Just Cause 3 Parents’ Guide

Family guide to Just Cause 3.

1. Genre

Just Cause 3 is an open-world action-adventure game in which you use a variety of vehicles and tools to travel around island environments, carry out story missions that often involve shooting or blowing up enemies, or just play with a physics system that lets you destroy entire buildings.

Throughout the game, players make use of a range of weapons and other tools, like a grappling hook that enables faster traversal.

There is no multiplayer.

Rather than attempt to tell a realistic story like the recent Grand Theft Auto V – also an open-world game – has leaned towards, Just Cause 3 is about over-the-top characters and abilities.

2. Story

In Just Cause 3 you play as Rico Rodriguez. A few years after the events of Just Cause 2 he has returned to the country of his birth, Medici, to liberate it from a dictator called General Di Ravello. However, the exaggerated story is not the focus of the game.

3. Developer

Developer Avalanche Studios, not to be confused with Disney’s Avalanche Software, also made the previous Just Cause games as well as the recent Mad Max game.

4. Format

Just Cause 3 is available for PC, PS4, and Xbox One, from £39.99/$59.99 depending on platform.

5. Duration and Difficulty

It could take players around 20 hours to complete the main story, but because of its open world it has high replayability.

6. UK Rating

In the UK and Europe, PEGI rates Just Cause 3 as only appropriate for those aged 18 and older for multiple, motiveless killing and strong language.
http://www.pegi.info/en/index/global_id/505/?searchString=just+cause+3&send=Search

The GRA expands on its PEGI rating, by explaining that “Violence in the game is caused by a variety of weapons, which include pistols, machine guns, explosives and a grappling hook. Whichever weapon is used characters will fall limp with a blood effect and groaning sound. The player can choose to attack anyone in the game, including innocent civilians.” There is also use of the “f” word.
http://gamesratingauthority.org/GRA/

7. Other Ratings

In the US, the ESRB rates Just Cause 3 M for Mature (http://www.esrb.org/ratings/ratings_guide.jsp), with content descriptors for blood, intense violence, and strong language. “Players use pistols, machine guns, rocket launchers, and explosives to attack and kill enemy forces. Action can be frenetic at times, highlighted by realistic gunfire, large explosions, and cries of pain. Successful hits are accompanied by large blood-splatter effects. Some sequences allow players to kill captives and civilians; one sequence allows players to detonate a bomb on a pedestrian. The word “f**k” appears in the dialogue.”
http://www.esrb.org/ratings/Synopsis.aspx?Certificate=34140&Title=Just%20Cause%203

8. Themes

Rodriguez seems to fill a vigilante-type role, attempting to deal with villains in his own way, but any consideration of the politics and ethics comes second to the extravagant destruction.

While the aim of Just Cause 3 is to provide players with a big playground filled with toys without the politics, the story is undeniably political. The setting is fictional, but there are dictators in the real world too.

9. Why people play:

The Just Cause series is known for the level of destruction it allows the player to wreak. People play it for the freedom it allows you to do what you want with the tools provided.

Call of Duty Black Ops III Family Guide

Parent’s guide to Call of Duty Black Ops III

1. Genre

Call of Duty: Black Ops III is a first-person shooter set in the future, adding science-fiction elements to its military story.

Players can play the missions in the single-player campaign in any order. Each involves using tools and weapons to travel through a linear environment and kill enemies in various ways.

The campaign can be played cooperatively by up to two players split-screen or four players online, and various competitive modes offer both split-screen and online play.

With its focus on online multiplayer, Call of Duty: Black Ops III falls into the same category as games in the Battlefield series.

2. Story

Black Ops 3 tells the story of futuristic global warfare involving drones and cyborg supersoldiers.

3. Developer

Developer Treyarch also developed the previous Black Ops games, as well as World at War, though other Call of Duty games were developed by other developers.

4. Format

Call of Duty: Black Ops III is available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One from £39.99/$59.99 depending on platform. A multiplayer-only version is available for PS3 and Xbox 360. Those wanting to play online will need a subscription to either PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold.

5. Duration and Difficulty

It takes around eight hours to complete the story in Black Ops 3, but many people will keep playing the online multiplayer for a long time after that.

The campaign has multiple difficulty settings for players of different skill levels.

