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Age of Empires III

(2006, Video Games - Real Time Strategy (RTS), Rated T, Play it on: Windows)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    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.

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

This review of Age of Empires III was written by Jeremy Gieske

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.

Families Can Talk About

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More on Age of Empires III

What’s the Story?

AGE OF EMPIRES III (AOE III), part of the popular Microsoft-powered Real-Time-Strategy (RTS) game series, places players in the New World, with European civilizations and native cultures fighting for supremacy in the Americas. The focus, as before, is on resource-gathering and building a balanced fighting force to attack enemy bases. However, to get a leg up, players can now make use of a home city that can send extra resources and assistance. AOE III also introduces a well-rounded campaign mode that has players following the legend of the fictional Black family. Close

Is It Any Good?

Technically the game is a masterpiece. Outstanding graphics and sound help immerse the player in the Florida Everglades, the jungles of South America, and the plains of the American West. Battles are complete with jubilant cheers from the victorious troops when a skirmish is won, and the soundtrack is a perfect match.

The game does, naturally, contain a large number of battles, with some blood and explosions present. Also, although the game does have some historical facts (helped a great deal by the well-designed in-game encyclopedia), there is a lot of fiction mixed in. Indeed, this version is the least historically accurate of the three games. Definitely entertaining, even slightly educational, AOE III is a worthy successor to the previous AOE games.

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Publisher’s Details

Released on 10/09/2006, price $49.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: T (for blood and violence)

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Our Members Say

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See all 13 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Easy to play

  2. I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Negative message

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

    fun for all teens

    This game is fun it has great battles and some fun action going on. This game also teaches you about different civilazations, battles and trade. The games message is not the best since it is to destroy the other civilazations with cannons and armies.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

    on for tweens

    it's a fun game teaches about some war

  4. Adult Reviewer
    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.

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    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.

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