The Sims Medieval
The Sims Medieval
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.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Sims Medieval has the same shell as previous games in the Sims franchise, but it is packaged in a completely new way. While it is still up to the player to write his or her own story, there is more structure to this title than the previous entries. Players are presented with specific tasks and goals, which ultimately lead them to being able to rule the kingdom. However, there are no shortage of ways to complete each task, and it is ultimately up to the player's creativity to figure out how to succeed. Additionally, while most previous Sims games have flirted with the concept of alcohol, this one takes it up a notch by actually letting Sim characters get "buzzed" and making them throw up or pass out when they drink too much. While names of alcoholic drinks are never mentioned, this concept is heavier than in previous titles.
Community Reviews
Amazing game
Report this review
FUN
Report this review
What’s It About?
THE SIMS MEDIEVAL looks and feels like the widely popular The Sims games that came before it, but with a completely new theme and the addition of story-based quests. The overall result is that while familiar, it is a brand new game. Unlike previous entries in the life simulation series, Medieval presents players with a variety of quests that take them throughout a virtual kingdom, facing off against enemy characters and ultimately emerging as the hero among villagers to take reign of the land, bringing prosperity to all. The same core concept from previous Sims titles is here, but instead of increasing work-related skills like computer savvy and book smarts, players work to improve their attack levels and sword fighting skills. Ultimately, players carve out the story of how the battle for kingdom dominance plays out, but the mere fact that there is an end goal makes it a completely different type of game than the prior open-ended Sims experiences.
Is It Any Good?
Anyone who enjoyed previous games in the Sims franchise and who has a penchant for medieval lore will no doubt find The Sims Medieval to be a thoroughly enjoyable experience. There is so much to explore here that it almost feels like more than one game. In addition to being a full-fledged Sims experience, it is also practically a full-scale RPG. The vast kingdom is gradually revealed to the players as they complete quests, and every step of the way there is something new to explore. This isn't like prior titles in the series where players had to work with a limited space of real estate. The virtual playground in this game is huge. It is the first real integration of the sophisticated Sims human simulation experience within a more traditional story-based video game experience, and the end result is a thoroughly enjoyable product. Plus each time you play through it, it provides you with a different and new experience.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the use of virtual avatars. Why did you design it as you did and what does your avatar reveal about the real you?
What can you do in a virtual world that you can't do in the real world?
How does a game like Sims Medieval help you express your own creativity?
Game Details
- Platforms: Mac, Windows
- Available online?: Not available online
- Publisher: Electronic Arts
- Release date: March 22, 2011
- Genre: Simulation
- ESRB rating: T for Crude Humor, Sexual Themes, Violence, Use of Alcohol
- Last updated: August 30, 2016
Our Editors Recommend
-
The Sims 3
Mature life sim with more personality than ever.
-
The Sims Life Stories
Fun but flawed story-based people simulation.
-
MySims Kingdom
Delightful role-playing game where you build & repair stuff.
-
Medieval Games
Mini-games with a control scheme only an ogre could love.
For kids who love simulations
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