Parents' Guide to
Extreme Exorcism
Common Sense Media Review
By Marcia Morgan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Spooky platformer with clever haunt feature gets repetitive.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
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Extreme Exorcism
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
In EXTREME EXORCISM, players take on the role of one of four extreme exorcists whose powers are called upon to rid a haunted house of its ghostly presence. Instead of using clichéd horror-movie-style exorcism techniques such as holding a séance or splashing holy water around, these extreme exorcists cast out evil spirits using less than traditional methods. From swords to rocket launchers, an arsenal of more than 20 weapons will spawn in various areas on each level. Players can grab up to the three friends and play through Arcade mode, complete 50 special challenges, or compete against each other for the most kills in Deathmatch mode.
Is It Any Good?
Some people say we're all haunted by our pasts, stalked by the decisions and actions we've made before. The folks behind Extreme Exorcism have taken that sentiment literally, pitting players against their past gaming lives. Spawning ghosts copy players' exact movements from the previous round, quickly crowding each 8-bit, retro-style level in a fun and chaotic way. You're essentially battling yourself, surviving for as long as you can against hordes of ghosts who know your every move. Running, jumping, and shooting at your past lives is fast and frantic, especially if you bring a few friends along for the spirit-hunting fun.
Multiplayer is the best part of the game, but sadly, the game only supports local co-op with up to three friends. Having an online multiplayer component would have made this game much more fun, especially for people who may not be able to crowd around the couch. The other major downside is that gameplay is repetitive and can run the risk of getting old quickly. In shorter bursts, it's still a lot of fun, particularly with friends around. But like any good scary movie, Extreme Exorcism is just not the same if you watch (or play) alone.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about fear. What is it about ghosts that makes people afraid?
Talk about violence in video games. Does the lack of blood lessen the sense of violence?
Game Details
- Platforms: Mac , Nintendo Wii U , PlayStation 3 , PlayStation 4 , Windows , Xbox One
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: Ripstone
- Release date: September 23, 2015
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Adventures , Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- ESRB rating: E10+ for Fantasy Violence
- Last updated: March 8, 2019
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