Final Fantasy IV (Rated E+10)

Final Fantasy IV - Rated E+10 (Everyone Ten and Older) for Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, and Suggestive Themes.

If you've played FFIV before, this is pretty much a re-hash with a few improvements. I've never played the game while I was older than 8 so, here I go.

I'm still currently playing. I agree with the recommendation of 10+, however I probably wouldn't bat an eyelash if my 8 year old nephew started playing. Why? Because it's not a horrible game. I think the worst cussing is a damn or two in frustration (just so you know) and if you're one of those mom's who is against scanty clothing, you might not want your kids playing it, because Rosa runs around in a bikini type costume most of the game. However, the feel of the game is incredibly cartoony so I wouldn't be too stressed personally.

Short Story Synopsis:
You start the game playing as Cecil (Sehsil, not Seesil, I know weird.) who is the leader of the Red Wings, the King is acting weird and strips you of your post. Your friend Kain decides he'll go with you to the small town of Mist and whoopsie daisy you set it ablaze. Well Damn. You're not quite happy about this, and really neither is the town. You get separated from Kain, and you decide you're going to get all the crystals before that crazy King does. Over all it's your classical action story. The battles are run on turn based, and you can change how fast they go, and even choose not to let the enemy wait for your turn to be up. It's a basic RPG, if you've played one, you pretty much know how they work. A major disappointment to me is that they've taken away the naming feature in turn for voice overs. I'd rather read pages of dialogue and have the characters have their own voice in my head than have someone speak to me with names I hate (Cecil, Rosa, Kain, Edward, Yang, Tellah, etc etc...) I liked picking my own names out for my characters. that way I could have me be the startlingly cute Rosa, and my husband (or back in the day some crush of mine) be Cecil. Blah. It added a dimension I loved to the game.

There is hitting, and kicking, punching, death, etc. Usually when you're character dies, or is KO'd you can raise them from the dead with either magic or a "Phoenix Down" a potion in the game that raised people from the dead. There's really no blood at all, when enemies die, they just disappear. One Non-Playable Character (NPC to those that know) Anna, does die and bids her boyfriend, lover, whatever, good bye and even returns to visit him as a ghost. Some kids might find that disturbing maybe, I always just found it romantic. Rydia also watches her mother die after her village is burned by Cecil (accidentally, smooth move.) so that also might be disturbing. There is no blood, once again, however, it's clear that her mother is dead and not just passed out from smoke inhalation.

I played Final Fantasy games as a kid. Heck, I've played the ones that even have blood in them (later as a teen) I wouldn't have a problem letting my daughter play this game as Rosa (a White mage and main love interest) and Rydia are strong female characters. I like that it shows that men and women are fighting side by side. Cecil does try to keep Rosa from being involved in fights quite often, however she usually ignores him, or ends up fighting anyway. I do wish they'd given her more clothing, but hey, I can't expect everyone who makes games to be completely forward thinking, right? Rydia is a younger girl, who is orphaned and is taken in by Cecil (in penance for his wrong doing) she often gets the team back on track to what they need to do, and kicks Cecil and Edward in the pants when they're being mopey about a variety of things.

I think if you're going to let someone under the age of 10 play this game, make sure they are well aware that death is a permanent state. Also the idea of killing someone, not so cool. I realize you could not give the game to your kids and probably not have to broach the topic, but honestly, if you're not going to give some morals to your kid-- who is? It should be pretty basic, very easy, most people fundamentally get the idea that killing, isn't so great. The characters in the game even struggle with the idea. Always probe into your children's mind a bit. Remember, it's YOUR responsibility to choose GOOD games for your kids. Not mine, Not the ESRB, Not the developers. Try to be involved. Ask what's happening in the story, what they are able to cast, and who is their favorite character. :)

<3/Video Game Momma