Is Uncharted 4 Kid Friendly? A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
The question of whether a video game is appropriate for children is a common concern for parents. With Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, this concern is particularly relevant given its action-packed gameplay and mature themes. The short answer is: Uncharted 4 is generally not considered kid-friendly, especially for younger children. While it boasts an engaging story and impressive graphics, its content includes realistic violence, strong language, and suggestive themes that make it more suitable for older teenagers and adults.
This article will delve into the specific aspects that make Uncharted 4 less appropriate for children, providing a detailed overview of its content. We will examine the game’s violence, language, and suggestive elements, and discuss how these elements impact its suitability for different age groups. This will be followed by a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to address any further concerns.
Examining the Content of Uncharted 4
Realistic Violence
Uncharted 4 is characterized by frequent and realistic violence. Players engage in numerous gunfights, utilizing pistols, machine guns, rocket launchers, and grenades to eliminate enemies. These confrontations involve realistic-sounding gunfire and explosions, with some blood splatter appearing when enemies are shot. Furthermore, the game includes stealth attacks, such as neck snapping, and sequences depicting characters getting stabbed or beaten. There’s even a scene where a defenseless guard is shot during a prison break. These elements, combined with the game’s detailed graphics, can be intense and disturbing for younger audiences. While the game doesn’t reach the level of gore found in some titles, the realism and frequency of the violence are significant.
Strong Language
The game contains strong language throughout its campaign, which typically lasts around 10-15 hours. While the language may not be constant, it is frequent enough to be a factor for parents. Profanity is most often used during gameplay. While the game does offer an option to mute speech, this setting does not apply to cutscenes, meaning that swearing is still present throughout the game’s narrative. Words such as the “s-word” are used frequently and there are misuses of God’s name, as well as other exclamations.
Suggestive Themes
While Uncharted 4 is not heavily focused on sexual content, it does include some suggestive themes. These include flirting, suggestive looks, and a scene implying that characters have slept together. Although these elements are subtle compared to the violence and language, they contribute to the game’s overall mature rating. Furthermore, there are instances of characters being killed by being hurled off of vehicles or falling great distances. A character is depicted having their throat slit.
Frightening & Intense Scenes
Although Uncharted 4 does not feature traditional monsters, it does have frightening and intense scenes. These can be disturbing for younger audiences. One example includes a scene where a pirate’s acts are depicted by the hanging of jaws and arms in a cave. There are also mummies that explode randomly, adding to the creepiness. These moments contribute to the game’s overall tense atmosphere.
Age Appropriateness: A Closer Look
Based on the content described above, Uncharted 4 is generally deemed unsuitable for younger children. Its ESRB rating is “Teen”, which suggests it is most suitable for ages 13 and up. However, parental discretion is still advised, particularly for younger teens. The PEGI rating of 16 is a more strict indicator that the game is not recommended for those under the age of 16, at least without parental supervision. This is due to the game’s realistic-looking violence and strong language. Given these content warnings, parents of children below these age ranges may want to consider the maturity level of their child prior to allowing them to play the game.
15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Uncharted 4
1. What is Uncharted 4’s ESRB rating?
Uncharted 4 is rated **ESRB Teen** for Blood, Language, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, and Violence.
2. What is Uncharted 4’s PEGI rating?
Uncharted 4 is rated **PEGI 16** for realistic-looking violence and strong language.
3. Does Uncharted 4 have blood?
Yes, **blood** appears during gunfights and other violent encounters. There are also **blood splatter** effects.
4. Can you turn off swearing in Uncharted 4?
You can turn off speech in the Audio Options, which will **cut out much of the swearing during gameplay**, but not in cutscenes.
5. How scary is Uncharted 4?
The game has some **frightening and intense scenes**, including creepy mummies and depictions of gruesome acts by a pirate, but no traditional monsters.
6. Are there any inappropriate scenes in Uncharted 4?
There are scenes depicting violence, death (including throat slitting), and some suggestive content. There are implied sexual encounters and suggestive dialogue as well.
7. Is Uncharted 4 suitable for 10-year-olds?
No, due to its **realistic violence, strong language, and suggestive themes**, Uncharted 4 is not considered suitable for 10-year-olds.
8. Is Uncharted 4 suitable for 13-year-olds?
Uncharted 4’s age rating indicates that it is suitable for those 13 and up. Parental discretion is still advised as some younger teens may not be prepared for its content.
9. Is Uncharted 4 harder than other Uncharted games?
Uncharted 4 is generally considered easy, even on the hard difficulty. There are options to further reduce difficulty.
10. Are there monsters in Uncharted 4?
Unlike other games in the series, **there are no traditional monsters**, but some scenes can be frightening.
11. Is Uncharted 2 violent?
Yes, Uncharted 2 contains frequent violence, with some blood and suggestive themes. It shares similar concerns for younger audiences as Uncharted 4.
12. How many cuss words are in Uncharted 4?
There are 29 uses of scatological profanity and occasional uses of mild curses and terms of deity throughout the game.
13. Is Uncharted 4 rated M (Mature)?
No, despite the mature content, Uncharted 4 is rated **T (Teen)** by the ESRB.
14. How long is Uncharted 4’s campaign?
The campaign usually lasts for about **10 to 15 hours**.
15. Is the Uncharted movie appropriate for kids?
The Uncharted movie is rated PG-13 for violence, language and some suggestive material, making it **suitable for older children and teens but potentially unsuitable for younger children** due to its mature themes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Uncharted 4 is a critically acclaimed game with an engaging story, its content makes it unsuitable for younger children. The realistic violence, strong language, and suggestive themes warrant caution, and the game is best suited for older teens and adults. Parents should carefully consider the game’s content and their child’s maturity level before allowing them to play. The ESRB Teen and PEGI 16 ratings serve as a good indicator of its mature content. By understanding the game’s specific elements, parents can make informed decisions about whether Uncharted 4 is appropriate for their family.