6. UK Rating

In the UK and Europe, PEGI rates Call of Duty: Black Ops III as only appropriate for those aged 18 and older for multiple, motiveless killing, violence towards defenceless people, and strong language.
http://www.pegi.info/en/index/global_id/505/?searchString=black+ops&agecategories=&genre=&organisations=&platforms=&countries=&submit=Search#searchresults

The GRA expands on its PEGI rating by explaining that the game “features depictions of very strong violence, the motiveless killing of innocent characters, torture and the use of sexual expletives.” Examples of strong violence include “decapitation, dismemberment of limbs”, and torture such as “physical beatings of characters that are restrained in chairs or on tables and the use of water to simulate drowning”.
http://gamesratingauthority.org/GRA/

7. Other Ratings

In the US, the ESRB rates Call of Duty: Black Ops III M for Mature (http://www.esrb.org/ratings/ratings_guide.jsp), with content descriptors for blood and gore, drug reference, intense violence, and strong violence. “Players use machine guns, pistols, shotguns, grenade launchers, and various “cybercore” abilities (e.g., drone control, confusion for human enemies) to kill robots and soldiers amid futuristic urban environments. Action is frenetic, with frequent gunfire, explosions, cries of pain, and blood-splatter effects. Some attacks allow players to blow up enemies or blow off their arms or legs. A handful of cutscenes depict figures being beaten, tortured, or stabbed; some stabbings are depicted fairly close up. During the course of the game, players can select emblems from a menu screen for character/team customization; a few emblems are suggestive of marijuana. The words “f**k” and “sh*t” appear in the dialogue.”
http://www.esrb.org/ratings/Synopsis.aspx?Certificate=34119&Title=Call%20of%20Duty%3A%20Black%20Ops%20III

Lobby group Common Sense Media lists Black Ops 3 as only appropriate for those aged 18 and older.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/game-reviews/call-of-duty-black-ops-iii

8. Themes

Because it’s set in the future, Black Ops 3 touches on subjects such as climate change and futuristic military technology.

The story also addresses themes of suicide and loss, and plays with reality to unsettle the player. It also makes an effort to engage with the ethics of warfare, though the constant combat limits its ability to do so, and the focus is still on entertainment.

9. Why people play:

Although some would say these games are essentially the same each year, the Call of Duty series remains incredibly successful. While some people do play it for the single-player story campaign most focus on the popular online multiplayer, buying each new game in the series and playing it all year until the next one comes out.

Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection – Quick Guide (PEGI 16+)

Quick guide to Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection

1. Genre

Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection is an HD remake for PS4 of the Uncharted trilogy, originally on the PS3.

The trilogy tells the story of treasure hunter Nathan Drake, whose adventures take him all over the world and involve lots of action movie-style danger from both the environment and plenty of enemies both human and otherwise.

In the game, players will control Drake from a third-person perspective as he runs, jumps, and climbs through different environments. He also guns down dozens, if not hundreds, of antagonists.

The story is told through cutscenes and conversation between Drake and other characters who accompany him.

While Uncharted 2 and 3 had multiplayer modes, The Nathan Drake Collection does not, though players will get access to the multiplayer beta for the upcoming PS4 sequel Uncharted 4.

The Uncharted games share many similarities with the new Tomb Raider games like the recently released Rise of the Tomb Raider.

2. Story

Over the course of the trilogy Drake travels the world tracking down various kinds of treasure, often with supernatural origins and powers. The story often focuses on his relationships, e.g. with on-and-off romantic partner Elena and father-figure Sully.

3. Developer

The original Uncharted trilogy was developed by Naughty Dog, who is also developing the upcoming Uncharted 4, but was ported to PS4 for this collection by Bluepoint Games.

4. Format

Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection costs £49.99/$59.99 on the PlayStation Store.

5. Duration and Difficulty

It could take up to 30 hours to complete the trilogy, longer if players seek all of the collectibles. There are multiple difficulty levels so players more interested in the story can play on easy and have less risk of having to repeat sections.

6. UK Rating

In the UK and Europe, PEGI rates Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection as only appropriate for those aged 16 and older for realistic looking violence and strong language.
http://www.pegi.info/en/index/global_id/505/?searchString=uncharted&agecategories=&genre=&organisations=&platforms=&countries=&submit=Search#searchresults

The GRA expands on its PEGI rating by explaining that the collection contains “frequent moderate violence and occasional strong bad language”. The violence “consists of hand to hand fighting and use of guns”, and although it’s “bloody and there are some injuries” it “lacks any gory elements.”
http://gamesratingauthority.org/GRA/

7. Other Ratings

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Use this section to highlight details of the game not already covered by PEGI.

In the US, the ESRB rates Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection T for Teen (http://www.esrb.org/ratings/ratings_guide.jsp), with content descriptors for blood, language, suggestive themes, use of tobacco, and violence. The description lists available weapons (“pistols, machine guns, rocket launchers, and grenades”), as well as melee attacks and stealth takedowns (“e.g., choking and neck snapping”), and describes combat as “highlighted by realistic gunfire, large explosions, and blood-splatter effects”. It also provides examples of some sexual innuendo (“is that an ancient Tibetan dagger in your pocket?”), depictions of sexual activity (clothed straddling and kissing), smoking, and swear words (including the “s” word).
http://www.esrb.org/ratings/Synopsis.aspx?Certificate=34073&Title=UNCHARTED%20The%20Nathan%20Drake%20Collection

Lobby group Common Sense Media recommends the collection, but only for those aged 15 and older, describing the trilogy as “hilarious action games with frequent firefights, some blood”.
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/game-reviews/uncharted-the-nathan-drake-collection

8. Themes

As with many games, there seems to be a conflict between the personality of the protagonist – a character with his own moral compass and people he cares greatly about – and the sheer volume of people he kills, which might bother some players.

Since Drake travels to different locations around the world he meets people from many different cultures, and some may not be happy with how they’re represented, especially in scenarios that pit Nathan – who is white – against people of colour.

9. Why people play:

People play the Uncharted games for the different environments you get to explore, the bursts of action, and the characters and the interaction between them. Like the hero of an action movie Drake might have killed a lot of people, but players still hold him in high esteem.

Keywords:

Fallout 4 Guide (PEGI 18)

Quick guide to Fallout 4.

1. Genre

Fallout 4 is an action role playing game in which the player controls a survivor of a nuclear war, emerging into a post apocalyptic world 200 years after the bombs fell. Viewed from either first or third person perspective, the game is about exploration, meeting other characters and engaging in combat with human and mutant enemies. The Fallout series allows a great deal of player freedom, and this instalment has greater levels of customisation and crafting than ever before, allowing the player to solve problems in many different ways.

Fallout 4 is, naturally, a successor to Fallout 3, but also slots into the post apocalyptic genre prominent in games like Metro Last Light and Mad Max.

2. Story

The game opens the day the bombs drop in 2077, with the player character fleeing to Vault 111 with their baby son. 200 years later the player, known as the sole survivor.

Many, many side quests can take the player away from the main storyline, and the sole survivor encounters familiar factions such as the Brotherhood of Steel, ghouls and Super Mutants. The survivor can also recruit a dozen companion characters to their cause, as well as Dogmeat, a pet dog who can help sniff out resources and fight enemies.

3. Developer

Bethesda Softworks are best known for the Elder Scrolls series of fantasy role playing games as well as Fallout 3 and recent mobile game Fallout Shelter.

4. Format

Fallout 4 is available for XBox One, PS4 and PC, and has a retail price of around £55. As a single player game a subscription to Playstation + or XBox Live is not required. Downloadable expansions will follow, with a Season Pass covering all the DLC on sale for £25 or $30.

5. Duration and Difficulty

Fallout 4 offers around 24 hours of gameplay in the main campaign alone, although length will depend on player ability and how deeply areas are explored. A full exploration of the game could stretch well over 50 hours.

