Parents' Guide to

Sid Meier's Ace Patrol

By Chris Morris, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Great strategy game from master of the genre; war theme.

App iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad Free to try, Free Strategy Games
Sid Meier's Ace Patrol Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

  • Sid Meier's Ace Patrol App: Screenshot #1
  • Sid Meier's Ace Patrol App: Screenshot #2
  • Sid Meier's Ace Patrol App: Screenshot #3

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What’s It About?

Players control pilots in series of air-combat missions, attempting to shoot down enemy planes. Moves are turn-based, giving players time to think. Available moves are shown as a series of arrows and determined by a number of factors, including altitude, the G-forces a pilot is experiencing, the type and condition of the plane, and the maneuvers in which the pilot is trained. Clouds conceal aircraft, adding the element of surprise, and players must avoid fighting above enemy territory or risk adding antiaircraft guns to the battle.

Is It Any Good?

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

Sid Meier did more than put his name on SID MEIER'S ACE PATROL; he programmed it himself -- and his legendary attention to detail shines through, making this perhaps one of the best strategy game on any mobile device. Players must manage resources, train pilots, and make careful decisions as they battle enemy pilots.

The battles, though turn-based, are still thrilling, and the decision to add a replay mode (letting you watch them in real time after the campaign) was a wise one. The game's multiplayer mode is well done, but turn-based games tend to move a bit slow in multiplayer modes. (Kudos are due, though, on the ensuring of multiplayer matches against strangers being relatively safe. There's no discussion, only gameplay.) Overall there's very little for strategy fans to complain about here, and people new to the genre will quickly see why it's so addictive.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the importance of strategy and thinking ahead. Encourage kids to play other strategy games, such as chess.

  • If possible, visit a museum and see the real planes of World War I.

  • Check out WWI websites or online lectures from WWI pilots, so kids can learn more about the science of dogfights.

App Details

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