Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Play

Xbox

PC/Steam

PlayStation

Screenwise Verdict

Age of Empires II is one of the greatest strategy games ever made, and the Definitive Edition proves it still slaps in 2025. This isn't mindless entertainment—it's a mental workout disguised as medieval warfare.

The educational value is sneaky-good. Kids absorb world history through campaigns that bring the Mongol conquests, the Crusades, and dozens of other historical moments to life. They're learning about economic systems, tech progression, and cultural differences while thinking they're just playing a game. Teachers have literally used this in classrooms.

The strategy depth is real. You're juggling resource gathering, tech research, military production, map control, and adapting to your opponent's moves. It rewards planning, creativity, and learning from mistakes. No two games play the same.

The main consideration is time. This isn't a pick-up-and-play mobile game—matches are long, absorbing affairs that demand focus. But that's also what makes it valuable. In a world of dopamine-hit apps, here's something that asks kids to think deeply and stick with complex challenges.

If your kid has the patience for it, this is genuinely enriching screen time. Just set boundaries around match length, because 'one more game' is a real trap.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10+ who have the patience for slow-burn strategy and complex decision-making. Younger kids might enjoy watching or playing cooperatively with a parent, but the cognitive demands and time investment make this better suited for tweens and teens. Adults still love it—this is a legitimate all-ages classic.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

Historical strategy game with cooperative multiplayer options and respectful portrayal of medieval civilizations. Violence is stylized and tactical rather than graphic—tiny units clash on battlefields with minimal blood. The tone is educational and measured, celebrating diverse cultures through their campaigns. No toxic behavior mechanics built into gameplay, though online multiplayer with strangers could expose players to poor sportsmanship.

Imaginative

89

One of the most imaginative strategy games ever made. Players build civilizations from scratch, design unique military strategies, manage complex economies, and explore 'what if' historical scenarios across 35+ civilizations. The scenario editor lets players create custom campaigns and maps. Each civilization plays differently with unique units and bonuses, encouraging creative problem-solving. The remaster adds new campaigns and 4K graphics while preserving the deep strategic sandbox that's kept players engaged for over 20 years.

Safe

82

No in-game purchases or loot boxes. Users interact in multiplayer but there's no built-in chat listed, suggesting communication happens through external platforms parents can control. Violence is present but highly abstracted—small sprites fight with medieval weapons, and the carnage is tactical rather than visceral. The IGDB rating of 88 suggests a well-regarded, non-exploitative game. Main safety consideration is time investment—RTS games can be absorbing and matches can run 45+ minutes, but there's no infinite scroll or compulsion loop design.

Enriching

91

Exceptional educational value. Players learn world history through campaigns covering the Mongol conquests, Joan of Arc, Saladin, and dozens of other historical figures and civilizations. Develops strategic thinking, resource management, multitasking, and planning skills. Understanding unit counters, tech trees, and economic balance requires genuine cognitive effort. The game respects players' intelligence and rewards learning. Many teachers have used Age of Empires to teach medieval history. It's mentally demanding in the best way—you're constantly making meaningful decisions with long-term consequences.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely educational: campaigns cover real historical figures and events from the Mongols to Joan of Arc, making history tangible and engaging
Develops serious cognitive skills—strategic thinking, resource management, multitasking, planning ahead, and adapting to changing circumstances
Clean monetization with zero predatory mechanics: no loot boxes, no in-app purchases, just a complete game you buy once
Incredible depth and replayability with 35+ civilizations that each play differently, plus a scenario editor for custom content
Cross-generational appeal—parents who played the original in 1999 can share it with their kids in gorgeous 4K

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What to Watch For

Time commitment is real: matches easily run 45+ minutes, and 'just one more game' can turn into hours—set clear boundaries
Medieval combat is present but highly stylized—tiny units clash with swords and arrows, not graphic but violence is the core mechanic
Steep learning curve—younger or impatient kids may bounce off the complexity before discovering the fun
Online multiplayer can be competitive and intense; consider starting with campaigns or playing together before letting kids loose online

Conversation Starters

"Which civilization did you choose and why? What makes their unique units or bonuses interesting?"
"What's your strategy—are you rushing early aggression or building up for a late-game powerhouse?"
"Did you learn anything surprising about the historical campaigns? How accurate do you think the game is?"
"What's harder to manage—your economy or your army? How do you balance gathering resources with military production?"
"If you could design your own civilization, what would make it unique?"

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Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition