Stranger Things - BonusXP, Inc.

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Short takes

Stranger Things is a strategy game based on the Netflix series of the same name. Good problem solving skills are required to play. Not recommend for children 12 years and under and parental guidance 13 -15 years due to horror, alcohol and drug themes, violence and crude humour.

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No gambling content found in the levels played

This review of Stranger Things was completed by the Australian Council on Children and the Media (ACCM) on 23 November 2017.

About the app

This section contains details about the app provided by an ACCM Reviewer.

Name of app: Stranger Things
Developed by: BonusXP, Inc.
Platform reviewed: Apple App Store
Cost: Free
ACCM suggested age: Not recommended for children under 12. Parental guidance 13 – 15.
Gambling content advice: No gambling content found in the levels played

ACCM review

This review of Stranger Things contains the following information:

The level to which the game was reviewed

Played for several hours.

App description

This game has been formulated to resemble 80's style graphics, music and game play to complement the Netflix series which is set in the same decade. Game play follows the events that take place in the series - namely that a child has gone missing and the small town’s cop and child’s friends encounter supernatural forces in their search for him. Players must navigate the environments and work out what needs to be done to progress through levels (e.g. how to get past a bear without being attacked, so that you can obtain a key card – which then opens a door to a pathway, etc.). Players will need good strategy, patience and memory as many areas need to be back-tracked in order to progress to the next level. Due to violence, supernatural themes and alcohol and drug references, this game is not recommended for children 12 years and under with parental guidance for children aged 13 – 15 years.

Reviewers comments

Visually, the game is very comic looking, with cute characters which may be appealing to young children. However, Stranger Things (the Netflix series) is quite dark and ominous and this game reflects this more through the story line and the character narratives, and the music that accompanies the game. On the title screen, there’s an ad which states that the show is now streaming on Netflix. Children may assume that the show is more child friendly based on the game’s overall appearance, and without parental passwords securing adult content, may be tempted to watch the show itself. It is very likely that many children would find the show disturbing. Apart from this, the game has no other ads, no in-app purchasing and no social media connectivity.

In App purchasing

None.

Online information

N/A.

Gambling

At the time of review, the reviewer found no simulated gambling content.  If you discover simulated gambling content in this app, please contact us with the details so we can update our review

Advertising and product placement

The game itself appears to be a promotional tool for the Netflix series.

Gender stereotypes and sexual references

There may be sexual references – as the developers state this – but the reviewer did not discover any during their game play.

Coarse language

Mild course language and crude humour can be read through character’s voice bubbles.

Game playing behaviour which may be of concern to some parents

The game may spark interest in watching the show – which is much darker than this game might indicate.

Other

N/A.

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About our colour guide

Content is age appropriate for children this age

Some content may not be appropriate for children this age. Parental guidance recommended

Content is not age appropriate for children this age

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Transmits Sensitive Data
Uses Dangerous Permissions
No Privacy Policy
No tracking found in current check

Gambling content advice

Most games contain elements of risk, chance and knowledge, that is why they are fun to play. There is growing concern about the impacts of simulated gambling games on the health and wellbeing of children. That's why we are identifying games that contain gambling elements on our site. These icons signal simulated gambling activity and where none was noted.

Simulated casino style gambling. Not suitable for minors

Contains some elements of gambling. Some content is not recommended for minors. Parental guidance recommended

No gambling content found in the levels played