Is Gorilla Tag Appropriate for Kids?

Gorilla Tag is rated E for Everyone with a Content Descriptor for Mild Fantasy Violence. The rating for Gorilla Tag also includes two Interactive Elements: Users Interact (meaning players can communicate through the game) and In-Game Purchases (meaning users can use real money to purchase virtual currency that can be used to purchase in-game content).

In its most basic form, Gorilla Tag is a cartoony, heightened game of virtual tag. However, according to the ESRB assigned Rating Summary monkes can use “slingshots or cartoony bows-and-arrows to damage combatants,” which is obviously quite different than traditional tag. Damage is displayed visually in tame ways, such as popped balloons or characters slowing down.

Even if the content sounds appropriate, remember that Gorilla Tag is a VR game. Most VR headset manufacturers recommend that headsets be used only when kids are 13 or older. Meta has options for parent-managed accounts, and Gorilla Tag uses those features in-game by restricting users ages 10-12 from voice chat, player name creation, access to money transactions, and the type of servers they can join. It’s a good idea to check the user manual for any VR headset you own to see if there are any recommended age restrictions. Of course, the final decision is always up to you!

Where Can I Play Gorilla Tag and How Much Does it Cost?

Gorilla Tag is a free-to-play VR game available on the Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3, and Meta Quest Pro. It can also be purchased through Steam for $19.99 to play on PC VR.

While Gorilla Tag doesn’t cost anything to download and play, it does include offers for users to purchase in-game cosmetics. These include things like hats, sunglasses or makeup, clothing, gloves and held items, and more.

Cosmetics are exchanged for the in-game currency, called Shiny Rocks. Players have the option to purchase Shiny Rocks from an in-game ATM. The exchange rate is:

• $5.00 – 1,000 Shiny Rocks
• $10.00 – 2,200 Shiny Rocks
• $20.00 – 5,000 Shiny Rocks
• $40.00 – 11,000 Shiny Rocks

In addition to purchasing Shiny Rocks by themselves, players can also purchase cosmetic packs that often include some Shiny Rocks.

As with most free-to-play games, in-game purchases are entirely optional. Even if you and your family do not want to spend money on Shiny Rocks, players earn 100 Shiny Rocks when they log in each day. It’s always a good idea to discuss your household rules around in-game purchases with your kids.

How Does Gorilla Tag Play?

Gorilla Tag includes several game modes with the core mechanic being to avoid a tagger. From a first-person perspective, players move by pumping their arms (like a running gorilla!) to run, climb, and jump through the environment.

Infection

Gorilla Tag’s default game mode drops at least 4 players (and up to 10 players) into a level with one monke being chosen at random as infected. The infected monke, also known as the “lava monke,” must chase the other players in an effort to tag them. However, unlike real tag, instead of being “out,” the tagged monkes are also infected and will join the original lava monke in hunting down the uninfected players. The game ends when everyone gets tagged, at which point a new game starts with a new lava monke.

Hunt

A four-player mode that gives each player a “target” to hunt. Once the game begins, each player is given a hunt watch that displays information about their unique target (one of the other players). This includes things like the color of the monke, the player’s username, cosmetic information, and more. Players will then try to tag their target – which is kept secret from other players – while simultaneously trying to avoid the player hunting them. When tagged, players become an “ice monke” who can tag other players, slowing down their run speed and making it easier for their pursuer to catch them. The game ends when there are only two hunters left.

As with most free-to-play games, in-game purchases are entirely optional.

Paintbrawl

Monkes start this game on a team of either orange or blue. Each monke is given a slingshot with paintballs to fling at the monkes on the other team. Each monke can be hit three times before getting out – this is visually represented by three balloons floating on each monke’s back. When a monke loses all of their balloons they are no longer able to pop their opponent’s balloons, but they can continue to use their slingshots to fatigue and slow down their adversaries. The game ends when all the monkes on a team lose their balloons.

