbox games are known for being "open ended" games with lots of choice for the player and non-linear gameplay. The games often have less defined goals and have multiple ways of accomplishing a task.
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ESRB Rating:
E (Everyone)
Game Category:
Sandbox
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Nintendo Switch
What parents need to know:
Game Builder Garage introduces players to concepts and components of game design and development. Players receive basic lessons on video game design, with the option to produce playable games.
Cons:
ESRB Rating:
E (Everyone) 10+
Game Category:
Sandbox
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch, Mobile
What parents need to know:
Minecraft is a popular sandbox game that fosters creativity and problem-solving. Players dig (or mine) and build (or craft) different kinds of 3D blocks across varying environments and terrains. It’s often described as a virtual version of LEGOS, but with various modes and chat features. Minecraft can be played solo or multiplayer.
Cons:
Anytime there is unmoderated chat, exposure to adult language is a possibility.
Real-Time Strategy (RTS) Games
Real-Time Strategy games usually include resources and maps that the player must manage and navigate throughout the game's mission.
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ESRB Rating:
Game Category:
Real-Time Strategy
,
Action Adventure
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Mobile, PC
What parents need to know:
Clash of Clans is a strategic action game where players build a village and arm it to defend against enemies and then compete in battles against invading clans. The game can be played solo or the player can join a clan of 50 other players to work together to defeat (and defend against) other clans.
Cons:
The in-app purchases may be tempting to many to speed up the village building process. Anytime that there is unmoderated chat, there is the opportunity for exposure to adult language.
ESRB Rating:
E (Everyone) 10+
Game Category:
Real-Time Strategy
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Nintendo DSi
What parents need to know:
Oregon Trail is a strategy game in which players, acting as wagon leaders, attempt to complete the migration route used by early American settlers. Players must make decisions about food and supplies to ensure the safety of their party. The game is inspired by the real-life Oregon Trail.
Cons:
Shooter Games
Shooter Games simulate a human view point of shooting a weapon from a "First Person Shooter" or "Third Person Shooter" point of view. The player operates as the shooter on the screen working to accomplish the game's mission.
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Fortnite
ESRB Rating:
T (Teen)
Game Category:
Shooter
,
Survival/Horror
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Windows PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
What parents need to know:
Fortnite is an online, multiplayer game in which players compete solo or as a team to be the "last man standing". This third-person shooter game is set in a colorful, surreal world where players can dress their avatars in silly costumes and do fun dances while building forts, gathering resources and trying to survive.
Cons:
Fortnite allows players to chat online with strangers, contains mild violence, and is designed to be addictive.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
ESRB Rating:
M (Mature)
Game Category:
Shooter
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Xbox, Playstation, PC, Mobile
What parents need to know:
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is a first-person shooter game that is part of a large franchise of similar games. The player's goal is to defend the US from Russian forces, utilizing machine guns, rifles, grenades, and other weapons to kill the enemy. Call of Duty is a multiplayer game where players work in squads with other players, both friends and/or strangers, using chat features to communicate and accomplish a common goal.
Cons:
The game is very violent in nature and it is easy to play with strangers. Anytime that there is unmoderated chat there are opportunities for exposure to adult language.
Call of Duty: Black Ops: Cold War
ESRB Rating:
M (Mature)
Game Category:
Shooter
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Xbox, Playstation, PC, Mobile
What parents need to know:
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is a first-person shooter game that is a part of a large franchise of similar games. Players, working in teams, control soldiers and participate in events during the Cold War using weapons such as rifles, pistols, and machine guns to kill their enemies.
Cons:
Black Ops Cold War is very violent in nature and it is easy to play with strangers. Anytime that there is unmoderated chat there are opportunities for exposure to adult language.
Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA)
Multiplayer Online Battle Arena games are similar to other styles, but offer a top-down perspective that emphasize map and resource management and real-time competition between players online (or a local network).
