Arms – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Arms

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

game2006

68%

WISE Score

66%

IGDB

Nintendo's stretchy-armed fighting game is colorful, motion-controlled chaos that's safe for tweens but won't blow anyone's mind.

Arms

game

2006

68%

WISE Score

66%

IGDB

Nintendo's stretchy-armed fighting game is colorful, motion-controlled chaos that's safe for tweens but won't blow anyone's mind.

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Where to Play

Xbox

Screenwise Verdict

Arms is a perfectly fine Nintendo party brawler that does what it says on the tin: you punch people with stretchy cartoon arms. It's safe, colorful, and gets kids off the couch (sort of—they're still staring at a screen, just flailing their arms). The motion controls are novel for about an hour, then you realize you're just playing a simplified fighting game with less depth than Smash Bros.

It's not going to teach your kid anything profound, and reviewers are right that it feels 'insubstantial.' But if you need a low-stakes multiplayer game for a 10-year-old's birthday party or a rainy Saturday, it'll do the job without exposing anyone to blood, trash talk, or microtransaction hell. Just don't expect it to stay in rotation for more than a month.

Age Fit

Best for kids 9–14 who can handle cartoon combat and motion controls. Younger kids may struggle with the mechanics or find the punching too intense; older teens will likely find it too simple and move on to deeper fighters.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

E10+ rated Nintendo fighting game with bright, cartoonish aesthetic and whimsical characters (mummy, robot-face, hair-wielding heroine). Violence is stylized slapstick punching with stretchy arms—no blood, harsh language, or mature themes. Encourages physical activity via motion controls and supports cooperative/competitive family play. Tone is lighthearted and party-friendly, though the core loop is still combat-focused.

Imaginative

Creative premise with spring-armed fighters and colorful character designs. Offers variety through unlockable 'arms' (weapons) and mini-games like volleyball and target practice. However, it's fundamentally a fighting game with arena combat—more about mastering mechanics than open-ended creativity or exploration. The whimsy is in presentation rather than deep imaginative play.

Safe

ESRB E10+ for cartoon violence with no profanity, sexual content, or graphic imagery. No in-game purchases or loot boxes. Online multiplayer exists but can be disabled via Switch parental controls. Primary concern is cartoon violence intensity for sensitive younger kids and potential for screen-time addiction with fast-paced matches. Otherwise low-risk and privacy-respecting.

Enriching

Builds hand-eye coordination, timing, and strategic thinking around character/weapon matchups. Motion controls encourage physical movement. Supports turn-taking and friendly competition in family settings. However, it's primarily entertainment—no narrative depth, ethical themes, or educational content. Fun but not particularly meaningful beyond skill-building.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Motion controls get kids moving and punching—actually burns calories while gaming
Bright, silly characters (mummy! robot-face! hair-whip fighter!) keep the vibe light and cartoony
Mini-games like volleyball add variety beyond straight-up brawling
No microtransactions, loot boxes, or predatory monetization—just unlock stuff by playing
Works well for family game nights with up to 4-player local matches

⚠

What to Watch For

It's still a fighting game—lots of punching and explosions, even if cartoonish
Online multiplayer isn't monitored by ESRB; use Switch parental controls to lock it down
Fast-paced matches can hook kids into 'just one more round' loops
Reviewers found it 'a bit insubstantial'—fun but shallow, may lose steam after a few weeks

Conversation Starters

"Which fighter's special arms are your favorite, and why do you think they work well together?"
"How do you decide when to punch and when to dodge? What's your strategy?"
"If you could design your own character with stretchy arms, what would their special move be?"

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