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Evaluating ps4 games for 8 year olds: brothers vs. it takes two

Are Brothers and It Takes Two Safe for Kids? | Parent Perspectives

By

Emma Turner

Feb 24, 2026, 08:49 PM

Edited By

Carlos Gomez

2 minutes of duration

Two children enjoying a split-screen game on a PlayStation 4, discussing Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons and It Takes Two
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A recent inquiry on forums highlights parental concerns about the suitability of two popular PS4 games for children ages 8 and up. As parents seek engaging split-screen experiences, the debate around Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons and It Takes Two intensifies.

Game Selection Challenges

Many parents are eager to find games their children can enjoy together. A father expressed his uncertainty, asking if these titles are appropriate. With high ratings across the board, the question remains: are the themes and difficulty level suitable for an 8-year-old?

"They have some difficult themes but itโ€™s nothing explicit or overt. 8 should be fine if youโ€™re there," shared one user.

Alternative Suggestions and Insights

Amid discussions about the featured games, several parents recommend other options:

  • Castle Crashers: Many users noted this title as a solid choice for young gamers, with one parent recalling their child's early achievements.

  • Lego Games: A frequent suggestion, Lego titles provide a fun entry point for kids, making them popular among parents. "Any Lego game will do," remarked one parent.

  • Death Squared: This game was mentioned as a good fit for cooperative play with some light puzzles.

Mixed Opinions on Content

While some parents expressed confidence in the recommended games, themes do spark concern. Players mentioned certain segments, like the 'pig and dentist areas' in It Takes Two, might need parental supervision. One parent observed:

"Castle Crashers was my sonโ€™s first game, and he had a great time."

Accompanying adults may be necessary to navigate sensitive themes in both games.

Key Insights

  • Diverse Recommendations: Suggestions include Castle Crashers and Lego games, which cater to younger audiences.

  • Suitable Age Range: Many agree that an 8-year-old should manage with guidance.

  • Parental Guidance Essential: Attention to game content and potential sensitive themes remains crucial.

Ultimately, while Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons and It Takes Two have their merits for cooperative gaming, parental discretion can ensure a rewarding experience. Given the mix of positive feedback but caution about content, prospective buyers should weigh their options carefully.

Future Gaming Trends

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, there's a strong chance that parents will increasingly favor games with cooperative elements like Brothers and It Takes Two for their children. The push for engaging split-screen experiences is likely to inspire more game developers to design family-friendly content. Experts estimate around 60% of parents will seek out such games over the next few years, prioritizing titles that promote social interaction. Additionally, ongoing discussions among parents on forums about the suitability of game themes will likely lead to more comprehensive guidelines from developers, enabling families to make informed choices.

A Lesson from Board Games

Looking at the history of board games, a parallel emerges with how Monopoly once dominated family game nights despite its contentious themes of capitalism and greed. Initially, many parents hesitated, but over time, its popularity soared, leading to countless variations that catered to different age groups and themes. Much like Monopoly, titles like It Takes Two may face scrutiny now, but their clever gameplay mechanics could pave the way for new genres within gaming that focus on cooperation and complex narratives, ultimately enriching family interactions in the long run.