18 Cert Video Games for under 18's

[Poundpup]

I know this topic has been done to death but I just wanted to get some fresh points of view on my current predicament.

I have always been dead against my DS viewing films or games that are certified 18 but have relented since he reached his teen years and allowed him to play and watch 15's. This has meant that he does not own Call of Duty -I am aware that that he does play this game at other friends houses but that is a whole other topic- or any other popular cert 18 franchises.

One of his favourite games has been Assassins Creed, which previous releases have been certified at 15. The latest release, which I had ear-marked as one of his main presents this year, has been rated an 18. I am miffed as to what has led to increase in certification levels.

So do I:

Buy it anyway as I know this franchise and whilst it may not be my cup of tea, my ds is sensible enough to know the difference between reality and fantasy or do I stick with my principles and strike it off the list. If I do strike it off the list what fab games could I replace it with?

Thanks Mumnetters

Assuming he is 15+, you didn't say.

It depends how mature he is. I think knowing fantasy from reality is a good thing.

I think I'd probably get it - but put a note on saying "No this does not mean you can have other 18 games"

We held out for quite a long time over this issue, but as you say, they end up playing them at friends houses anyway as the words "but everyone else has got it" does seem to ring true here.

We held out for as long as possible but did let him have 15 & 16 games when he was 13/14. He has only in the last 12 mths acquired games which are 18s but he will be 16 this month.

He has also requested Assassins Creed 3 for his birthday along with Hitman Absolution both of which are 18s. I am reluctant to buy either - not particularly because they are 18s, but because he already has a shelf full of PS3 shooting games & I don't wish to spend another £80 on what I see as more of the same - I mean how different can all these games actually be? DS argues that it is his birthday and these games are what he wants, so he should be able to have them!

Interesting link Bigwus I will have a look at that later.

We are in the same position. DS is 16 next month and has asked for the next Halo game which is an 18 despite all the others in the series being 15s. He hasn't got any 18 games yet but I have said that he can have it but it isn't a general free for all rather I'll consider games individually.

That link is really helpful Bigwuss

I should have said, he is now 13. I know he is under age as such but for those of you with teen boys I found that whilst I can control what goes on within my four walls it is very difficult to stop them from playing games or even viewing them over someones shoulder as he cleverly pointed out that he was technically not breaking the no 18 rules .

BigWuss Many thanks for the link. It will definately help.

Sometimes I wonder, if the gaming industy know the stress they put parents under when they up game ratings!

I think you have it about right for a 13 year old.
I always found that other parents allowed 18 rated games for children when mine were not. This wasn't the usual "everyone else but me" complaint it was true. And yes, they do end up playing them at other people's houses.
I have a 14 and 16 year old and I decide depending on the game and just because DS has one 18 rated game doesn't mean I automatically allow them all.

He's given up asking for GTA.
When you have an older sibling it becomes very much more difficult to restrict access to the younger one.

I must admit i just bought the Asssasins creed for my 15 year old (he paid). wasn't that happy.

The other issue of course is that DS looks older than he is. At 6ft 3"he went into Game in Hull last week when we were over there visiting, and bought a 16 game without being asked for ID - he is still only 15.
I would like to hope that they would have asked for ID if it had been an 18 - but no guarantees - I thought they were supposed to ID anyone who looked under 25 for all age restricted items!

Halo 4 is only a 16. my ds1 is nearly 14. he also wants call of duty and assassins creed, which i have refused. i have bought him halo 4. i have also bought him a pokemon ds game, which of course i dont mind at all. he is fairly sensible with games, but 18 is a bit too old, especially as he shares a room with his 11 year old brother. not happening.

My DSD Mum has bought her Call of Duty black ops for Christmas. She is 6!! My DS wants it as she is getting it and I've told him no. He is 12. I'm a horrible Mum and he's never speaking to me again. Peace at last