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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
ESRB Rating:
E (Everyone 10+)
Game Category:
Multi-Player Online Battle Arena
,
Action Adventure
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Nintendo Switch
What parents need to know:
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a fighting game in which players choose to compete with other players in an arena-style battle. Players choose to fight as a character from across Nintendo and other third-party franchises. Each character has special skills and attacks and there are multiple modes and fantasy arenas to play. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate can be played solo or multiplayer.
Cons:
Anytime there is unmoderated chat, exposure to adult language is a possibility.
Mortal Kombat 11
ESRB Rating:
M (Mature)
Game Category:
Multi-Player Online Battle Arena
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Google, Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo Switch, PC
What parents need to know:
Mortal Kombat 11 is a fighting game in the large Mortal Kombat franchise. Players compete in one-on-one battles against other players while punching, kicking, throwing, and using special weapons. The game contains a lot of violent imagery and sounds.
Cons:
A lot of violent imagery and anytime there is unmoderated chat, exposure to adult language is a possibility.
League of Legends
ESRB Rating:
Teen
Game Category:
Multi-Player Online Battle Arena
,
Action Adventure
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Windows PC
What parents need to know:
League of Legends is a multiplayer battle arena-type game in which players, in a third-person perspective, explore an icy world, solve puzzles, and battle with fantasy creatures.
Cons:
Mild violence
Role-Playing Games (RPG)
In Role-Playing games, players create or take control of a game's character and work to level up by getting points through various tasks. Some of the most popular type of Role-Playing Games are Action RPGs (ARPG) that emphasize a combat environment, Massively Multiplayer Online RPGs (MMORPG) that includes a large number of players, and Tactical RPGs (TRPG) which focus on deeper critical thinking for the players.
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The Elder Scrolls: V
ESRB Rating:
M (Mature)
Game Category:
Action Adventure
,
Role-Playing
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Windows PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series
What parents need to know:
The Elder Scrolls is the 5th fantasy role-playing game in the Elder Scrolls series. Players can play in either first or third-person perspective with a character they design. Players can roam the fantasy world or complete missions and quests and fight enemies with swords, bows and arrows, axes, and magic. Violence is prevalent in the battle scenes.
Cons:
Violence
Monster Hunter Stories 2
ESRB Rating:
E (Everyone) 10+
Game Category:
Role-Playing
,
Role-Playing
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Nintendo Switch, Windows
What parents need to know:
Monster Hunter Stories 2 is a role-playing game in which players act as a monster rider attempting to protect a mysterious egg. In this multiplayer game, players are able to explore a fantasy world, complete obstacles, and battle creatures all while interacting with other players and using weapons such as swords, arrows, and pistols. This game can be played online with others, but the chat is restricted to preprogrammed stickers.
Cons:
Roblox
ESRB Rating:
E (Everyone) 10+
Game Category:
Role-Playing
,
Puzzle & Party
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox
What parents need to know:
Roblox is a website where players can either create their own games for others to play or play games that have already been created. Many games within Roblox are multiplayer with options for chat but there are some parental controls that can be set to restrict the types of games available for play.
Cons:
Since the site is all user-generated content, it is easy to come across inappropriate games and anytime there are strangers and unmoderated chat in a game, the possibility of exposure to adult language and predators exists.
Final Fantasy VII: Remake
ESRB Rating:
T (Teen)
Game Category:
Action Adventure
,
Role-Playing
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
What parents need to know:
Final Fantasy 7: Remake is an action role-playing game from the large Final Fantasy franchise. Players control a mercenary (Cloud Strife) who is on a mission to save the planet from evil. Players explore fantasy worlds, perform different tasks, and battle fantasy creatures in combat using swords, staffs, guns, and spells. The game contains violence and some suggestive imagery.
Cons:
Some adult language and imagery can be seen and heard throughout the game.
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
ESRB Rating:
T (Teen)
Game Category:
Role-Playing
,
Action Adventure
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Game Creator:
Akira Toriyama, TOEI Animation and ShueishaWhere is the game played?
