Excellent game, and educational, too. I actually won my school geography bee because I played this game. Serious. It really teaches medival history well, and has a section devoted to that, which you will want to read after you've played as all the characters it describes. The gameplay is excellent, and it is one of the best RTS games out there, even though it is quite old. It's great for those of any age.
Tools for this page
Age of Empires II: Age of Kings
(2002, Computer Software - Real Time Strategy (RTS), Rated T, Play it on: Mac/Windows)
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13. -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Strategy is key in tough real-time strategy game.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 13 and Up
The good stuff
-
Educational value:
What to watch out for
-
Violence:
-
Sex:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Age of Empires II: Age of Kings was written by Erik Lande
Parents need to know that strategy takes precedence over violence, which is fairly mild and seen from above. Defeated enemies do die and become skeletons. The developers made an effort to educate players about the various civilizations and their history, although the game isn't always accurate.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about how this type of game helps makes history come alive. Can kids figure out in what ways the game is not historically correct?
More on Age of Empires II: Age of Kings
What’s the Story?
AGE OF EMPIRES II: THE AGE OF KINGS is a historically based, real-time strategy (RTS) game that allows players to found and build up one of 13 civilizations, such as the Celts, Franks, or Chinese. Players must balance exploration, economic, and building needs and battle in order to succeed in this game.
As an RTS game, the play is continuous: Both the player and opponents are active at the same time. Each civilization has special abilities, units, and heroes (historical figures including Genghis Khan and Joan of Arc). Players must gather resources and construct buildings to expand the civilization and develop more advanced units.
CloseIs It Any Good?
The game offers hours of play, challenging computer artificial intelligence, and the ability to play against friends on other computers. Although the game involves military conquest, it is offered in a historical context and is not explicit. It is an excellent entertainment value. It requires complex thought about economics and strategy rather than simple action and reaction, and it makes an effort to educate about the civilizations and time periods it covers.
ClosePublisher’s Details
Released on 01/18/2002, price $19.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: T
ESRB rating: T
Our Members Say
See all 31 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
Excellent game for those of all ages
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Educational
8 and up is good
love it love it fun game for kids and teens teaches historical stuff little violent.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
Good for teens.
The game does revolve around violence and building your empire but it does involve a good amount of thinking and as long as your kid understands that its just a game its a good play.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
Awesome real time strategy
This is a really good real time strategy game. There are so many features to the game that it takes a while to finish the game. Even if you beat all the campaigns, there are still random map games and expansion packs. This game is really good for people who like strategy, fighting, or making epic maps to show to your friends. Also, the game is 13+, but I know a 10 year old can totally handle this, theres no blood, no messagee telling you to drag race in a city, and no revealing clothes.
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Do you play it? 
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
