Starbound (2016)
Game Description:
In Starbound, you escape a devastated homeworld, finding yourself adrift in space with a damaged ship. Forced to land on an unknown planet, you gather resources to repair your vessel and embark on an epic journey across a boundless universe. The game offers limitless possibilities, allowing you to craft your own narrative. Choose to confront the malevolent forces that destroyed your home, unraveling cosmic mysteries along the way, or focus on building and colonizing new worlds. With procedurally generated planets, diverse biomes, and countless quests, Starbound invites you to explore, discover, and shape your destiny in a universe teeming with adventure and endless potential.
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What Parents Should Know About Starbound
Age Rating
Release Date
2016
ESRB Age Rating Summary:
Starbound is rated E10+ for Everyone 10+ by the ESRB with Alcohol Reference, Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, and Mild Blood. This is a side-scrolling adventure game in which players explore planets, collect resources, craft materials, and battle monsters. Players use swords to attack and defeat fantastical creatures (e.g., mushroom men, blobs, cave monsters); successful hits are indicated by health-point numbers and tiny splashes of blood. A small blood splash can also be seen when player's character is defeated. A few game items contain references to alcohol: a Mug Hat resembling a frothy mug of amber liquid; a Brewmaster's Hat depicting two cans attached to a baseball cap. In one sewer-like level, a golem creature can be seen dropping brown coil items that resemble animal droppings.
Content Warnings:
Alcohol Reference, Crude Humor, Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood
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Parental Notes
The sentiment among parents is very positive about Starbound for older children. The game contains mild and infrequent profanity, with violence depicted in a comical and non-graphic manner. Players engage in battles with fantastical creatures, resulting in small splashes of blood and health-point indicators. Some parents note the presence of mild alcohol references, such as items resembling beer mugs and hats with cans. The crude humor is light, with elements like a golem dropping items resembling droppings. Overall, parents find the game suitable for children 10 and older, appreciating its creative and exploratory nature without significant mature themes.
Positive Notes About The Game From ParentsParents appreciate Starbound for its emphasis on creativity, problem-solving, and exploration. The game encourages players to craft their own narratives, build and colonize new worlds, and engage in quests that promote strategic thinking and resource management. Its calm pacing and open-ended gameplay provide a platform for imaginative storytelling and learning about cause and effect in a virtual universe.
Why Your Kid Might Like Starbound
Starbound offers a universe of endless possibilities that teens find incredibly engaging. The game's open-ended nature allows players to craft their own stories, whether they're exploring procedurally generated planets or building and colonizing new worlds. The freedom to choose between confronting malevolent forces or focusing on creative endeavors like building and crafting appeals to a wide range of interests. The diverse biomes and countless quests keep the gameplay fresh and exciting, ensuring that there's always something new to discover.
Teens enjoy the sense of adventure and discovery that Starbound provides. The game's pixel art style and vibrant environments create a visually appealing experience that complements its expansive universe. The ability to customize characters and ships adds a personal touch, making the journey feel unique to each player. With its combination of exploration, creativity, and action, Starbound offers a well-rounded experience that keeps teens engaged for hours on end, making it a popular choice among its audience.