Windows PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
What parents need to know:
Dragon Ball Z is an action, role-playing game that is a part of a larger franchise of similar games. The players, from a third-person perspective, interact with other characters and fight in one-on-one combat while completing different tasks.
Cons:
Dragon Ball Z contains some suggestive and adult images.
Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla
ESRB Rating:
M (Mature)
Game Category:
Action Adventure
,
Role-Playing
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Playstation, Windows, Xbox, PC
What parents need to know:
Assassin's Creed: Valhalla is an action-adventure game in the Assassin's Creed series. Players assume the role of a Viking attempting to establish a new Viking settlement in England.
Cons:
The game contains graphic violence, drugs, alcohol, adult content and language.
Simulation and Sports
Simulation and sports games bring players'favorite real-life games and activities onto the screen for immersive experiences.
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Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2
ESRB Rating:
T ( Teen)
Game Category:
Simulation & Sports
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Windows PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
What parents need to know:
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater is a skateboard simulation game in which players compete against other players performing tricks, all while earning points, building custom parks, collecting hidden items, and exploring various locations via a skateboard.
Cons:
Adult language is easily seen or heard while playing this game including several songs within the game.
NBA 2K21
ESRB Rating:
E (Everyone)
Game Category:
Simulation & Sports
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Xbox Series, PlayStation 5, Ninendo Switch, PC
What parents need to know:
NBA 2K21 is part of a larger franchise and is a basketball simulation game in which players build and manage their own team choosing from real NBA rosters, compete against other players, and have the option to play both regular season games and tournaments.
Cons:
There is a lot of in-game brand placements and anytime there is unmoderated chat in multiplayer games there is the opportunity for exposure to adult language.
Rocket League
ESRB Rating:
E (Everyone)
Game Category:
Simulation & Sports
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
PC, Playstation, XBOX, Nintendo Switch
What parents need to know:
Rocket League is where vehicles play soccer with a giant ball and attempt to score as many goals as possible. Several modes of play exist: Season, Exhibition, and Training.
Cons:
Mario Kart 8: Deluxe*
ESRB Rating:
E (Everyone)
Game Category:
Simulation & Sports
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Nintendo Switch
What parents need to know:
Nintendo has created an updated version of their popular kart-racing game where players can choose to compete as characters from across the Nintendo franchise, race against other characters, use special powers, and even play multiplayer with friends or strangers.
Cons:
Anytime there is unmoderated chat there is the opportunity for exposure to adult language.
MLB: The Show 20
ESRB Rating:
E (Everyone)
Game Category:
Simulation & Sports
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Playstation
What parents need to know:
MLB: The Show is a baseball game in which players pick a Major League Baseball team and compete against other teams in various modes (e.g., Franchise, Diamond Dynasty, Home Run Derby). Players have the ability to adjust each athlete's power while pitching, batting, fielding, and other game styles.
Cons:
Players could potentially be exposed to inappropriate comments in online games through unmoderated live chats. There is a lot of product placement advertising throughout the game.
Madden NFL 21
ESRB Rating:
E (Everyone)
Game Category:
Simulation & Sports
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Playstation, Windows, Xbox
What parents need to know:
Madden NFL 21 is a realistic, football simulation game in which players choose and manage a team from actual NFL teams. Players will get to manage their team throughout the season dealing with injuries and calling plays and competing against other teams.
Cons:
Anytime there is unmoderated chat within multiplayer games the opportunity for exposure to adult language is a possibility.
Madden NFL 22
ESRB Rating:
E (Everyone)
Game Category:
Simulation & Sports
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Windows PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Stadia, Xbox One, Xbox Series
What parents need to know:
Madden NFL 22 is a football game in which players get to build and manage a team choosing from real NFL rosters to compete against other teams.
Cons:
This game has the option to play multi-player and voice chat with strangers.
