Neverwinter

LQ: 8

?

Brain grade: 7
Fun score: 9

Game Type: , ESRB Rating: Teen Platform/Console: , , LWK Recommended Age: 12+ Thinking Skills Used: , ,

Steam  /  Xbox One

Neverwinter is a free-to-play MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) for PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 set in the Dungeons and Dragons universe. Players are tasked with joining forces to help the citizens of Neverwinter prevent further destruction of their city by evil forces. Players are able to choose the traits of their characters from a range of classes, races, abilities and backgrounds and form parties with up to four other players. Gameplay consists of traditional RPG quests — gathering, escorting, and dungeon raiding — while the worldzone feature keeps players from questing on top of each other and fighting amongst themselves to fill quotas of certain items or enemies. Though there is nothing outrageously offensive about Neverwinter, the presence of fantasy violence, suggestive themes, and contextual alcohol and tobacco consumption make it an inappropriate game for younger children. An additional detail to consider is that Neverwinter is an online game with the capability forin-depth player interaction. We recommend this game to players 12 and older.


THIS GAME IS GOOD FOR KIDS WHO NEED HELP WITH

Organization

Arranging and coordinating materials in order to complete a task.

Neverwinter can help kids with the organization thinking skillFor the kid who has trouble managing and categorizing responsibilities and belongings, Neverwinter offers lots of practice with the organization thinking skill. As quests are completed and enemies conquered, the small amount of storage available to a player's character becomes more and more valuable. Additional inventory space comes at a premium, so tit becomes necessary to take stock, evaluate, and prioritize. What's important? What's useable? What can another player use that you can't? What's most valuable? What’s made just for selling? What should you hold onto for later? Just like with schoolwork and toys and clothes, they'll need to organize and prioritize.

Planning

Developing a systematic approach for setting and achieving goals.

All video games require some degree of planning, but RPG games like Neverwinter are particularly demanding when it comes to thinking ahead. When players start a new game, they go through a character creation process that involves choosing looks, passive and active abilities, and backstory. Once the character is ready to start questing, preparing involves making sure one has equipped the best gear from their inventory that they can at their current level (or purchasing or crafting something new), making sure they have enough potions and scrolls for the mission, and gathering a party if need be. Traditional tabletop Dungeons and Dragons play set the original standard for RPG video games, and D&D combat style in particular demands that players take many factors into consideration and plan accordingly. What's my health like? Do I have any injuries? How many enemies am I facing? What are their levels in relation to mine? Does the enemy have any weaknesses? How can I exploit them to deal the most damage possible? Do I want to waste my special move or should I save it for when I'll really need it? Should I come back later when I'm better equipped and have more experience under my belt? Planning can save a lot of trouble and time.

Time Management

Being efficient and aware of our use of time and effort.

Neverwinter-screenshot-5Large online games like Neverwinter are notorious time-suckers, and in households where children have stricter screen time limits, more efficient gameplay makes for more satisfying game sessions. Players should consider whether they can gather or complete multiple quests in the same area and remember to do things like sell inventory and restock items when they go to town. Quest paths can help lead a player to the closest quest, but they can also distract and lead a player astray. Managing time wisely means less time is spent traveling back and forth to complete tasks and more time to play.

Related Playbooks

Create Your Free Account

All membership plans come with full access to our entire suite of tools learning guides, and resources. Here are a few of the ones we think you’ll like the most:

  • Personalized learning profiles for up to 5 children.
  • Access to our complete library of technology learning guides.
  • A personalized stream of advice, articles, and recommendations.
  • And of course, lots, lots more…

Already have an account? Login →

×

Login

Don't have an account? Sign up now! →

Forgot Your Password?

×
X