Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Find

App Store

Google Play

Screenwise Verdict

The Mimic is one of Roblox's most popular horror experiences, and it earns that reputation by being genuinely frightening. This isn't cutesy Halloween spooky—it's jump-scares-and-nightmares territory.

If your kid is begging to play because all their friends are doing it, know that this is actual horror content designed to scare. The Japanese folklore angle adds some cultural flavor, but let's be real: kids aren't playing for the educational value. They're playing to get scared and to prove they can handle it.

The cooperative element means kids often play together, which can soften the fear factor, but it also means there's social pressure to keep playing even when genuinely frightened. Many parents report their kids loving it in the moment but then being scared at bedtime.

If your child actively enjoys horror, handles scary content well, and doesn't have anxiety issues, this might be fine for ages 12+. But if they're sensitive, have nightmares easily, or you're already dealing with bedtime fears, hard pass. There are plenty of other Roblox games that won't have you dealing with 2 AM "I can't sleep" wake-up calls.

Age Fit

Best for horror-loving tweens and teens (12+) who actively seek out scary content and can handle genuine fright. Younger or sensitive kids will likely find this too intense and may experience sleep disruption or lingering anxiety.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

25

The Mimic is a Roblox horror game featuring jump scares, monster chasing sequences, and dark atmospheric tension designed to frighten players. The emotional tone centers on fear and survival rather than cooperation or kindness. Players are hunted by various monsters based on Japanese urban legends and folklore, creating sustained anxiety rather than emotionally healthy gameplay.

Imaginative

65

The game draws creatively from Japanese folklore and urban legends, translating yokai and horror stories into explorable environments within Roblox. Players navigate maze-like settings and puzzle elements while avoiding monsters. The world-building shows creativity in adapting cultural horror narratives, though the experience is more reactive (fleeing, hiding) than constructive or expressive.

Safe

35

As a horror game, The Mimic includes intense jump scares, dark themes, monster designs that can be genuinely frightening (including disturbing child-like entities), and sustained psychological tension. While there's no gore or sexual content, the fear factor is significant and could cause nightmares in younger or sensitive players. The Roblox platform provides some moderation, but the game's core design is to frighten. No official content rating available to set clear expectations.

Enriching

40

Limited enrichment value beyond exposure to Japanese folklore themes. The game requires spatial reasoning, pattern recognition, and problem-solving under pressure, but the primary engagement is fear-based entertainment. There's minimal character development, ethical complexity, or meaningful takeaways. It's entertainment-focused rather than growth-oriented, though some cultural exposure exists.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Introduces Japanese folklore and urban legends in an interactive format
Cooperative gameplay encourages teamwork (even if it's panicked teamwork)
Develops problem-solving under pressure and spatial navigation skills
Popular with tweens/teens who want to test their courage in a controlled digital environment

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What to Watch For

Intense jump scares and frightening imagery that can cause genuine fear and nightmares
Dark themes and monster designs specifically crafted to be disturbing
May create anxiety around playing alone or sleeping after gameplay
Standard Roblox chat features mean interaction with strangers is possible
The whole point is to be scared—if your kid is sensitive to horror, this isn't it

Conversation Starters

"What do you find scary about the monsters in this game? What makes something frightening to you?"
"Have you learned anything about Japanese folklore or stories from playing this?"
"How do you feel after playing—energized or anxious? How do you calm down afterward?"
"What's the difference between being scared in a game versus being scared in real life?"

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