Casual

This is a non-competitive game mode to chat with friends outside of the regular gameplay. There are no core objectives, and players can simply communicate with friends and others.

Managing Your Monkes Like a Pro

VR can be a new and exciting place for kids to play, especially when it has the added benefit of being a very physically active game like Gorilla Tag. Even so, it’s important to have a well-rounded look at all of the ways you can stay involved and manage your kids’ video game experiences.

Checking the ESRB-assigned rating information is always a great first step. But there’s no better way to understand a game than trying it out for yourself. Of course, doing a little bit of research – especially watching videos and streams – can give you a great idea of what a game is all about.

Setting household rules is also a great way to keep an ongoing, judgement-free conversation around video games active in your home. You can find some tips about starting that talk by visiting our Family Gaming Guide. Visit ParentalTools.org for more tips and tricks.

Setting parental controls is a great way to back up your household rules, and Meta Quest has several settings parents can activate for child accounts (for kids between the ages of 10 and 13), and some supervision settings for teens over the age of 13. Visit our full, step-by-step parental controls guide for more on how you can manage your kids’ video game experiences on Meta Quest platforms.

The post A Parent’s Guide to Gorilla Tag appeared first on ESRB Ratings.

Is Gorilla Tag Appropriate for Kids?

Gorilla Tag is rated E for Everyone with a Content Descriptor for Mild Fantasy Violence. The rating for Gorilla Tag also includes two Interactive Elements: Users Interact (meaning players can communicate through the game) and In-Game Purchases (meaning users can use real money to purchase virtual currency that can be used to purchase in-game content).

In its most basic form, Gorilla Tag is a cartoony, heightened game of virtual tag. However, according to the ESRB assigned Rating Summary monkes can use “slingshots or cartoony bows-and-arrows to damage combatants,” which is obviously quite different than traditional tag. Damage is displayed visually in tame ways, such as popped balloons or characters slowing down.

Even if the content sounds appropriate, remember that Gorilla Tag is a VR game. Most VR headset manufacturers recommend that headsets be used only when kids are 13 or older. Meta has options for parent-managed accounts, and Gorilla Tag uses those features in-game by restricting users ages 10-12 from voice chat, player name creation, access to money transactions, and the type of servers they can join. It’s a good idea to check the user manual for any VR headset you own to see if there are any recommended age restrictions. Of course, the final decision is always up to you!

Where Can I Play Gorilla Tag and How Much Does it Cost?

Gorilla Tag is a free-to-play VR game available on the Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3, and Meta Quest Pro. It can also be purchased through Steam for $19.99 to play on PC VR.

While Gorilla Tag doesn’t cost anything to download and play, it does include offers for users to purchase in-game cosmetics. These include things like hats, sunglasses or makeup, clothing, gloves and held items, and more.

Cosmetics are exchanged for the in-game currency, called Shiny Rocks. Players have the option to purchase Shiny Rocks from an in-game ATM. The exchange rate is:

• $5.00 – 1,000 Shiny Rocks
• $10.00 – 2,200 Shiny Rocks
• $20.00 – 5,000 Shiny Rocks
• $40.00 – 11,000 Shiny Rocks

In addition to purchasing Shiny Rocks by themselves, players can also purchase cosmetic packs that often include some Shiny Rocks.

As with most free-to-play games, in-game purchases are entirely optional. Even if you and your family do not want to spend money on Shiny Rocks, players earn 100 Shiny Rocks when they log in each day. It’s always a good idea to discuss your household rules around in-game purchases with your kids.

How Does Gorilla Tag Play?

Gorilla Tag includes several game modes with the core mechanic being to avoid a tagger. From a first-person perspective, players move by pumping their arms (like a running gorilla!) to run, climb, and jump through the environment.

Infection

Gorilla Tag’s default game mode drops at least 4 players (and up to 10 players) into a level with one monke being chosen at random as infected. The infected monke, also known as the “lava monke,” must chase the other players in an effort to tag them. However, unlike real tag, instead of being “out,” the tagged monkes are also infected and will join the original lava monke in hunting down the uninfected players. The game ends when everyone gets tagged, at which point a new game starts with a new lava monke.