FIFA 21
ESRB Rating:
E (Everyone)
Game Category:
Simulation & Sports
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Xbox, Playstation, PC, Mobile
What parents need to know:
FIFA 21 is a soccer simulation game in which players compete in soccer matches with other players. FIFA players can choose between hundreds of teams, leagues, players, and stadiums. This game can be played in single-player mode or in an online multiplayer mode.
Cons:
Adult language is easily seen or heard while playing this game in multiplayer mode due to the unmoderated chat.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
ESRB Rating:
E (Everyone)
Game Category:
Simulation & Sports
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Nintendo Switch
What parents need to know:
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a life simulation/role-playing game in which players work and create a community on a deserted island. Players can connect with other players or friends within the game.
Cons:
Since the game has no defined ending, it can be difficult for players to know when to stop playing. Anytime there is unmoderated chat the opportunity for exposure to adult language is a possibility.
Puzzlers and Party Games
Puzzlers and party games include games players would think of playing on a table and/or with other players in-person. They often add multi-player elements on the screen expanding on the board game's goals.
Tetris
ESRB Rating:
E (Everyone)
Game Category:
Puzzle & Party
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series
What parents need to know:
Tetris is a puzzle game in which players rotate and arrange falling blocks while clearing rows and competing against the computer and increasing speed and pressure. There are multiple different game modes for players.
Cons:
Roblox
ESRB Rating:
E (Everyone) 10+
Game Category:
Role-Playing
,
Puzzle & Party
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox
What parents need to know:
Roblox is a website where players can either create their own games for others to play or play games that have already been created. Many games within Roblox are multiplayer with options for chat but there are some parental controls that can be set to restrict the types of games available for play.
Cons:
Since the site is all user-generated content, it is easy to come across inappropriate games and anytime there are strangers and unmoderated chat in a game, the possibility of exposure to adult language and predators exists.
Action Adventure Games
Action Adventure games give players a deep focus on a specific plot and combat in a story.
The Last of Us: Part II
ESRB Rating:
M (Mature)
Game Category:
Action Adventure
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Playstation 4
What parents need to know:
The Last of Us: Part 2 is an action-adventure game in which players follow the story of two characters on their survival in a post-pandemic world. The game is played from the third-person perspective as the characters travel through the world using a variety of different weapons such as rifles, pistols, and explosives to survive and kill enemies.
Cons:
The game contains adult imagery and language and some violence.
The Elder Scrolls: V
ESRB Rating:
M (Mature)
Game Category:
Action Adventure
,
Role-Playing
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Windows PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series
What parents need to know:
The Elder Scrolls is the 5th fantasy role-playing game in the Elder Scrolls series. Players can play in either first or third-person perspective with a character they design. Players can roam the fantasy world or complete missions and quests and fight enemies with swords, bows and arrows, axes, and magic. Violence is prevalent in the battle scenes.
Cons:
Violence
Spiderman
ESRB Rating:
T (Teen)
Game Category:
Action Adventure
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Windows PC, PlayStation 5
What parents need to know:
Marvel's Spider-Man video game is a superhero-themed action/adventure game in which players act as Spiderman attempting to keep citizens safe while fighting enemies.
Cons:
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
ESRB Rating:
E (Everyone 10+)
Game Category:
Multi-Player Online Battle Arena
,
Action Adventure
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Nintendo Switch
What parents need to know:
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a fighting game in which players choose to compete with other players in an arena-style battle. Players choose to fight as a character from across Nintendo and other third-party franchises. Each character has special skills and attacks and there are multiple modes and fantasy arenas to play. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate can be played solo or multiplayer.
Cons:
Anytime there is unmoderated chat, exposure to adult language is a possibility.