6. UK Rating

Fallout 4 is rated PEGI 18 in the UK and Europe due to frequent strong violence.

http://www.pegi.info/en/index/global_id/505/?searchString=Fallout+4

The Games Rating Authority expand on their PEGI details, saying that ‘players can decapitate and dismember enemies with various firearms, explosives or melee weapons, all with associated blood and gore. As in Fallout 3, players can use a targeting system which will depict this violence in slow motion. Bodies remain on the ground and can be mutilated further post-mortem. Some characters are restrained and defenceless against the violence.’ The GRA also states that the game contains ‘infrequent use of the word fuck’.

http://gamesratingauthority.org/GRA/

7. Other Ratings

In the US, the ESRB rates Fallout 4 M for Mature, with descriptors for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language and Use of Drugs. The ESRB states that ‘a handful of scenes depict chunks of flesh as well as severed heads and dismembered corpses.‘ The game also features the words ‘fuck’, ‘shit’ and ‘asshole’ in dialogue.

http://www.esrb.org/ratings/search.aspx?from=home&titleOrPublisher=fallout%204

8. Themes

Fallout 4 delivers a common formula from previous Fallout games of bleak post apocalyptic survival, explosive violence and jet black humour. The announcement trailer reminded players that ‘war, war never changes’ with the conflict between the Brotherhood of Steel, the Institute and other factions guiding the storyline. Playing a character who remembers the pre-war world as opposed to a lifelong vault dweller introduces a fresh viewpoint on the wasteland, as does the fact that your character speaks rather than being the strong, entirely silent type, while the search for your son adds a strong theme of family.

9. Why people play:

Very few games on the last generation of consoles provided such a sense of freedom and haunting feeling of loneliness as Fallout 3, and Fallout 4 delivers even more flexibility to explore and interact with the radioactive wasteland and its inhabitants. Combat utilises a dazzling array of weapons, while settlement building provides long term objectives and the opportunity to romance human companion characters – no Super Mutant love for you, I’m afraid – provides freeform depth outside the central storyline.

The Fallout universe’s future, extended as it is from an imaginary endless 1950s cold war rather than our own present, has always been a beguiling combination of survivalist grit and mid twentieth century retro futurism. What other game this year will give you the chance to don a brightly coloured jump suit – or any other clothes you can find – wield a laser weapon and explore the wastes while listening to period be-bop tunes?

Halo 5 Guardians Guide (PEGI 16+)

Parents’ guide to Halo 5 Guardians.

1. Genre

Halo 5: Guardians is a first-person shooter exclusive to the Xbox One, the latest in the popular Halo series that began on the original Xbox in 2001.

In the campaign players switch between series hero Master Chief and a new protagonist called Locke, accompanied by up to three human players or AI-controlled companions, travelling to different alien locations and defeating hordes of alien enemies.

Despite the campaign, the focus for a lot of people is on online multiplayer, with two additional modes that are new to this entry to the series.

Halo 5 is similar to recent games in the series.

2. Story

In Guardians, Master Chief and the Blue Team disappear and the United Nations Space Command sends out new protagonist Locke and Fireteam Osiris to track them down. Players play as both Master Chief and Locke along the way.

3. Developer

Although the series was originally developed by Bungie, the franchise passed to Microsoft developer 343 Industries when they parted company before Halo 4. 343 has also worked on remakes like Combat Evolved Anniversary and The Master Chief Collection.

4. Format

Halo 5: Guardians is only available for Xbox One, for £45/$60. You need a subscription to Xbox Live Gold to play multiplayer, which costs £40/$60 for a year.

5. Duration and Difficulty

It takes 8-12 hours to finish the campaign.

There are multiple difficulty levels from which to choose, and players spend many hours honing their skills for online competitive play.

6. UK Rating

In the UK and Europe, PEGI rates Halo 5: Guardians as only appropriate for those aged 16 and older for “realistic looking violence”.
http://www.pegi.info/en/index/global_id/505/?searchString=halo+5&agecategories=&genre=&organisations=&platforms=&countries=&submit=Search#searchresults

The GRA expands on its PEGI rating, explaining that while “the majority of the campaign is concerned with dispatching enemy alien characters”, “human characters can also be attacked with melee weapons, explosives and various firearms”. In multiplayer, for instance, “players can assassinate heavily armoured human characters by jumping on their back and twisting their neck, with a breaking sound”. Sometimes there’s blood, and some guns “blow your enemies up into glowing parts which disintegrate”.
http://gamesratingauthority.org/GRA/

7. Other Ratings

In the US, the ESRB rates Halo 5: Guardians T for Teen (http://www.esrb.org/ratings/ratings_guide.jsp), with content descriptors for blood, mild language, and violence. It also notes that online features “may expose players to unrated user-generated content”. Mild language includes the word “ass” and insults like “I have copulated […] with your genetic progenitors”.
http://www.esrb.org/ratings/Synopsis.aspx?logoonly=1&Certificate=34053&Title=Halo%205%3A%20Guardians

8. Themes

Halo 5: Guardians sees Master Chief dealing with the aftermath of the events of Halo 4 and the loss he has suffered.