Hunt

A four-player mode that gives each player a “target” to hunt. Once the game begins, each player is given a hunt watch that displays information about their unique target (one of the other players). This includes things like the color of the monke, the player’s username, cosmetic information, and more. Players will then try to tag their target – which is kept secret from other players – while simultaneously trying to avoid the player hunting them. When tagged, players become an “ice monke” who can tag other players, slowing down their run speed and making it easier for their pursuer to catch them. The game ends when there are only two hunters left.

As with most free-to-play games, in-game purchases are entirely optional.

Paintbrawl

Monkes start this game on a team of either orange or blue. Each monke is given a slingshot with paintballs to fling at the monkes on the other team. Each monke can be hit three times before getting out – this is visually represented by three balloons floating on each monke’s back. When a monke loses all of their balloons they are no longer able to pop their opponent’s balloons, but they can continue to use their slingshots to fatigue and slow down their adversaries. The game ends when all the monkes on a team lose their balloons.

Casual

This is a non-competitive game mode to chat with friends outside of the regular gameplay. There are no core objectives, and players can simply communicate with friends and others.

Managing Your Monkes Like a Pro

VR can be a new and exciting place for kids to play, especially when it has the added benefit of being a very physically active game like Gorilla Tag. Even so, it’s important to have a well-rounded look at all of the ways you can stay involved and manage your kids’ video game experiences.

Checking the ESRB-assigned rating information is always a great first step. But there’s no better way to understand a game than trying it out for yourself. Of course, doing a little bit of research – especially watching videos and streams – can give you a great idea of what a game is all about.

Setting household rules is also a great way to keep an ongoing, judgement-free conversation around video games active in your home. You can find some tips about starting that talk by visiting our Family Gaming Guide. Visit ParentalTools.org for more tips and tricks.

Setting parental controls is a great way to back up your household rules, and Meta Quest has several settings parents can activate for child accounts (for kids between the ages of 10 and 13), and some supervision settings for teens over the age of 13. Visit our full, step-by-step parental controls guide for more on how you can manage your kids’ video game experiences on Meta Quest platforms.

The post A Parent’s Guide to Gorilla Tag appeared first on ESRB Ratings.

But is this spherical time-based racing platformer appropriate for your family?

Is Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble Appropriate for Kids?

Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB, meaning it’s generally suitable for all ages. Banana Rumble also has a Content Descriptor for Mild Fantasy Violence and an Interactive Element for In-Game Purchases.

Throughout the game, players can use various power ups like rockets, ice blasts, and baseball bats against enemies, such as robots. Some characters yell when hit and fly through the air from explosions. In battle mode, players can use a cartoony missile to knock other players away.

This game features friendly, cartoon characters engaged in slapstick racing, with comical enemies and obstacles. It’s designed for single-play and multiplayer, either at home or online, or against computer bots.

Where Can I Play Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble and How Much Does It Cost?

Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble is available for Nintendo Switch for $49.99. A Deluxe edition costing $69.99 includes a ‘SEGA Character Pass’ with six extra downloadable characters and additional fashion items to customize favorite characters.

As indicated by the In-Game Purchases Interactive Element, the SEGA Character Pass is also available on its own for $4.99.

What is Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble About?

The Legendary Banana has been hidden away and is sought by AiAi and his many friends. To complete their mission, they’ll collect seven artifacts through a series of 200 levels.

How Does Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble Play?

Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble is a fast-paced game where players will race and explore a series of increasingly tricky maze-like stages. AiAi and his friends speed through a variety of themed worlds, such as a fantasy flower garden, a Venetian-inspired city, an exotic temple, and a magical desert.

The challenge is to stay on the course without falling off the platforms while making use of special powers, like the ability to ‘Spin Dash,’ which allows players to sprint past rivals while finding winning shortcuts. These tracks include hazards like holes, paddles, moving platforms, sharp turns, and more, all of which make it truly challenging to stay on the track.

