Reigns
Simple but funny text-based strategy has implied violence.
Reigns
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Reigns is a simple, text-based simulation game where you, as the king, have to make binary decisions about your kingdom. But while this can result in gruesome things happening, such as you being killed, all the visuals -- including any bloodshed -- are shown in a blocky, cartoonish way and in still images. Occasionally, choices involve the occult, war, execution, witches, and magic, which might be scary for younger kids. The King can enjoy a drink now and then, or maybe a game of cards, and might attract a comely maiden or two. Though the app is available to play on PC, the swiping mechanic is ideal for mobile devices. Read the app's privacy policy to find out about the information collected and shared.
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What’s It About?
In REIGNS, you're the king and thus have to make lots of decisions. If you make the right ones, long shall you reign. Make bad ones, though, and your people may revolt, or you might die in a plague, or your dog may reveal that he's the devil and that you sold him your soul. But there isn't a story per se. Instead, you make the story because the game is all about what happens to both you and your kingdom as you play, with the results varying greatly depending on both your choices and random events. As each choice presents itself, you swipe left or right and keep an eye on your religion, military, royal subjects, and money icons to see how your choice affects your stats. For instance, you may be told that the harvest has gone well and then asked whether you should raise taxes. If you don't keep all aspects satisfied, you might have a revolt on your hands. Besides trying to keep your job for as long as you can, you're given secondary objectives that can include "Meet the witch," and you might even get into a duel, albeit with a talking skeleton who's annoyed you didn't bring him any strawberries. Even when you lose, another reign begins, so there's no real penalty for making choices that lead to destruction.
Is It Any Good?
Though its controls are limited to swiping left or right, this humorous, cartoonish game manages to be more involved, engaging, and weirdly funny than more elaborate games. What really makes Reigns so much fun is that it has a Monty Python-esque sense of humor, which make this rather simple game feel like a weird and epic adventure. Because it references executions, witches, werewolves, and the devil, it's best for tweens who will understand the dark humor involved.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence in games such as Reigns. How is it different than that in games where the fighting is animated? Does it make a difference that you can make violent choices but never see the consequences?
Talk about decisions. How can a simple decision have a big impact on your life? What does this game teach you about making smart decisions?
Discuss the history involved in the game. Since this game was set hundreds of years ago, what does it teach us about life during that time?
Talk about gender. How would this game be different if you weren't the king but the queen? Would it affect your decisions?
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Release date: August 22, 2016
- Category: Simulation Games
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More, Fairy Tales, History, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Publisher: Devolver Digital
- Version: 1.01
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 9.1 or later; Android 3.0 and up
- Last updated: August 24, 2016
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