Red Dead Redemption 2
ESRB Rating:
M (Mature)
Game Category:
Action Adventure
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
PlayStation 3, 4 and 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One
What parents need to know:
Red Redemption 2 is an "open-world" action-adventure game based in the wild west and is the third game in the Red Dead series. Players can play from the first or third-person perspective as an outlaw who must complete missions and compete in gunfights with period-appropriate weapons against government officials and other outlaws. There are also a variety of criminal activities that the player can engage in including bank robbery and killing innocent civilians. This game can be played solo or multiplayer with up to 32 other players
Cons:
The game contains a lot of graphic violence and close-up views of enemies being shot and killed. There is also a great deal of nudity and other mature content. Anytime there is unmoderated chat, exposure to adult language is a possibility.
Ghost of Tsushima
ESRB Rating:
M (Mature)
Game Category:
Action Adventure
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Playstation 4 and 5
What parents need to know:
Ghost of Tsushima is a multiplayer action game played from a third-person perspective. Players choose to play as a samurai, hunter, assassin, or ronin, battling against supernatural forces. Characters use a variety of different weapons to assassinate their enemies.
Cons:
The game contains graphic violence and anytime there is unmoderated chat, exposure to adult language is a possibility.
Marvel’s Avengers
ESRB Rating:
T (Teen)
Game Category:
Action Adventure
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Playstation, Xbox, PC
What parents need to know:
Marvel's Avengers is an action-adventure game inspired by the Avengers movies and comic books. Players are able to choose a Marvel hero to play from the third-person perspective while they battle enemies and complete missions. Each character has different abilities and special weapons to use in combat.
Cons:
There is violence within the game and anytime there is unmoderated chat, exposure to adult language is a possibility.
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
ESRB Rating:
T (Teen)
Game Category:
Action Adventure
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Playstation 4 and 5, Windows
What parents need to know:
Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales is an action-adventure in which the player plays as Miles Morales/Spider-Man from the third person perspective as he fights enemies attempting to save New York City from crime.
Cons:
There is violence and some adult language present.
Life is Strange: True Colors
ESRB Rating:
M (Mature)
Game Category:
Action Adventure
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Windows PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Stadia, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series
What parents need to know:
Life is Strange: True Colors is one in a series of narrative adventure games. From a third-person perspective, players follow the story of Alex, a young adult who has psychic empathic powers and must solve a mystery.
Cons:
There are mentions of drugs and alcohol in the game and other adult subjects.
Grand Theft Auto: V
ESRB Rating:
M (Mature)
Game Category:
Action Adventure
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Windows PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series
What parents need to know:
Grand Theft Auto 5 is an open-world action game from the Grand Theft Auto franchise in which players assume the roles of three criminals in the fictional city of Los Santos. Players can switch between each character and complete missions which often include criminal activities such as stealing cars, heists, or killing targets with a variety of violent weapons. There is a lot of violent imagery.
Cons:
Adult content such as drugs and alcohol are prevalent and anytime there is unmoderated chat, exposure to adult language is a possibility.
League of Legends
ESRB Rating:
Teen
Game Category:
Multi-Player Online Battle Arena
,
Action Adventure
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Windows PC
What parents need to know:
League of Legends is a multiplayer battle arena-type game in which players, in a third-person perspective, explore an icy world, solve puzzles, and battle with fantasy creatures.
Cons:
Mild violence
Final Fantasy VII: Remake
ESRB Rating:
T (Teen)
Game Category:
Action Adventure
,
Role-Playing
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
What parents need to know:
Final Fantasy 7: Remake is an action role-playing game from the large Final Fantasy franchise. Players control a mercenary (Cloud Strife) who is on a mission to save the planet from evil. Players explore fantasy worlds, perform different tasks, and battle fantasy creatures in combat using swords, staffs, guns, and spells. The game contains violence and some suggestive imagery.
Cons:
Some adult language and imagery can be seen and heard throughout the game.
Clash of Clans
ESRB Rating:
Game Category:
Real-Time Strategy
,
Action Adventure
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Mobile, PC
What parents need to know:
Clash of Clans is a strategic action game where players build a village and arm it to defend against enemies and then compete in battles against invading clans. The game can be played solo or the player can join a clan of 50 other players to work together to defeat (and defend against) other clans.
