Endling: Extinction is Forever (2022)
Game Description:
In "Endling: Extinction is Forever," released in 2022, players step into the role of the last mother fox on a devastated Earth. As the world crumbles under the weight of environmental destruction, you must guide your vulnerable cubs through a perilous landscape, teaching them essential survival skills. Each decision you make impacts their chances of survival, as you navigate through a world filled with danger and scarcity. The game challenges you to protect your cubs from predators, find food, and shelter, all while evading the relentless threats of a dying ecosystem. With extinction looming, every choice is crucial, emphasizing the fragile balance between life and extinction in a world on the brink.
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What Parents Should Know About Endling: Extinction is Forever
Age Rating
Release Date
2022
ESRB Age Rating Summary:
Endling - Extinction is forever is rated T for Teen by the ESRB with Blood and Fantasy Violence. This an adventure game in which players help a fox track down her missing cub in a post-apocalyptic world. Players traverse side-scrolling environments (e.g., forests, human settlements, factories) to hunt for prey while avoiding traps, human hunters, and guard dogs. Hunters can shoot the fox, while guard dogs can bite/kill it. Background environments depict additional acts of violence and blood: a corpse with a bloody ax impaled in its chest; a man holding a dead child in his arms; a processing factory depicting chics/chickens killed in an assembly-line process (e.g., a pile of bloody animal parts can be seen, as well as blood on the ground).
Content Warnings:
Blood, Fantasy Violence
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Parental Notes
The sentiment among parents is mostly negative when it comes to letting kids play Endling: Extinction is Forever. The game does not contain profanity, but it features intense and graphic violence, such as hunters shooting the fox and guard dogs attacking it. The background environments depict disturbing scenes, including a corpse with a bloody ax, a man holding a dead child, and a factory processing animals with visible blood. These mature and dark themes, combined with the emotional weight of the storyline, lead many parents to recommend it for teens 13 and older, as it may be too intense for younger children.
Why Your Kid Might Like Endling: Extinction is Forever
Endling: Extinction is Forever offers a unique experience that resonates with teens due to its emotional storytelling and environmental themes. The game places players in the role of a mother fox, creating a sense of responsibility and urgency as they navigate a world on the brink of collapse. The survival mechanics and decision-making elements keep players engaged, as each choice directly impacts the fate of the fox's cubs. This level of immersion and the challenge of protecting the cubs from various threats make it appealing to those who enjoy strategy and narrative-driven games.
The game's stunning visuals and atmospheric soundtrack further enhance the experience, drawing players into its post-apocalyptic world. Teens appreciate the game's ability to convey important messages about environmental conservation and the consequences of human actions, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. The emotional connection formed with the characters and the high stakes involved in their survival create a compelling experience that keeps players invested. While the game may not be for everyone, those who enjoy a mix of strategy, storytelling, and environmental themes find it particularly rewarding.