Age of Empires II

Age of Empires II

game

1999, Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy

WISE
72%

WISE Score

86%

IGDB

Build medieval empires, crush enemies with trebuchets, and accidentally learn history—if your kid can handle 1999-era graphics.

Where to Play

PC/Steam
PC/Steam
PlayStation
PlayStation
Screenwise Verdict

Age of Empires II is legitimately one of the best strategy games ever made, with incredible educational value baked into genuinely fun gameplay. Your kid will learn about medieval history, economics, and strategic thinking while building castles and launching trebuchet attacks.

The elephant in the room: this game is from 1999. The graphics are pixelated, the UI is clunky, and the learning curve is steep. Modern kids raised on Fortnite and Minecraft may bounce right off it. There's a remastered "Definitive Edition" (2019) that helps significantly, but you're still asking kids to engage with game design from a different era.

If your kid has the patience and interest in strategy or history, this is gold. If they need instant gratification and flashy graphics, they'll quit in 10 minutes. The WISE score reflects both its genuine quality and the real-world challenge of getting modern kids to engage with it.

Age Fit

Best for kids 10-18 who have the patience for complex strategy and can handle dated graphics. Younger kids will struggle with the learning curve; older teens might prefer modern alternatives unless they're strategy enthusiasts or history buffs.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
72

Medieval strategy game with historical civilizations. Combat is present but abstract and not graphic—tiny units on a battlefield. Promotes strategic thinking and resource management. Tone is educational and respectful of history. Some violence inherent to warfare theme but presented in age-appropriate, non-glorified way. No inappropriate language or themes.

Imaginative
85

Exceptional creativity in building civilizations, managing economies, and choosing strategic paths. Players design their own approaches to victory through military, diplomacy, or economic dominance. Multiple civilizations with unique units and playstyles encourage experimentation. Campaign mode tells historical stories. Strong world-building and strategic depth that rewards creative problem-solving.

Safe
78

No in-game purchases, loot boxes, or predatory monetization—a complete game from 1999. Users can interact in multiplayer but no built-in chat in original version. Medieval warfare violence is highly abstracted—tiny sprites, no blood or gore. No inappropriate content. Main concern is potential for extended play sessions due to engaging gameplay loops, but not infinite or manipulative design. Multiplayer interactions depend on who you're playing with.

Enriching
88

Outstanding educational value: teaches medieval history, different civilizations (Mongols, Byzantines, Japanese, etc.), economic principles, resource management, and strategic planning. Builds critical thinking, patience, and long-term planning skills. Encourages learning about historical units, buildings, and technologies. Strong cognitive development through complex decision-making. IGDB rating of 86.3 reflects its quality and lasting impact.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Genuinely educational: kids learn about medieval civilizations, historical units, economic systems, and strategic thinking without realizing they're learning
  • Zero predatory monetization—you buy it once and get the whole game, like the good old days
  • Teaches patience, planning, resource management, and consequences of decisions over 30+ minute matches
  • Multiple paths to victory encourage creative problem-solving and experimentation
  • Timeless strategic depth that's spawned a competitive scene lasting 25+ years
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What to Watch For

  • The graphics and interface are seriously dated—we're talking pixelated sprites and clunky 1999 UI that may frustrate kids used to modern games
  • Steep learning curve with lots of hotkeys, build orders, and micromanagement—this isn't a pick-up-and-play game
  • Medieval warfare is the whole point: battles, sieges, conquering—though it's all very abstract and not graphic
  • Matches can easily run 45+ minutes, so time management conversations are essential
  • Multiplayer means playing with other humans—monitor who they're connecting with

Conversation Starters

  • "Which civilization did you pick and why? What makes them different from the others?"
  • "What's your strategy—are you going for military conquest, building up your economy, or something sneaky?"
  • "What did you learn about the Middle Ages or these civilizations that you didn't know before?"
  • "When your first attack failed, what did you do differently the second time?"
  • "If you were actually leading a civilization, would you rather be feared or respected?"

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