Throughout the series runs the theme of individual heroism and the hope pinned, often questionably, on these iconic characters.

9. Why people play:

People enjoy the Halo games for the feel of the combat, whether that’s the guns or the melee attack, fighting against alien enemies that require different tactics to defeat. Since Halo 2, these games have been popular for their online multiplayer modes, including the ability to play cooperatively with friends, and Halo 5 is likely to continue that tradition.

Rise of the Tomb Raider Guide (PEGI 18)

Parents Guide to Rise of the Tomb Raider

1. Genre
Rise of the Tomb Raider is the sequel to the 2013 reboot of the classic series. Again, it’s an action-adventure game in which Lara Croft explores environments, kills enemies, and along the way collects items and learns new skills.

Actions in the game include fighting enemies with a variety of weapons, solving environmental puzzles, hunting animals and crafting items from their pelts, and generally running and climbing around. Some actions require players to press buttons quickly in reaction to prompts.

Tomb raiding, which involves finding hidden tombs and solving puzzles to get to the reward within, is often an optional side activity. Movie-like cut scenes tell the story.

There is no multiplayer.

Rise of the Tomb Raider is similar to its prequel, and both seem to draw inspiration from games like the Uncharted series.

2. Story
One year after the events of its predecessor, Rise of the Tomb Raider sees Lara in Siberia seeking a mythical source of immortality. In this journey she follows in the footsteps of her late father, who appears to have killed himself. Like him, she is discredited for her belief in the supernatural, her experiences having been covered up by an organisation known as Trinity that wants to reach her goal before she does.

3. Developer
As well as 2013’s Tomb Raider, developer Crystal Dynamics also worked on older games Tomb Raider: Legend, Anniversary, and Underworld, and the more recent Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light and Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris.

4. Format
While it’s due to release on PC and PS4 next year, currently Rise of the Tomb Raider is only available on Xbox One and 360 for up to £49.99/$59.99. A Deluxe Edition, which includes a season pass that will give players access to future downloadable content for the game, costs £69.99/$89.99.

5. Duration and Difficulty
Like its predecessor, Rise of the Tomb Raider can be completed in around 12 hours. Collectible items and the optional tombs will provide players with many more hours of play.

Some players may have trouble with the quick-time events, but those with experience with these kinds of games shouldn’t find it too difficult to progress through the story.

6. UK Rating
In the UK and Europe, PEGI rates Rise of the Tomb Raider as only appropriate for those aged 18 and older for extreme violence and strong language.
http://www.pegi.info/en/index/global_id/505/?searchString=tomb

The GRA expands on its PEGI rating by explaining that “there are various death scenes in which Lara comes to gruesome ends. In one example, she falls into a pit of spikes. A spike forces its way through her temple and out the other side of her head. There is a blood splatter and she begins to slide down the spike, as the screen fades to black.” The “f” word is also used.
http://gamesratingauthority.org/GRA/

7. Other Ratings
In the US, the ESRB rates Rise of the Tomb Raider as M for Mature (http://www.esrb.org/ratings/ratings_guide.jsp), with content descriptors for blood and gore, intense violence, and strong language, as well as online interactions. The description lists the weapons available to use (“pistols, shotguns, knives, and explosives”), as well as the stealth kills (“e.g., stabbing enemies in the neck, cutting enemies’ throats, strangling”). It also adds that, “Battles can be frenetic, with realistic gunfire, cries of pain, explosions, and large splashes of blood. Some sequences show Lara getting shot, beaten, or dramatically impaled by swords/spiked traps. One area depicts a horde of corpses burned and disfigured by a fire; severed limbs and heads are occasionally shown on the ground.” Swear words in the dialogue include the “f” and “s” words.
http://www.esrb.org/ratings/Synopsis.aspx?Certificate=34057&Title=Rise%20of%20the%20Tomb%20Raider

8. Themes
Players may be concerned about Lara’s mental health as she tries to deal with people not believing what she’s gone through, grief around her father, and guilt for her past actions. It tells a coming-of-age story as Lara becomes an adult and determines her future.

