Redfall

What’s it about?

A small island town in Massachusetts has been overrun by vampires, cultists, and a private military. Players pick one of the game’s unique characters, and with up to three other players defeat monsters, gather weapons, and unlock special abilities to take back the town.

The facts

• Developed by Arkane Studios (Dishonored series, Deathloop, Prey 2017)
• Published by Bethesda Softworks (The Elder Scrolls series, Fallout series, Rogue Warrior)
• Can be played solo or with up to three other players.
• Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X/S

Why did it get this rating?

This game was classified by Te Mana Whakaatu – Classification Office.

Horror

The game is more spooky than scary, with an emphasis on the supernatural.

Vampires and their gods are unrealistically depicted as floating humanoids with bloodstained mouths, and glowing magical effects.

Mild horror imagery includes people integrated into magical constructs, such as bloody mist-belching creatures, tree-bound individuals, and those encased in stone and amber.

Cruelty

Cruelty is limited.

In one mission, players rescue sacrificial captives who are found tied and kneeling on a wooden platform with a bloody ground and metal grate. While this implies ritual execution and blood collection, the theme is portrayed in a limited if inherently cruel manner.

Bloody violence

As a modern first-person shooter, players are armed with common types of modern firearms, and, to dispatch vampires, stakes instead of bayonets.

Players will also encounter many human enemies. Bloody sprays are briefly shown upon shooting them but quickly disappear and no further damage can be inflicted onto their bodies after they die.

While the overall effect is bloody but undetailed, it may inure younger players to violence, and be upsetting to children.

Further information

• Why are ratings and content warnings important for me and my whānau?