Great game I have followed the Civilization series for years and they have yet to disappoint me.Not violent even though there are battles.Though it is very hard building a really good civilization. P.S. I my self never was able to get this version but have played it at a friends house a few times.
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Is it age appropriate?
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Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Strategy game for tweens & up spans world history.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 11 and Up
The good stuff
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Educational value:
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Civilization 4 was written by Jeremy Gieske
Parents need to know that this game doesn't contain much objectionable content, but it is a challenging game that may be more enjoyable for tweens and teens. The game encourages strategy and teaches some history, politics, and civics. Parents should note that the game is very time-consuming -- be sure to set time limits before playing. Also, the game can be played online, which could slightly alter the content of the game --Common Sense Media does not recommend online play for kids under 12.
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More on Civilization 4
What’s the Story?
CIVILIZATION IV, like its predecessors designed by legendary Sid Meier, is a turn-based strategy game, making it slower and more methodical than time-based games. Playing as a historical leader -- like Gandhi -- players start a civilization and develop it through the ages, hoping to eventually rule the world. Players interact with neighboring civilizations, either choosing peaceful trade agreements or to go to war.
Is It Any Good?
There is a lot of strategy involved. Players must carefully consider how their decisions will affect their civilizations. Enact slavery? Choose a state religion? Some decisions influence culture, others productivity, and others military strength.
But players learn more than strategy. Historical quotes are scattered throughout the game, and an interactive Civilpedia defines various civil and government structures. Firaxis' Web site has an area for educators, since many use the Civilization series of games as a tool to teach politics, civics, and history. With a 200+-page manual and a steep learning curve, Civilization IV can be daunting, but players who stick it out will be rewarded with a deep, challenging game that even weaves in some educational material.
Publisher’s Details
Developer: Firaxis
Released on: 1/16/2006, Price: $49.99, not online enabled
ESRB Rating: E10+ for Violence
Released on: 1/16/2006, Price: $49.99, not online enabled
ESRB Rating: E10+ for Violence
Our Members Say
See 11 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Safety isn't an issue
Older kids,tweens,teens,and even adults might like it
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Safety isn't an issue
great game but requires a lot of skill
This is one of the best games I have played. For young people who are very good at playing games this would be great. This game can be semi-educational because it has real cities and sayings and the leaders are all real. The game includes brilliant technology advancements, extra mods, and masterfully made gameplay. This game is a MUST play for anyone who thinks they can play it.
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
A brilliant strategy game!
This game is about as well made as you will ever find in the strategy genre. It isn't too difficult to pick up and play, but if you want to get good at it it takes a lot of time and thought. Not really much to worry about for kids. On a positive note it might just get them interested in history...or maybe that's expecting too much. Either way it's a great game that will eat up loads of your time. You've been warned. :)
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I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
Good for great strategy players.
This is a very good game. The only reason im saying 12+ is because its very difficult.
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give itGreat game can't wait for the next installment!
I had tons of fun playing this game multiplayer taking out other civilzations. Although it didn't always work when we set the difficulty to Monarch or higher...
This review...
Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind -
I rate this title on and give it
One of the few great games of 2005
Civilization IV, in my opinion, is the greatest strategy game ever created. Unfortunately, due to its slow-paced nature and steep learning curve, it's generally only played by adults and especially patient children or teenagers. If your kids can get into this game though, that's fantastic. They are of a dying breed.
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I rate this title on and give it
difficult but fun
This game is somewhat difficult and very complicated but fun and rewarding
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I rate this title on and give it
It's Nimoy!
While I do play the game alot, and that alone is educaitonal, I read the included Civilopedia more. Both are very good, I mean, one has Nimoy reading the lyrics to rock music.
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I rate this title iffy and give it
OK follow-up to a great game
This game would have been even better then its 5-star predecsessor if it hadn't eliminated many good rules.
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I rate this title on and give it
A game that can create idea of history
This is a very good game that even teachers of middle school or high school should use to make the interacting of history more fun. It has its destroying, but I believe this deserves a good rating.
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I rate this title on and give it
Great game that has endless possibilities.
I have played the Civilization series since I was in 5th grade, and it never gets old. When my parents gave me a limited time for playing on the computer, they made one exception, and that was that I could play Civ without being counted. This game is very educational, as it has made me more interested in world history and leaders. In this game, you can even play scenarios like the American Revolution, where everything from the units to the positions of the cities and the geography are correct. The game includes a civilopedia, which gives history about every unit, leader, civilization, civic, and everything else used in the game. This game also plays music from the exact time period you are on with ancient music to Brahms and Dvorak all the way to modern times. The music has even made an impact on me, as I now listen to classical rather than today's sometimes mindless rap. Recommend it to any history or military fanatic, or anyone with the exceptional patience to play a turn-based game.
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