Parents' Guide to

Sins of a Solar Empire

By Dwight Odelius, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 12+

Innovative real-time space-based strategy game.

Game Windows 2008
Sins of a Solar Empire Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 10+

Based on 1 parent review

Claymix
Claymix Adult
February 28, 2012
age 10+

A good, clean RTS

There's very little questionable about this game. Starships blowing each other up is the extent of the violence. Bodies are never seen, nor is there any death sounds (i.e., screaming). It's very mild. Other than the violence inherent in a space RTS (including bombing planets until they are clear of the enemies colonists), there is nothing else to worry about in this game. No language, sex, drinking, etc. As far as modern games go, this is one of the cleanest. The game itself is very fun, as well. A strategic game that keeps you involved and thinking. The one caveat is that it can take a very long time to play a match. A very, very, VERY long time. Depending on the size of the map and the number of players, this can be an hour to quite a few hours. (It can really drag on near the end of a game, which is definitely a turn off - depending on your patience). Have no fear, though: you can save even multiplayer games!

This title has:

Educational value
See all 1 parent review

What’s It About?

SINS OF A SOLAR EMPIRE is an innovative real-time strategy (RTS) game for Windows PCs. Unlike traditional ground-based strategy games in which the player must establish and conquer cities, Sins is set in space and focuses on conquest of planets and star systems. That crucial difference is what makes Sins more likely to be interesting to experienced strategy gamers.

Players start out with only a single planet under their control, the ability to build a few basic ships for combat and exploration, and a few structures for enhancing their growing empire's capabilities. As players explore the galaxy around them, they'll encounter opposing factions trying to establish their own empires. The player must choose their battles with care in order to successfully colonize and conquer the galaxy.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (4):

From the standpoint of pure strategy gaming, Sins should be very appealing. The unique game design has a significant impact on strategy, requiring the player to consider factors such as planetary climate, available resources, and risk of attack when choosing whether to try and take control of a planet.

In other areas, Sins is sorely lacking. The single-player game consists only of a handful of scenarios that pit the player against the computer AI. There is hardly any story to speak of, save for a brief cutscene that explains the history of the conflict between the three political factions. The game shines in multiplayer mode, but those new to strategy gaming will find this to be frustratingly difficult.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how political factions interact in wartime, and how various national interests and prejudices can prevail over the common good. Parents may also view it as an opportunity to teach strategic thinking to their teenage children – or have their teenage children teach them.

Game Details

  • Platform: Windows
  • Available online?: Available online
  • Publisher: Stardock
  • Release date: February 4, 2008
  • Genre: Strategy
  • ESRB rating: T for Fantasy Violence and Mild Language
  • Last updated: November 4, 2015

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