198X

198X

Game • 2019

198X is not just a beat ’em up, a shoot ’em up, a racing game, a ninja game and an RPG. This is a love letter to the golden age of arcade games – yet with a scope that was never possible in the actual 1980s. It’s a story about finding yourself – and your self-confidence – in the world of video games. A coming-of-age story told through multiple game genres, worlds and characters. Feel the sensation of fighting, shooting, driving, jumping and role-playing – combined with emotional, cinematic storytelling. And what happens when the line between reality and game starts to blur…?

Shooter
Racing
Role-playing (RPG)
Hack and slash/Beat 'em up
Adventure
Indie
Arcade

Bara says...

Ages 10+, but every child is different

The content features stylized arcade-style combat and themes centered on the psychological pressures of adolescence. It is suitable for older children who can process the abstract, meta-narrative connection between gaming and real-life emotional development.

Content Safety Breakdown

Detailed breakdown of potentially concerning content

Sex & Nudity

0/5

The game contains no sexual content, nudity, or romantic themes.

Violence & Gore

2/5

Violence is limited to stylized, retro-arcade combat sequences that are non-graphic and cartoonish in nature.

Profanity

1/5

The dialogue features very infrequent mild language such as "d*mn", used in casual, non-aggressive contexts.

Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking

1/5

There are subtle background references to the era's culture, including very brief, non-prominent depictions of smoking.

Frightening Scenes

2/5

The narrative explores the psychological blurring of reality and fantasy, which may create a sense of mild tension for younger viewers.

Key Insights

Quick summary and important considerations

This game is about a young person using video games to find their courage and understand their own feelings as they grow up.

Detailed Analysis

In-depth insights for parents and educators

What Parents Need to Know

The game uses classic arcade violence, such as fighting and shooting mechanics, which are stylized and lack realistic gore. The primary focus is on the psychological experience of the protagonist rather than physical combat.

What Kids Can Learn

Players can learn to identify how their interests and passions serve as healthy outlets for coping with life transitions.

Key Topics Discussed

Coming-of-age
Self-confidence
Video game history

Why Parents Might Like It

The aesthetic serves as a nostalgic homage to 1980s pop culture and provides a thoughtful entry point for discussions about the balance between digital life and reality.

Positives & Learning

What makes this content valuable for children

Positive Messages

4/5

The narrative emphasizes the value of persistence, self-discovery, and the healthy processing of emotions through personal hobbies and creative outlets.

Positive Role Models

3/5

Characters demonstrate resilience and the ability to confront personal challenges, modeling proactive approaches to building self-confidence.

Diverse Representations

1/5

No diverse representation indicated in available information.

Educational Value

2/5

It introduces players to the history of video game design while providing a space to reflect on emotional intelligence and identity formation.

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