High Score – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

High Score

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

show2020

74%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A nostalgia-packed docuseries about the legends who invented your favorite retro games—complete with pixelated blood and all.

7.4/10

78%

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High Score

show

TV-14, 2020

74%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

A nostalgia-packed docuseries about the legends who invented your favorite retro games—complete with pixelated blood and all.

7.4

78%

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7.4/10

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Screenwise Verdict

High Score is a solid documentary for gaming-obsessed tweens and teens who want to know the origin stories behind the games they play today. It's genuinely educational—you'll learn about the technical constraints, creative breakthroughs, and personalities that built the industry—without being a boring history lesson.

The main caveat: they show actual game footage, including Mortal Kombat's infamous fatalities in all their pixelated glory. It's not gratuitous, but it's not censored either. If your kid can handle that (and most 10+ gamers can), this is a worthwhile watch that might even inspire them to think about game design or coding.

It's not going to captivate kids who aren't already interested in gaming, and it won't blow away documentary purists, but for the right audience—kids who want to understand the DNA of Fortnite, Minecraft, and everything else they play—it's a genuinely enriching few hours.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-17, especially kids already into gaming who want to understand where it all came from. The Mortal Kombat footage makes it too intense for younger kids, and adults will enjoy it if they're nostalgic for '80s/'90s gaming culture.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A celebratory documentary about video game history that focuses on innovation and the people behind beloved games. Positive tone throughout, highlighting collaboration and creativity in the industry. Some discussion of industry scandals and competitive pressures keeps it from being purely rose-tinted, but overall models respect for pioneers and their contributions.

Imaginative

Chronicles the creative process behind iconic games like Doom, Mortal Kombat, and Final Fantasy, showing how innovators pushed technical boundaries and invented new genres. The storytelling invites viewers to think about game design and the evolution of interactive entertainment, though it's more retrospective than actively spark-building creativity. Strong for gaming history nerds.

Safe

In-game violence is shown, including graphic Mortal Kombat fatalities that could be jarring for younger viewers. No profanity, nudity, or sexual content per parent guides. Brief references to drug use but no explicit depictions. The violent game footage is presented in documentary context but isn't sanitized—parents should preview if kids are sensitive to pixelated gore.

Enriching

Genuinely educational about the history of gaming, featuring first-hand accounts from developers who shaped the medium. Offers insight into problem-solving, entrepreneurship, technical innovation, and the cultural impact of games. IMDB 7.4 suggests solid execution. Great for kids interested in game design or tech history, and provides context for games they might play today.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Fascinating first-hand stories from the actual developers behind Doom, Final Fantasy, Mortal Kombat, and other classics
Shows the creative problem-solving and technical innovation that built the gaming industry
Great for kids interested in game design, coding, or tech entrepreneurship—puts faces and stories to the games
Celebrates the pioneers (including women and diverse creators) who shaped gaming culture
Educational without being dry—engaging storytelling that makes history feel relevant

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What to Watch For

Graphic in-game violence, especially Mortal Kombat fatalities—not sanitized for younger audiences
Some discussion of industry controversies and the violent video game debates of the '90s
Brief references to drug culture but no explicit content
May feel slow or dated to kids who aren't already interested in retro gaming

Conversation Starters

"Which of these old games would you actually want to play? Do you think they'd still be fun today?"
"The developers had to figure out so much with way less powerful computers—what do you think was the hardest problem they solved?"
"Why do you think people got so upset about violent video games back then? Do you think games affect how people act?"
"If you could design a video game, what would it be about and what would make it special?"

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