9. Why people play:
These newer Tomb Raider games are for those who like the kind of spectacle found in big-budget action movies, with beautiful environments and dramatic set pieces. People also love the main character, who’s had a starring role in video games for nearly two decades now and should continue for many years to come.

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate Guide (PEGI 18+)

Parent’s guide to Assassin’s Creed Syndicate

1. Genre

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate is a pseudo-historical open-world game in which you play as two assassins fighting against a group called the Templars in Victorian London.

Alternating between twins Evie and Jacob Frye, players will explore a populated open-world London, travelling in a variety of ways including parkour free-running over the rooftops, and carry out quests that often involve choosing whether to sneak past enemies or kill them.

Syndicate is the latest in a long line of Assassin’s Creed games, the most recent of which were Assassin’s Creed: Unity and Assassin’s Creed: Rogue.

2. Story

Syndicate is set in London in 1868, during the Industrial Revolution. The twins are dealing with organised crime and the enemies of the Assassin Brotherhood, called the Templars. Along the way, the story involves historical figures like Charles Darwin, Queen Victoria, and Florence Nightingale.

3. Developer

Developer Ubisoft Quebec previously contributed to Assassin’s Creed: Rogue.

4. Format

Assassin’s Creed Syndicate is available for PS4 and Xbox One for around £50/$60, and a PC version is due later this year.

5. Duration and Difficulty

Assassin’s Creed games can take from 12 to 20 hours to finish just the main story, with many more hours needed to complete the side quests and find all the collectibles.

6. UK Rating

In the UK and Europe, PEGI rates Assassin’s Creed Syndicate as only appropriate for those aged 18 and older for strong violence and infrequent strong language.
http://www.pegi.info/en/index/

The GRA expands on its PEGI rating by explaining that the game “features motiveless violence against multiple innocents and violence against defenceless persons”, since “players can kill bystanders by throwing knives at them or running them down with a horse and carriage” and “shoot restrained characters in certain parts of the game”. There is also a cut scene in which “a vulnerable patient” is “‘operated’ on […] awake, twitching and groaning, as a metal instrument is inserted into his skull”.
http://gamesratingauthority.org/GRA/

7. Other Ratings

ESRB rate the game suitable for those 17 and older for Blood, Drug Reference, Strong Language, Violence.

“As players explore the open-world environment, they interact with characters and engage in missions to kill human targets. Players use an assortment of weapons (e.g., concealed blades, firearms, knives, poison) and employ stealth attacks (e.g., sneaking up and stabbing enemies from behind or above) to eliminate targets. Blood sometimes appears around corpses and/or when characters are injured. Cutscenes depict additional acts of violence: a character stabbed in the head; a man bleeding out after being shot. The game includes reference to drugs in the dialogue (e.g., “A choirmaster and opium addict” and “Does shipping and selling narcotics sound familiar?”) The words “f**k” and “sh*t” are heard in dialogue.”
http://www.esrb.org/ratings/Synopsis.aspx?Certificate=34102&Title=Assassin%27s%20Creed%20Syndicate%20

8. Themes

Syndicate addresses organised crime and class divides in Victorian London. Additional downloadable content has already been announced that will tell a story focused on Jack the Ripper, a serial killer who murdered and mutilated female prostitutes.

While the game has a historical theme, its narrative is still driven by assassination and violence.

9. Why people play:

People play Assassin’s Creed games for a chance to explore and carry out varied missions in a historical open world. Its quest-filled open-world structure is similar to other games, but the series sets itself apart with its evocative historical settings.

Lego Dimensions “Doctor Who” Open World Guide #12 Part 2

On our second trip into the open world of Dr Who, we take a trip around the six different Dr Who worlds that we have now brought into one world by finding and activating the devices to teleport them together!

As we look around Skaro the Darlek home world we find Missy needs some help with a rusty Darlek! And we hunt for a way into the large Darlek statue! As we move into Trensalore the grave yard of the Tardis we discover an old friend of the Dr who needs a little help! And who could turn down Captain Jack?

Next is Talos the home world of the Cybermen and after doing some building we see what mission Madame … Has for us but not before we find a puzzle that only Chell from Portal 2 can help with! Next up is Mars where we discover how the new ability of ‘Hire a Hero’ works before finding Missy who needs some more help with some fires! Who could help with that? And finally into the 19th Century London at Christmas time where the Zygons are attacking! And we discover more build its and race icons!

