Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition (2020)
Game Description:
Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition is a magical realist adventure game that explores the enigmatic underground highways of Kentucky. Players follow Conway, a truck driver on a quest to deliver an antique, as he navigates a surreal landscape filled with peculiar characters and haunting stories. The game unfolds through five acts, each delving deeper into themes of debt, community, and the passage of time. With a focus on atmosphere and narrative, players engage in dialogue-driven exploration, encountering musicians, ghosts, and forgotten places. The game is accompanied by an evocative electronic score and traditional bluegrass music, enhancing its dreamlike quality. Released in 2020, this edition compiles all acts and interludes, offering a complete and immersive experience.
Game Details
Platforms:
Genres:
Game Mode(s):
Player Perspective(s):
Developer:
Publisher:
What Parents Should Know About Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition
Age Rating
Release Date
2020
ESRB Age Rating Summary:
Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition is rated T for Teen by the ESRB with Language and Use of Drugs. This an adventure game in which players follow a story about a secret highway running through underground caves in Kentucky. Players explore a variety of environments while engaging in dialogue with other characters. One scene depicts a doctor administering an anesthetic drug (Neurypnol) on player's character; the screen/text blurs and distorts from the effects of the fictional drug. The dialogue references painkillers and pills (e.g., "...unless you're planning to sell painkillers on the side..."; "She offered to share the pills...I didn't want to stop taking them."). The word “sh*t” appears in dialogue.
Content Warnings:
Language, Use of Drugs
Interactive Elements:
In-Game Purchases:
Parental Notes
While many parents praise the gameplay experience, they caution that Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition may not be suitable for younger kids. The game contains mild profanity, with the word “sh*t” appearing in dialogue. There is no graphic violence, but the game does explore mature themes such as drug use, with scenes depicting a doctor administering a fictional anesthetic drug and references to painkillers and pills. The narrative delves into complex themes like debt and community, which may be more appropriate for older teens. Many parents suggest the game is best suited for players aged 13 and up due to its mature content and themes.
Why Your Kid Might Like Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition
Teens appreciate Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition for its unique storytelling and atmospheric depth. The game offers a surreal journey through mysterious underground highways, where players encounter intriguing characters and unravel haunting stories. Its narrative-driven gameplay allows teens to immerse themselves in a world that feels both familiar and otherworldly, sparking curiosity and imagination. The game's exploration of themes like debt, community, and time resonates with older players, providing a thought-provoking experience that goes beyond typical gaming adventures.
The game's artistic design and evocative soundtrack, featuring electronic and traditional bluegrass music, enhance its dreamlike quality, making it a memorable experience. The episodic structure keeps players engaged, as each act reveals new layers of the story and deepens the connection to the game's world. Kentucky Route Zero: TV Edition is well-received for its ability to blend magical realism with a compelling narrative, offering teens a chance to explore a richly crafted universe that challenges their perceptions and encourages reflection.