Broken Age (2014)
Game Description:
Broken Age is a point-and-click adventure game released in 2014, featuring the intertwined stories of two teenagers, Vella Tartine and Shay Volta. Vella, a young girl from the village of Sugar Bunting, is chosen to be sacrificed to the monstrous Mog Chothra but decides to defy tradition and fight for her life. Meanwhile, Shay, a boy living on a spaceship controlled by a nurturing AI, yearns to escape his monotonous routine and seek real adventure. As their parallel narratives unfold, players guide Vella and Shay through puzzles and challenges, ultimately revealing the connection between their worlds and the truth behind their circumstances. Their journeys explore themes of rebellion, identity, and the courage to change one's destiny.
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What Parents Should Know About Broken Age
Age Rating
Release Date
2014
ESRB Age Rating Summary:
Broken Age is rated E10+ for Everyone 10+ by the ESRB with Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, and Mild Language. This is a point-and-click adventure game in which players assume the role of two teenagers trying to stop creatures from destroying their world. Players explore fantastical environments, interact with different characters, and search for items to progress the story. A handful of sequences depict various acts of violence: a character firing lasers at a giant monster; characters engaging in hand-to-hand combat; a ship hit with exploding projectiles. One sequence depicts a large chum bucket filled with red blood-like liquid. During the course of the game, a character coerces a tree creature into vomiting tree sap into a bucket. The word “damn” is heard in the dialogue.
Content Warnings:
Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Mild Language
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Parental Notes
The sentiment among parents is very positive about Broken Age for older children. The game contains mild language, with the word “damn” appearing infrequently. Violence is depicted in a comical and mild manner, such as characters firing lasers at a monster or engaging in hand-to-hand combat. Some sequences include fantasy elements like a bucket filled with red liquid resembling blood and a tree creature vomiting sap. These elements are presented in a whimsical context, making them less intense. Parents generally find the game suitable for children 10 and older, appreciating its light-hearted approach to adventure and storytelling.
Positive Notes About The Game From ParentsParents appreciate Broken Age for its creative storytelling and engaging puzzles, which promote problem-solving skills. The game’s calm pacing and imaginative environments encourage exploration and critical thinking. The intertwined narratives of Vella and Shay offer valuable lessons on courage, identity, and challenging societal norms, making it a meaningful experience for young players.
Why Your Kid Might Like Broken Age
Broken Age offers a unique blend of storytelling and puzzle-solving that resonates with teens. The game's dual narrative, featuring Vella and Shay, provides a compelling experience as players switch between their stories, uncovering the mysteries of their worlds. The themes of rebellion and self-discovery are particularly appealing, as they mirror the challenges and changes teens face in their own lives. The art style and voice acting add to the immersive experience, making it easy for players to get lost in the game's universe.
Teens enjoy the challenge of the puzzles, which require critical thinking and creativity to solve. The game's humor and quirky characters add a layer of fun, keeping the experience light-hearted despite the serious undertones. The ability to influence the story's outcome through choices gives players a sense of agency, making the game feel personal and engaging. Overall, Broken Age provides a thoughtful and entertaining adventure that keeps teens engaged and eager to see how the story unfolds.