Players can enjoy the story mode (called Adventure) either alone or with up to three friends. They can also play various multiplayer modes for up to 16 players, including competitive online ‘battle’ modes like races and a riff on hot potato. Many of these are also available to play offline against computer-controlled bots.

Younger players may find it more challenging to race quickly through the level without falling off, but the game offers assist features to help less experienced players learn levels. This includes things like the ability to rewind the game and/or repeatedly practice beating the most difficult twists and turns, all without having to restart the level over and over again. A ‘ghost’ guide can also be summoned, who shows how to beat each level.

Manage Your Kids’ Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble Experiences

There are plenty of tools and resources to help you set reasonable parameters for your kids’ video game experiences as they prepare to enter the next arena.

Of course, it’s always a good idea to check the ESRB-assigned rating information, including a game’s Rating Summary when available, to make sure it’s appropriate for your children. If possible, the best way to learn about a game is to try it out before giving your kids permission to play. You can also learn more about a game with some online research, especially online streams, trailers, and gameplay videos.

As mentioned, it’s also important for you to familiarize yourself with the robust set of parental controls on the Nintendo Switch (and its mobile app) that allow you to manage what your kids play (based on the ESRB-assigned rating information), when and for how long, with whom, and whether they can spend money on new games or in-game purchases. You can find step-by-step parental control guides at ParentalTools.org.

If you’re looking for more tips about video games and online safety, visit ESRB’s Family Gaming Guide.

Colin Campbell is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in The Economist, The Guardian, Polygon, IGN, Gamesindustry.biz and more.

The post A Parent’s Guide To Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble appeared first on ESRB Ratings.

So, what’s new in this iteration of the long-running series? We’re here to tell you everything you need to know to decide if it’s appropriate for your family.

Is Super Mario Bros. Wonder Appropriate for Your Kids?

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is rated E for Everyone, with Content Descriptors for Mild Fantasy Violence and an Interactive Element for In-Game Purchases. This is a platforming game in which players control characters from the Mario universe as they try to stop the villain Bowser. Players traverse whimsical environments while jumping on enemies’ heads, throwing shells, and tossing small fireballs to knock them off-screen. Boss battles contain more involved combat against giant enemies that breathe fire and smash parts of the scenery.

As is the case with most Mario games, the content is cartoony and colorful, making it generally suitable for all ages.

Where Can You Play Super Mario Bros. Wonder and How Much Is It?

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is available for the Nintendo Switch and costs $59.99 both physically and digitally.

As mentioned, Super Mario Bros. Wonder also includes an Interactive Element for In-Game Purchases. This means that the game may include offers to purchase additional content.

What is Super Mario Bros. Wonder About?

Mario and his band of best friends are helping Prince Florian regain the pretty and magical Flower Kingdom from the Bowser’s nefarious influence. Players select a character to play from a roster of much-loved characters including Daisy, Luigi, Peach, and Toad. It’s the first traditional 2D Mario platforming game from Nintendo in more than a decade.

How Does Super Mario Bros. Wonder Play?

If you’ve ever played a classic 2D Mario side-scrolling adventure like Super Mario Bros. then you’ll know what to expect. Players steer Mario and his friends through several colorful, increasingly challenging worlds of platforms, obstacles, power-ups. As you jump, stop, and “wah-hoo” your way through levels, you and your family will battle cartoonish enemies, including familiar foes like Goombas and new baddies like Maw-Maws – funny, walking mouths that eat anything in their path.

In this iteration, cute talking flowers help the player by giving tips, and cracking jokes. Special Wonder Flowers trigger strange changes to the world, like transforming static pipes into wriggly, worm-like forms that the player can ride, or temporarily suspending gravity, allowing Mario and the gang to jump higher. It all adds to the magical charm of the world, as well as the more unexpected puzzle-like aspects of the gameplay.