Cons:
The in-app purchases may be tempting to many to speed up the village building process. Anytime that there is unmoderated chat, there is the opportunity for exposure to adult language.
Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot
ESRB Rating:
T (Teen)
Game Category:
Role-Playing
,
Action Adventure
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Game Creator:
Akira Toriyama, TOEI Animation and ShueishaWhere is the game played?
Windows PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
What parents need to know:
Dragon Ball Z is an action, role-playing game that is a part of a larger franchise of similar games. The players, from a third-person perspective, interact with other characters and fight in one-on-one combat while completing different tasks.
Cons:
Dragon Ball Z contains some suggestive and adult images.
Cyberpunk 2077
ESRB Rating:
M (Mature)
Game Category:
Action Adventure
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Windows PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series
What parents need to know:
Cyberpunk 2077 is a first-person RPG/shooter set in an open world. Players play from the perspective of a mercenary named V as they explore the made-up world and attempt to survive by going on adventures and fighting and interacting with other characters. The game is currently only played in solo mode.
Cons:
The game contains graphic violence and references to drugs, alcohol, and adult language is present.
Fall Guys
ESRB Rating:
E (Everyone)
Game Category:
Platformer
,
Action Adventure
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Windows PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series
What parents need to know:
Fall Guys is a multiplayer platformer game in which players compete with up to 60 other players while guiding their avatars through an obstacle course and avoiding dangers such as falling off the edge, swinging balls, swaying platforms, and rolling boulders.
Cons:
Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla
ESRB Rating:
M (Mature)
Game Category:
Action Adventure
,
Role-Playing
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Playstation, Windows, Xbox, PC
What parents need to know:
Assassin's Creed: Valhalla is an action-adventure game in the Assassin's Creed series. Players assume the role of a Viking attempting to establish a new Viking settlement in England.
Cons:
The game contains graphic violence, drugs, alcohol, adult content and language.
Survival/Horror Games
Survival/Horror games focus on incorporating crafting and resource management skills to keep your character alive in the game. Horror games include zombies, post-apocalyptic stories or use the story to create tension for the player.
Poppy Playtime
ESRB Rating:
Game Category:
Survival/Horror
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
iOS, Android, Windows
What parents need to know:
Poppy Playtime is a horror/survival game that requires players to investigate an abandoned toy factory where all of the employees vanished and some of the toys are alive and evil.
Cons:
The title of the game and the characters, Huggy Wuggy and Kissy Missy, lead many young children to believe the game is playful and age-appropriate, but it is full of scares and suspense.
Fortnite
ESRB Rating:
T (Teen)
Game Category:
Shooter
,
Survival/Horror
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Windows PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
What parents need to know:
Fortnite is an online, multiplayer game in which players compete solo or as a team to be the "last man standing". This third-person shooter game is set in a colorful, surreal world where players can dress their avatars in silly costumes and do fun dances while building forts, gathering resources and trying to survive.
Cons:
Fortnite allows players to chat online with strangers, contains mild violence, and is designed to be addictive.
Platformer
Platformer games are often nostalgic or "throw-back" based games that were popular in early side-scroller video games.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars
ESRB Rating:
E (Everyone)
Game Category:
Platformer
,
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Nintendo Switch
What parents need to know:
Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a collection of three classic 3D Mario games, Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. Players travel through the Mario worlds searching for a missing princess while defeating cartoon enemies by jumping on their heads or bellies, throwing turtle shells, or using a water gun.
Cons:
Fall Guys
ESRB Rating:
E (Everyone)
Game Category:
Platformer
,
Action Adventure
In-App Purchases?
Yes
No
Live chat with strangers options?
Yes
No
Where is the game played?
Windows PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series
What parents need to know:
Fall Guys is a multiplayer platformer game in which players compete with up to 60 other players while guiding their avatars through an obstacle course and avoiding dangers such as falling off the edge, swinging balls, swaying platforms, and rolling boulders.
Cons: