Tools for this page
Print

Age of Empires III

(2006, Video Games - Real Time Strategy (RTS), Rated T, Play it on: 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?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    New World RTS battles sport gorgeous visuals.

updated 07.04.08

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Most of the gameplay is not historically accurate; however, a large reference section gives players a chance to learn more about the civilizations and weapons of the game.
 

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Some characters are treacherous and deceiving. Most civilizations are Euro-centric with native civilizations playing a limited role.
  • Violence :

    Large-scale battles with cannons, cavalry, etc. Explosions can throw soldiers in the air. Minimal blood.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Age of Empires III

Parents need to know that this game has some large-scale battles, complete with cannon fire, bodies being thrown in the air, and some blood. However, most of the fighting takes place from a bird's-eye view. Parents should also be aware that the game has an online mode and that Common Sense Media doesn't recommend online play for anyone younger than 12. The game is well-designed, with an absorbing and slightly historical storyline. Outstanding graphics and tried-and-true gameplay make this a good choice for Real-Time-Strategy fans and casual gamers alike.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the quality of graphics can influence a game's popularity and success. Why are the visuals so important? What makes the visuals in this game stand out? If you have other games in the series, how are those games different? How are they similar?
Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Enter your email address
I am over 13 years old
Tell us your child's age
Why we ask
Why we ask
Providing your kids' age allows us to give you personalized recommendations for your family on our site and in our weekly newsletter (coming soon) - so you get better information, faster.Your privacy is our priority.

You are now subscribed to the Common Sense weekly newsletter!

To write reviews and create a public profile, complete your account set-up here.

Our Members Say

Do You Play It? Review It!

  • What did you think about Age of Empires III?
  •  I think this game is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 10 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    Lives in Delaware
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    it is fine!!!!!

    i think it sould be for 2 years and up! it has historical charictars like... joan of the arc, atila the hun, and king arthur. i like the 1st and 2end ones better but this is awsome two.

  2. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Lives in Indiana
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    For those of you who don't know if your computer can handle it...

    This game is great but it isn't as fun without a fast computer. Luckily i have one. For those of you who say that an xp computer is the fastest and it lags even on an xp, let me tell you something. Having an Xp computer doesn't mean your computer is fast. An xp is just an operating system. You need good hardware like at least a 128mb video card but I recommend at least 256mb. A geforce 6600 series should run the game fine. But if you want the max graphics, get a geforce 7 series or higher. Also, have at least 512mb of ram in your system.

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    Lives in Connecticut
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    Violent, but not bad.

    AOE III is certaintly not for everybody. Parents should know that it is a game all about building up a civilization to crush another one. The only way to win is genocide. However, the violence isn't the kind of thing that I believe would alter someone's view on war in a violent way. You should make sure that your child can handle the large explosions and mass deaths. However, if your child wants this game, chances are they are LOOKING for a challenging but fun RTS game. They'll be ready. I believe that any Tween is mature for this game and quite possibly those in the single digits.

  4. Teen Reviewer
    Age 15
    Anonymous
    Lives in Michigan
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Great game! Need a good computer!

    Wonderful game but you need a good computer if you want to play it without lag or choppiness. I recommend a graphics card with at least 128MB and process speed of 300MHz. Also at least 512MB RAM for your computer is needed for smooth gameplay. If your computer is up to the challenge than you should play this game. Regular offline mode will get boring after a while so be sure to have DSL or some high speed internet for online play. Online play is really the highlight of this game.

  5. Teen Reviewer
    Age 14
    Lives in Wisconsin
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Great Game

    Great game, loses appeal after campaign is over.

Find games reviews by title

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Site of the Week

    KidZui

    KidZui

    Kids' browser features prescreened, safe sites.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Cheating Via Chat?

    Cheating Via Chat?

    Is it OK for kids to do homework on Facebook?

  • Must See TV

    BrainRush

    BrainRush

    Kid-friendly contest puts exciting twist on game shows.

  • Member Buzz

    Parent Spying & Text

    Parent Spying & Text

    Should parents read their kids' texts?

  • Download This

    European Playground

    European Playground

    Give kids a taste of Europe's languages and rhythms.