 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Civilization 4
Common Sense Media says
Strategy game for tweens & up spans world history.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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.
What's it about?
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.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the use of video games like this one in the classroom. Are they effective teaching tools, even if they are not specifically designed to be educational? How can teachers enrich the experience for their students?
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AGE
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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AGE
difficult but fun
This game is somewhat difficult and very complicated but fun and rewarding
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AGE
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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AGE
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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AGE
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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AGE
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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AGE
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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AGE
Perfect
This title is a game that spans from the dawn of civilization in 4000 BC, to the supposed reach of Alpha Centauri in 2100 AD. It is the fourth title of an epic series that will blow your socks off. You can do war, build culture, race to space, or get voted to victory. Your child only needs to be able to read to understand stuff, but if you want to win, you're probably going to need to be a little older.
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AGE
Perfection on a disc
This game has one flaw-if you put computer player in your game, they are REALLY GOOD, but this can be sidestepped by ussing Hot Seat and playing against yourself, which is more fun than it sounds. So, basically, this game is perfect. It is won or lost on your intellegence and logic for the best option in the circumstances. The Civilpedia is a virtual history book and sometime I'll spend hours just reading that. And this game let's you do something that you have always wanted to do-play God over the world. Also, if the battle odds are below 100%, you will always lose. Always.
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AGE
Strategy for Everyone
Sid Meier always has a knack for these kinds of games. Civilization IV (Civ 4) is an excellent game to play and can be extraordinarily difficult for one out for a challenge. You pretty much, well, build a civilization from the ground up, choosing from many real Earth civilizations. You manage cities, civics, units, warfare, commerce, research, culture, etc. to try to reach one of the multiple victory conditions. You advance in ages and play through time starting at 4000BCE up to 2050AD. (or beyond if you choose)It has a very high replayability and vibrant graphics.The turn-based system instead of RTS-style gameplay isn't a hindrance at all; it seems to add to the effect. There are many mods available. from the Internet and two expansion packs for the game. A must have for any PC strategy gamer.
The worst content issue is seeing large animated characters fall down when waging war. No blood or serious violence. You can gain incense or wine as resources to gain happiness, but I don't see how that could be a problem.
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