THE GAME OF LIFE

App review by Carla Thornton, Common Sense Media
THE GAME OF LIFE Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 8+

Classic game takes kids on a speedy 3D adventure.

iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android Paid Board Games
Rate app

Parents say

age 10+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 6+

Based on 5 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate app
  • The Game of Life: Main Menu
  • The Game of Life: Choose Full Mode or Fast Mode.
  • The Game of Life: In-game instructions help users get started.
  • The Game of Life: The starting line!

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this app.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that THE GAME OF LIFE: 2016 Edition is a digital version of the board game they might have grown up with. There are three multiplayer options: pass-and-play with up to four people, playing against the computer, playing against another person by playing a stranger online, or inviting your Facebook friend to play if you enter your age as 13 or above when the game opens. There's an in-game chat feature, but the only options are emojis, so there's no real contact with other people. You can read the developer's privacy policy here.

Community Reviews

Wizecrakz1
Wizecrakz1 Adult
April 6, 2020
age 10+

Glitches

It is fun, I like the traditional Life game with the mini games within but there are a few bugs they need to work out. Like sometimes when you spin the spinner it will not give you the number it landed on. It will make you spin again. Also when you are told to go to the chapel, it gets stuck and will not let you do anything but exit the game. Online play with actual people is hard because they jump in and out of the game in which I hate. It messes up everything you’ve accomplished. There’s got to be a way that you can play online with actual people, like in the game Wheel of Fortune. I like to play against real people.

This title has:

Easy to play/use
leng14
leng14 Adult
June 26, 2010
age 10+
love it
See all 2 parent reviews

What’s It About?

In THE GAME OF LIFE: 2016 EDITION, a much-loved board game comes alive as kids motor through lush 3D landscapes of palm trees, buildings, and shimmering lagoons as they collect jobs, spouses, and babies. When the game opens, you enter your age, and if you choose 13 or older, you can link the game with Facebook. Players choose to play solo against a computer opponent, people online, a Facebook friend, or with face-to-face friends in pass-and-play mode. Gameplay is nearly identical to that of the modern board game. Players attempt to amass more money and assets than their opponents as they move their game pieces around the board. They choose the college or career path to begin, then spin the wheel to land on game tiles with a range of life choices or circumstances such as pay raises, losing jobs, paying taxes, having children, and more. There also is an in-game chat feature that only allows a small group of emojis.

Is It Any Good?

If the game seems to move too quickly at times, skipping some steps, that's because it is: You get to spin the wheel, but the "CPU" deals the cards and really moves the game along. Built-in mini-games in The Game of Life: 2016 Edition mostly involve mindless tapping and don't add much interest. Some tactile pleasures of a board game just can't be duplicated. Still, it's nice to have lots of options for multiplayer gameplay, and "fast mode" may be a great pick for families who like board games but hesitate at those with extra-long gameplay. Though kids can play with strangers online, there are no opportunities to share personal information, but be aware that kids can access Facebook if the player's age is entered as 13 or older.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about competition in THE GAME OF LIFE: 2016 Edition. What lessons can you learn from competing with others? How does it feel when you win? When you lose?

  • Talk about the online multiplayer option and in-game chat. Though you can't share any personal information through this app, what kinds of information should you never share online? What does it mean to be a good digital citizen?

  • Though the game has evolved quite a lot since its original release in 1860, it still presents a fairly traditional family structure and set of life choices. Depending on your own family structure and values, this may be something you want to discuss.

App Details

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate