Parents' Guide to

Astrologaster

By Christy Matte, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Bawdy sim shoots for the stars but can be slow.

App iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad Paid Simulation Games
Astrologaster Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this app.

  • Astrologaster App: Screenshot #1
  • Astrologaster App: Screenshot #2
  • Astrologaster App: Screenshot #3
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Privacy Rating Warning

  • Unclear whether personal information is sold or rented to third parties.
  • Personal information is not shared for third-party marketing.
  • Unclear whether this product displays personalised advertising.
  • Unclear whether data are collected by third-parties for their own purposes.
  • Unclear whether this product uses a user's information to track and target advertisements on other third-party websites or services.
  • Unclear whether this product creates and uses data profiles for personalised advertisements.
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What’s It About?

ASTROLOGASTER is set in Shakespearean 16th century London, and Simon Forman -- who's a real historical figure -- is battling the bubonic plague. He consults the stars, concocts a remedy, and... recovers. Armed with his new knowledge and confidence, Simon sets out to treat others in his community using astrology for diagnosis. What follows is a parade of gossipy seekers asking for advice on everything from vomiting ("chundering") to investment opportunities. Players assist "Doctor" Forman by reading the stars and choosing the best diagnosis available. What this means, however, is up for interpretation. Do you choose the result that will work out best for the person seeking help over time or do you choose the result that will make your patient the happiest? This is complicated by the fact that the local licensed physicians are after Forman for impersonating a doctor. He needs to obtain eight letters of recommendation from his patients, which requires them to be happy with his diagnoses. If he can obtain all the required letters, he will receive a medical license from the University of Cambridge. Players will see 13 patients over a series of 5-7 visits. Each client has a unique story arc, but their stories often overlap. As a result, a diagnosis for one person could impact the relationship with others. In terms of the interface, the story is portrayed in a pop-up book style replete with a witty madrigal chorus.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

With beautiful graphics, a clever chorus, and ribald sense of humor, there's a definite audience for this out-of-the-ordinary sim. Astrologaster is quirky and unique, but not without its low points. Sitting through the madrigal chorus between patients is fun at first but begins to feel tedious as the story continues. In fact, the whole movement of the story is slow, and the extensive use of Elizabethan English may impact engagement for kids. It's not always clear how the choices made impact the outcomes, but some of that may be design. Astrologaster will likely have a high appeal to those who like British humor and absurd plotlines. For those looking for a real-to-life sim, this probably isn't the best choice.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can use the information in Astrologaster to talk about the medical profession over time. How has medicine changed since the 16th century? What would happen to Simon Forman today?

  • How do you like this app in comparison with other apps you could play? As you balance your time on- and offscreen, would this be an app you'd choose to use? Why or why not?

App Details

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