Enercities
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Enercities is a stripped down SimCity-like educational game that teaches kids to be aware of the resource needs and patterns of successful communities as well as the impact of resource use on the environment. The issues addressed include economy, population size, environmental sustainability, quality of life, energy/power consumption, and resource management.
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What's it about?
In ENERCITIES -- a top-down, city-building sim similar to SimCity -- kids must grow a community while managing that community's resources responsibly, trying to succeed economically while also being environmentally friendly and keeping people happy. They have a limited amount of fossil fuels and can build houses, entertainment locations, city parks, industrial zones, and power plants. Kids may then upgrade buildings to make them more efficient and/or lessen their ecological impact.
Is it any good?
Not as robust or deep as similar city sims, Enercities still manages to be poignant, benefitting from its focus on a few key issues. The simple gameplay and straightforward mechanics make it accessible while it still poses interesting and thought-provoking challenges. Kids should have some fun and learn a little about the critical role that energy production will play as population grows and resources dwindle.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can discuss what they can do to be more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
How has this game affected the way you see the world and the energy we use?
Why do you think -- as the game argues -- people don't like to live near power plants?
Game details
- Platforms: Linux, Mac, Windows
- Subjects: Science: energy
Social Studies: the economy - Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: decision-making, strategy
Self-Direction: working efficiently - Price: Free
- Pricing structure: Free
- Available online? Available online
- Developer: Paladin Studios
- Release date: December 4, 2013
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: Science and Nature
- ESRB rating: NR
- Last updated: November 11, 2020
Our editors recommend
For kids who love simulation and ecology games
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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.