The latest in the franchise, Guilty Gear Strive is a great entry for veterans and newcomers alike. The question is: How family friendly is it?

Reviewed on: Playstation 5

Available on: Playstation 5,Playstation 4, PC. 

Reviewed by Alan Valdez

What is it?

Guilty Gear Strive is the latest installment in the Guilty Gear series of fighting games started in the late 90s. Fighting games in general can be fun and challenging. Fighting games have stories to them, although that’s not the main focus. The mechanics and competition of the game are what bring that challenge and fun.

Those at any level can find enjoyment from fighting games. You can play from your couch with friends, with strangers online or even attend tournaments.

Violence

Violence is something inherent to a genre based around fighting, the style of Guilty Gear is very cartoony and fantasy-like. Although combat is the primary activity, it is presented in such a fantastical way, it does not offend sensibilities. Especially in comparison to other genres. 

The game has some representations of blood, especially with one of the characters who is a vampire. But just like the rest of the game, it is presented in a manner that is not graphic or overdone.

Language

Characters will taunt each other and “trash talk”, sometimes there are mild swear words, nothing excessive. 

Sexual content

The game does not have sexual content, although the design of some of the characters might be considered provocative. 

A note on online games

Regardless of the content of any game we play, if the game has an online mode, there are always things to consider as a parent. Playing using the matchmaking to find opponents in Guilty Gear is safe and part of the experience that makes things enjoyable. 

Pretty much any interaction in the game is like this. The potential issues come from things beyond the game. For example, one time I played against an opponent online and afterwards they sent me a message in the Playstation system insulting me and berating me, they were upset at their loss of the match and blowing off some steam. There are people like this in any online community, they are a vocal minority, not the norm.

The best way to avoid this kind of thing is to go through the privacy settings set to the account of the system being used, such as Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo, Steam, etc.  Not the options of the game itself. 

With a careful review of online settings, we can make the experience of the people we are in care of, a positive one.

How fun is it?

The game is very fun and challenging. It can feel very rewarding to get good at something like this. The animation, art style and music are quite inspired. Fighting games can be a hit or miss for people, but for myself, I give Guilty Gear a fun factor of 7 out of 10.

Fun factor 7 out of 10 

PARENT SCORE 7 out of 10 

+Challenging and rewarding gameplay

+Potential bonding with friends in multiplayer

– Mild swearing

– Fantasy violence

Guilty gear Strive is a safe and fun game. The negatives are very mild. The game lacks the learning opportunities we always look for, it is just pure entertainment.