Mini Empires Plus

Review

Common Sense Media says

A lot of depth in strategy game; heavy in-app purchase push.
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
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Learning2
Best: Really engaging, great learning approach.
Very Good: Engaging, very good learning approach.
Good: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
Fair: Somewhat engaging, okay learning approach.
Not for Learning : Not recommended for learning.
Not for Kids: Not age-appropriate for kids; not recommended for learning.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Mini Empires Plus is a strategy game that pits players against each other in combat, as they build out their base on their own. The game is quite aggressive in pushing in-app purchases, which can be fairly expensive, though if you are patient, you can play without purchasing any of them. A few major losses on the battlefield, though, and those upgrades become very tempting. While players compete with strangers, there's no communication possible before, during, or after the battle. 

  • Ease of use3
    There's a lot to take in here -- and the game can be intimidating for people who aren't familiar with the strategy genre. A bare-bones tutorial doesn't do much to make it more inviting. 
  • Violence2
    The game includes frequent combat, where planes, ships, and troops battle each other, but it's done in a turn-based simulation method, meaning damage is reflected only in a declining health number associated with regiments. When they're hit, there's a small explosion. There's no blood or signs of anguish, however.
  • Sex0
    Not applicable.
  • Language0
    Not applicable.
  • Consumerism4
    The game is extraordinarily aggressive in pitching in-app purchases. While it's possible to accomplish your goals by waiting and slowly building up coins, it takes an incredible amount of patience or luck on the battlefield, where you win coins or gems for successful engagements. 
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
  • Privacy & safety4
    Players compete against other live players, but do not exchange any personal information and are not able to chat or communicate with those opponents. 
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What kids can learn

2

Kids can learn the importance of patience and thinking ahead as they decide which forces to build out in between battles. They'll also have to decide where to focus their resource gathering, which is important in long-term planning. While Mini Empires isn't focused on learning, kids can pick up small lessons on strategy and the value of patience.

Skills
  • Emotional Development
  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • Responsibility & Ethics
  • Tech Skills
  • Health & Fitness
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What's it about?

The game consists of two parts: Base construction and combat. With construction, players build and upgrade their headquarters to make troops and weapons. Building an army costs money, so resource gathering is also important (and slow). As bases are built, they can be upgraded to later ages in time, for more advanced weaponry. In battle, players compete against strangers, choosing to fight with land, sea, or air forces. Battle is turn-based, with each army taking shots at the other until someone wins, loses, or retreats.

Is it any good?

 

Turn-based strategy games aren't for everyone -- and Mini Empires Plus falls in line with that line of thinking. The game has a lot of depth, letting players progress through ages of time and simplistic but satisfying battles. It's a slow game, though, when you're building a base unless you're willing to cash in resources to hurry things along. To nudge you in that direction, the game aggressively touts in-app purchases -- to an annoying degree. 

Fans of the genre may like the Farmville meets Civilization fusion, but it's not a title for people new to strategy. A lackluster tutorial and very crowded screen could quickly confuse people. 

This review of Mini Empires Plus was written by

What kids can learn

2

Kids can learn the importance of patience and thinking ahead as they decide which forces to build out in between battles. They'll also have to decide where to focus their resource gathering, which is important in long-term planning. While Mini Empires isn't focused on learning, kids can pick up small lessons on strategy and the value of patience.

Skills
  • Thinking & Reasoning: strategy
  • Creativity:
  • Self-Direction:
  • Emotional Development:
  • Communication:
  • Collaboration:
  • Responsibility & Ethics:
  • Tech Skills:
  • Health & Fitness:

What's it about?

The game consists of two parts: Base construction and combat. With construction, players build and upgrade their headquarters to make troops and weapons. Building an army costs money, so resource gathering is also important (and slow). As bases are built, they can be upgraded to later ages in time, for more advanced weaponry. In battle, players compete against strangers, choosing to fight with land, sea, or air forces. Battle is turn-based, with each army taking shots at the other until someone wins, loses, or retreats.

How kids will learn

Fans of the role-playing games and simulation games will find Mini Empires to be a fun way to exercise strategic thinking. Some of the concepts kids get exposure too can be translated to their real life -- like patience and the importance of thinking ahead.

How parents can help

  • Encourage kids to play other games that teach them to be forward-thinking, such as chess.
  • Suggest that kids focus on the construction elements rather than rushing into battle.
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Category:Simulation Games
Platforms:iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
Price:$.99
Size:28.50 MB
Publisher:Midverse Studios
Version:1.4.1
Release date:September 22, 2012
Minimum software requirements:iOS 4.0 or later
This review of Mini Empires Plus was written by

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