As a parent of a just-about 10-year-old who often reads in parenting forums, I will preface my opinion with the observation that these kinds of threads can quickly deteriorate into heated debates on best child-rearing practices and who is the better parent. That is not my intention. We all have a right to rear our individual children as best we see fit.
But, I do have an opinion...
I think that the swearing that a child hears in elementary school is more of a rite of passage. It is the use of bad language just to prove that one even knows it exists; the use of bad language to "impress" friends. From what I see in Pocket Legends, the use of vulgar language is more knowing and sexually inappropriate. It is kinda raunchy. The sexual awareness and knowledge of a 13-year-old is vast compared to that of a 10-year-old.
Pocket Legends rates this game 9+ for "Frequent/Intense Cartoon or Fantasy Violence". I think they are spot on with that rating with regard to game play. What they haven't taken into account is the chat aspect of this game. I would recommend that they rate it 12+ for that reason.
I have no problem with the mildly explicit chat I hear sometimes in this game. I even think the fart pack is hilarious. I was 13 once
I'm sure my potty mouth then could have rivaled the best of what I hear in PL. I'm not so much into it now - but I simply remove myself from a game or towne instance when my eyes start to roll so much that I can't focus on my iPad. I have occasionally heard some very offensive talk and I now wish I had reported the offenders.
So, to answer question: NO. I would not let my child play this game at his age. I do not particularly care for the way some of the players chat and would try to limit my child's exposure to that kind of talk for just a little longer. I am the parent and I still have the control! By the time he turns 12 or 13? Well, I guess we will see. I may off hiding somewhere playing Pocket Legends and avoiding my obnoxious teenager.
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