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About our rating system
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, excellent 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.
Our child development rating guidelines

Game reviews for simulation, self-direction

20 results

show:

  • Review
    SimCity

    Exciting but technically flawed city-building simulation.
    AGE
    10
     
    Learning
    4
    Platforms: Windows
    (Game, 2013)
  • Review
    Half the Sky Movement: The Game

    Empowering sim explores women's issues and activism.
    AGE
    13
     
    Learning
    5
    Platforms: Facebook
    (Game, 2013)
  • Review
    The Sims 3: 70s, 80s, & 90s Stuff

    Let your Sims relive earlier eras with this decent add-on.
    AGE
    15
     
    Learning
    1
    Platforms: Windows
    (Game, 2013)
  • Review
    Megapolis

    Cross-platform building sim shines with real-world graphics.
    AGE
    13
     
    Learning
    3
    Platforms: iPhone, Facebook
    (Game, 2012)
  • Review
    CoasterVille

    Build your own amusement park on Facebook with your friends.
    AGE
    13
     
    Learning
    3
    Platforms: Facebook
    (Game, 2012)
  • Review
    The Sims 3: Seasons

    Expansion pack encourages outdoor activities all year long.
    AGE
    15
     
    Learning
    3
    Platforms: Mac, Windows
    (Game, 2012)
  • Review
    Harvest Moon 3D: A New Beginning

    Cute, open-ended farming series adds more customization.
    AGE
    9
     
    Learning
    4
    Platforms: Nintendo 3DS
    (Game, 2012)
  • Review
    The Wizard of Oz Facebook Game

    Film-based 3D building sim encourages Facebook friending.
    AGE
    13
     
    Learning
    2
    (Game, 2012)
  • Review
    Gazillionaire!

    Econ becomes interesting when running interstellar company.
    AGE
    12
     
    Learning
    4
    Platforms: Mac, Windows
    (Game, 2012)
  • Review
    The Sims 3: Supernatural

    Latest expansion pack lets players create monsters.
    AGE
    15
     
    Learning
    3
    Platforms: Mac, Windows
    (Game, 2012)
  • Review
    The Ville

    Sim emphasizes positive social interactions and happiness.
    AGE
    13
     
    Learning
    2
    Platforms: Facebook
    (Game, 2012)
  • Review
    Rabbids Invasion

    Irreverent Facebook title pokes fun at other social games.
    AGE
    13
     
    Learning
    1
    Platforms: Facebook
    (Game, 2012)
  • Review
    Funky Barn 3D

    Silly farm sim with wacky machines and uncommon controls.
    AGE
    8
     
    Learning
    1
    Platforms: Nintendo 3DS
    (Game, 2012)
  • Review
    Horses 3D

    Fun sim game lets girls care for and train their own horse.
    AGE
    8
     
    Learning
    3
    Platforms: Nintendo 3DS
    (Game, 2012)
  • Review
    Order Up!!

    Fun, accessible cooking sim teaches international dishes.
    AGE
    9
     
    Learning
    3
    Platforms: Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, Nintendo 3DS
    (Game, 2012)
  • Review
    The Sims Social

    Mature but lighthearted life sim with new social features.
    AGE
    15
     
    Learning
    3
    Platforms: Facebook
    (Game, 2011)
  • Review
    A Sailor's Life for Me

    Informative history title is more text than game.
    AGE
    7
     
    Learning
    2
    Platforms: Mac, Windows
    (Game, 2010)
  • Review
    Spore

    This exceptional evolution sim is a masterpiece.
    AGE
    11
     
    Learning
    4
    Platforms: Mac, Nintendo DS, Windows
    (Game, 2008)
  • Review
    Build-a-lot

    Accessible building sim both challenging and fun.
    AGE
    10
     
    Learning
    4
    Platforms: Windows
    (Game, 2008)
  • Review
    Fairy Godmother Tycoon

    Wacky fairytale biz sim lets kids conjure riches.
    AGE
    12
     
    Learning
    3
    Platforms: Windows
    (Game, 2007)