Common Sense Media Review
By Mark Raby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
World War II simulation focuses on history, strategy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
History: Legends of War: Patton
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's It About?
HISTORY: LEGENDS OF WAR: PATTON is a war simulation game. This places it in the company of dozens, if not hundreds, of video games before it. What makes this title unique, though, is that it puts specific emphasis on a single person rather than a specific historic event. As General Patton, players earn \"prestige points\" and \"skill points\" which dynamically alter the way that their soldiers fight in combat. Players also learn all sorts of historic facts about Patton and his role in the war. The ultimate story that players fight their way through has been told an uncountable number of times, but the way it is presented in this game is definitely unique to this medium.
Is It Any Good?
History: Legends of War: Patton is a great strategic game. This is not a game for the lighthearted, however. Turn-based strategy combat games are among the most challenging types of video games in the industry and this one is no exception. It is not built to be frustratingly difficult, but rather to further make the point that World War II -- and General Patton's role therein -- was no piece of cake. It is a very refreshing and welcome approach to telling the story of a historic point in time, in a way that no video game has really done before. It definitely earns points in that regard. Some of the missions may seem repetitive at times, and there are occasionally wild variances in the level of difficulty, but that is perhaps the point of the game, to make sure players are on their toes and can get at least some kind of a grasp of what it was like to be the one making all the decisions on the battlefield during a time of such turmoil and uncertainty. World War II buffs will very much appreciate the approach that this game takes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the depiction of violence in this game. Given the context, do you think the violence is appropriate or does it go over-the-top?
What do you think of the men and women who served in the army during World War II?
Would you consider General Patton to be a role model? Even if you never come anywhere close to dealing with what he had to, do you think you could learn anything about yourself by seeing the kind of leader he was?
Game Details
- Platforms : PlayStation 3 , PlayStation Vita , Windows , Xbox 360
- Subjects : Social Studies : events , historical figures , history
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : decision-making , problem solving , strategy , Responsibility & Ethics : integrity , learning from consequences , making wise decisions
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Maximum Family Games
- Release date : November 20, 2012
- Genre : Strategy
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : November 11, 2020
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