Collectible power-ups and badges also return, giving your character special abilities. In addition to mainstays like mushrooms and fire flowers, Mario and some other characters can turn themselves into elephants, making use of extra size and strength as well as a useful trunk that can swat away enemies and spray water.

Players can also turn themselves into bubble-blowing bosses, capturing enemies at a distance, or using the bubbles as temporary platforms to access hard-to-reach areas. There are sure to be other power-up surprises throughout the game, too.

Can I Play With Other People?

Super Mario Bros. Wonder can be enjoyed as a single-player game or together with up to four players on the same Nintendo Switch, making the game fun for the whole family to play together.

While Super Mario Bros. Wonder does include some online features, it is not traditional co-operative play. Instead, players will be able to see which levels their friends have beaten and enter races to see if they can complete the level faster. Players can also leave “standees” (which look like little wooden cutouts of characters) in levels. Should their friend be playing the same level on their own Nintendo Switch, they will see that standee from your family and receive a bonus from it!

Younger children can play as Yoshi or Nabbit, who don’t take damage, making it easier to complete levels and explore the world and overcome some of the more challenging platforming sections. If a player loses a life, another player can save them and bring them back into the game, adding another layer of accessibility for younger players or players that are still learning.

Managing Your Kids’ Games

Modern game consoles, including Nintendo Switch, feature a variety of parental controls that allow you to manage which games your kids can play, when and for how long, whether they can share content with other online, and whether they can spend money on new games or in-game purchases. You can find step-by-step guides on how to set parental controls at ParentalTools.org.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder can be enjoyed as a single-player game or together with up to four players

Additional Tips for Parents

While parental controls offer parents many great choices, there are always more steps you can take to ensure that your kids have appropriate video game experiences.

We always say that the best first step is to call a family meeting and establish some household rules around video game play. By discussing video game play in your home, while acknowledging the positives, you’re setting a precedent for an open-ended, judgment-free conversation about video games.

You’re also letting your kids know that, while you respect their love of playing games, there are parameters that the whole family needs to respect (including you!). Just remember to back up your household rules with parental controls if/when you need to!

It is always a good idea to check the ESRB ratings pages for the games your kids play, and to do your own research, by viewing game trailers and independent game reviews.

Visit ESRB’s Family Gaming Guide for more information on household rules, parental controls, online safety tips, and more.

Colin Campbell is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in The Economist, The Guardian, Polygon, IGN, Gamesindustry.biz and more.

The post What Parents Need to Know About Super Mario Bros. Wonder appeared first on ESRB Ratings.

E (Everyone)

49% of all physical and console downloadable games in 2020 were rated E for Everyone. This means about 2,058 games released in 2020 were (and are) suitable for the whole family!

E10+ (Everyone 10+)

Everyone 10+ was assigned to 16% of the games released in 2020. Your 10-year-old had almost 2,730 age-appropriate games to choose from last year!

T (Teen 13+)

21% of games were assigned T for Teen in 2020. Combined with E and E10+, 86% (about 3,612) of physical and console downloadable games in 2020 are appropriate for your teenager!

M (Mature 17+)

Like years past, M for Mature 17+ was the least common rating in 2020 with 14% (about 588) receiving this rating assignment.

Remember that the Rating Category is only one part of the equation. ESRB also assigns Content Descriptors to indicate why a game was assigned a specific rating, and Interactive Elements to highlight interactive or online features that may be of interest, such as online communications with other players and in-game purchases. While ESRB age and content ratings are a great way to see what’s in a game before you buy or download, we know that that every kid is different. Sometimes your younger one may be ready for a T-rated game, and other times your 14-year-old may need some more time. No one knows better than you, but ESRB is here to help parents make those decisions.

If you find that you need more information about a game, take a look at the rating summaries available on ESRB.org and our free rating search app. You can also use our step-by-step parental control guides to make sure you kids’ video game experiences stay age appropriate. Even when you’re not around.

The post E for Everyone Continues to be Most Frequently Assigned Video Game Rating appeared first on ESRB Ratings.