Common Sense Media Review
Strategy is key in tough real-time strategy game.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 24 kid reviews
Kids say this game is a fantastic introduction to real-time strategy that is educational and not excessively violent, helping them learn about history in a fun way. While some mention minor violence, it is generally viewed as suitable for ages 8 and up, with an array of gameplay features that can be engaging for players of varying skill levels, though it may present challenges for younger ones.
- educational gameplay
- suitable for ages 8+
- minor violence
- engaging strategy
- fun with history
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
AGE OF EMPIRES II: THE AGE OF KINGS is a historically based, real-time strategy (RTS) game that allows players to found and build up one of 13 civilizations, such as the Celts, Franks, or Chinese. Players must balance exploration, economic, and building needs and battle in order to succeed in this game.
As an RTS game, the play is continuous: Both the player and opponents are active at the same time. Each civilization has special abilities, units, and heroes (historical figures including Genghis Khan and Joan of Arc). Players must gather resources and construct buildings to expand the civilization and develop more advanced units.
Is It Any Good?
The game offers hours of play, challenging computer artificial intelligence, and the ability to play against friends on other computers. Although the game involves military conquest, it is offered in a historical context and is not explicit. It is an excellent entertainment value. It requires complex thought about economics and strategy rather than simple action and reaction, and it makes an effort to educate about the civilizations and time periods it covers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how this type of game helps makes history come alive. Can kids figure out in what ways the game is not historically correct?
Game Details
- Platforms : Windows , Mac
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Microsoft
- Release date : January 18, 2002
- Genre : Real-Time Strategy (RTS)
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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