The Sims Medieval: Pirates and Nobles

Review

Common Sense Media says

Add-on expands original game into treasure-hunting quests.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
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Parents say

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Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that The Sims Medieval: Pirates and Nobles is an add-on pack to The Sims Medieval. It requires players to already have The Sims Medieval installed on their computer. This add-on is provides players with new story objectives and quests, though there are also new items, outfits, and gameplay tweaks as well. Note, The Sims Medieval game and this add-on are different than previous Sims titles, in that they actually have a storyline and task players with completing specific objectives with an ultimate end goal.

  • Positive messages1
    As with other Sims titles, this game does not pass any moral judgment on to the players. They are free to do whatever they want -- they can live a dutiful life, brush up on their swordsman skills, and become the most respected knight in the kingdom. Or they can walk around without tending to personal hygiene and go down the path to their own demise. What shines through here, just like other games in this genre, is the player's ability to shape the story. It fosters creativity and instills a basic knowledge of what's right and what's wrong, without shoving the message down anyone's throat.
  • Positive role models1
    There are characters for players to look up to, such as the leading knights and rulers of the kingdom, but ultimately the goal of the game is for the player to become the role model. This expansion pack adds to the extensive storyline and structure that made the base Sims Medieval title so unique, with an ultimate goal of becoming the leader of the kingdom. That said, it is also possible to explore negative role models, including an assassin.
  • Ease of play3
    Players must be able to multitask to play this game successfully. There are numerous tasks for players to complete, all while keeping sure their Sim characters remain in good health. The controls are easy enough to figure out, with an intuitive point-and-click interface, but the mental gymnastics involved in conquering a kingdom amidst countless simultaneous tasks makes it a challenge to unseasoned players.
  • Violence3
    As with every prior entry in the Sims franchise, the way this game plays out is entirely up to the individual players. Players choose how their virtual characters live and behave. Because there is a medieval theme in this title, however, the opportunity for violence is more prevalent. For example, players can compete in jousting and sword fights, or engage in warfare against other kingdoms. It is also possible to poison characters, causing them to die. The portrayal of death is not much different than previous Sims game, as it is seen as part of the story of human life rather than a glorified feat or accomplishment.
  • Sex3
    As part of the game's sophisticated simulation of human relationships, it is possible for players to have sex, but generally only after the two mates have formed a strong bond. The word "sex" is never used -- instead, the game refers to the act as "WooHoo," and is depicted with the two Sim avatars in the same bed. They remain covered by sheets during the ordeal, though giggling and moaning sounds leave little to imagine as to what they are doing.
  • Language0
    Not applicable.
  • Consumerism0
    Not applicable.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking3
    As part of the lore of medieval culture, players can go into a bar and drink alcohol. While no specific alcoholic beverages are named, drinking can cause a Sim to be presented as "Buzzed," or in some cases, may even vomit or pass out. This only occurs when done in extreme excess, something the players once again have complete control over.
  • Privacy & safety0
    Not applicable.
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What's it about?

In THE SIMS MEDIEVAL: PIRATES AND NOBLES, players are able to engage in numerous quests. Exciting new adventures like trying to find the Fountain of Youth or protecting the kingdom from rival forces help to enhance the unique new style of Sims gameplay that the Medieval title first brought forth. In addition to the new quests and objectives, this pack contains dozens of new items and outfits for players to customize their virtual Sim world, as well as new gameplay modes like treasure hunting. Players can also choose which path they want to take in the medieval world -- from the daily grind of a knight or blacksmith, to the daunting power of a king or queen.

Is it any good?

 

The Sims Medieval: Pirates and Nobles is a very different type of product than any of the expansion packs for previous The Sims computer games. Because the Medieval title has a structured story and mission-based gameplay, this expansion is able to offer compelling, engaging new content. A slew of new pirate-themed missions allow players to live out their deep sea fantasies, sailing around the world and looking for treasure. All the sophisticated life simulation tools, requiring players to manage everything from personal hygiene to social relationships, are just as strong as ever, but the added component of quests and missions makes it a wholly unique -- and captivatingly fun -- experience.

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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about the use of virtual avatars. Why did you design it as you did and what does your avatar reveal about the real you?

  • What new things about medieval culture does this Adventure Pack demonstrate?

  • What can you do in a virtual world that you can't do in the real world?

This review was written by Mark Raby
Kid, 11 years old
February 5, 2012
AGE
8
 
it has a little too much violence and a litle nudity theme but othet then that its great game
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This review was written by Mark Raby
Platforms:Windows, Mac
Available online?Not available online
Genre:Simulation
Developer:Electronic Arts
Release date:August 30, 2011
Price:$29.99
ESRB rating:T for Crude Humor, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence
This review was written by Mark Raby

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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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
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