You really need to build items in this open world to open up new challenges so don’t be afraid to spend those Lego studs!

Luigi’s Mansion 2: Dark Moon Guide 3DS (PEGI 7)

Luigi’s Mansion Dark Moon parent’s guide.

1. Genre

Luigi’s Mansion Dark Moon is an exploration and puzzle game. Through a series of missions, you control Luigi, who is equipped with the Poltergust 5000, a specialised vacuum cleaner used to capture ghosts.

Through beautifully drawn 3D rooms and chambers players guide Luigi and push, pull and open furniture to find ghosts, money and the hidden gems. The vacuum adds further interactions both to capture ghosts as well as reveal hidden objects.

The main mode has you retrieving pieces of the shattered Dark Moon by seeking them out in the five haunted mansions locations.

There is a cooperative multiplayer mode that can be played locally or online via Nintendo Network. This offers a download play option so multiple people can play with one copy of the game.

2. Story

King Boo has escaped and shattered the Dark Moon crystal causing the ghosts to become hostile. Professor E Gadd, sheltering in a bunker, recruits Luigi to find the five pieces of the Dark Moon, which have been scattered to different mansions.

3. Developer

Luigi’s Mansion Dark Moon was developed by Next Level Games and published by Nintendo.

4. Format

Luigi’s Mansion Dark Moon retailed at £39.99, but can now be found at a reduced price.

5. Duration and Difficulty

Luigi’s Mansion Dark Moon is a substantial game on the handheld, feeling more like a console title in both game-play and duration. It should take around 20 hours to finish the main campaign while the multi-player will extend play-time considerably as will collecting every hidden object.

6. UK Rating

In the UK and Europe, PEGI rates Luigi’s Mansion Dark Moon as suitable for persons aged 7 years and over only. It contains pictures or sounds likely to be scary to young children

7. Other Ratings

In the US, the ESRB rates Luigi’s Mansion Dark Moon as suitable for those 10 and over. “Players can fire seeds at plant creatures, set off “cartoony” explosions, and shoot spiked balls at enemies; characters whoop or squeal in a whimsical manner when they take damage. One sequence depicts a large monster that emits flatulent sounds and balls of slime at Luigi.

8. Themes

Luigi’s Mansion Dark Moon plays to its horror theme well without becoming overly dark. There are creepy overtones throughout but this is more a Sunday matinee style scares than anything physiologically disturbing.

9. Why people play:
Luigi’s Mansion Dark Moon is a superbly produced handheld game that easily matches many full console experiences. Not only is the central mechanic well implemented, it also develops intelligently as the game progresses.

Small touches like the flash of Luigi’s torch, the original DS styled communicated, and even Luigi’s nervous whistling while he creeps around the hunted mansions give the game a sense of finesse. Each level is like a fresh world in miniature to explore and conquer. The amount of hidden content will have players returning to completed locations time and time again.

For both younger players, adventure game fans or played together in a family Luigi’s Mansion is like peering into a beautifully sculpted diorama and discovering you can walk around in it.

Lego Dimensions “Doctor Who” Open World Guide #12 Part 1

We have finally reached wave two of LEGO Dimensions and we are heading into the eagerly anticipated Dr Who open / adventure World.

At a first glance it looks like a rather small world of 21st Century London! But it is full of surprises. We discover Missy who has a problem with some doplegangers, and then we discover that Lady Vastra has discovered some kidnapping going on! So the missions fit very nicely into the Dr Who universe!

We then look at how the Tardis works with traveling through time and space! And explained how you can play as your favourite Dr! And this is where we realise that the rather small open world must be made bigger! By using the Tardis we can travel to other locations in time and space such as Skaro, Mars and 19th century London and with the help of WildStyle we create a device to transport the world and connect it to 21st Century London which then unlocks all of its secrets and gold bricks for you to hunt down! But to do this we need to use the Dr’s Hacking ability and we show you the rather odd mini game puzzle it gives you!

Looking at the different worlds This open world has to offer we realise it is so vast and having to bring all the different worlds together through time and space before you are able to explore them properly is going to take time! So check back soon when we will show you more with all of the worlds connected!