Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is what educational gaming should look like: deeply engaging, intellectually challenging, and packed with real learning that doesn't feel like homework.

The Rise and Fall expansion adds meaningful systems around loyalty and governance that make you think about what actually makes civilizations succeed or fail. Your kid will absorb more world history from a few games than from weeks of textbook reading, and they'll actually understand the relationships between geography, resources, and power.

The 'one more turn' addiction is real—parents report kids losing track of time—but that's because the game is genuinely compelling, not because of manipulative design. Set time limits upfront. The turn-based nature means you can pause anytime, which helps.

Minor content concerns (mild language, historical substance references, abstract warfare) are negligible compared to the educational payoff. This is the rare game where you can feel good about extended play sessions because your kid is actually learning systems thinking, resource management, and world history.

Perfect for the patient, analytical kid who likes puzzles and strategy over action. Not for the 'I need constant stimulation' crowd.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-99. The strategic depth and historical content work for bright 10-year-olds through adults. Younger kids might struggle with the complexity; older teens and adults will find endless replayability. This is genuinely a game that grows with the player.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

82

Turn-based strategy with minimal violence, cooperative elements through diplomacy, and historical context. Occasional mild language ('damn,' 'hell,' 'bastard') and historical references to substances like wine and opium in economic context, but overall tone is educational and measured. The pacing is deliberate and thoughtful, never chaotic.

Imaginative

91

Exceptional strategic depth with new loyalty, governors, and Great Ages systems that invite creative problem-solving. Players build entire civilizations from scratch, exploring multiple victory paths and experimenting with different cultural, military, and diplomatic strategies. Eight new civilizations and nine new leaders expand creative possibilities significantly.

Safe

88

ESRB rated E10+ with minimal concerns: mild violence (abstract combat), drug references in historical context, occasional mild language, and suggestive themes. No in-game purchases, no loot boxes, no online chat in this expansion. Users can interact but not through predatory social mechanics. The turn-based nature prevents compulsive loops, though 'one more turn' syndrome is real but manageable.

Enriching

94

Teaches world history, geography, economics, diplomacy, and strategic thinking in genuinely engaging ways. Players learn about real civilizations, leaders, and historical events while developing critical thinking, resource management, and long-term planning skills. The expansion's loyalty and governance systems add ethical dimensions about leadership and civic engagement. Deeply educational without being didactic.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Legitimately teaches world history, geography, and complex systems thinking while being genuinely fun—kids absorb info about real civilizations, leaders, and historical events without realizing they're learning
The Rise and Fall expansion adds loyalty and governance systems that create ethical dilemmas about leadership, making kids think about what makes civilizations thrive or collapse
Turn-based gameplay means no twitch reflexes required—rewards patience, planning, and strategic thinking over quick reactions
Multiple victory paths (science, culture, military, diplomacy) teach that there's more than one way to succeed, encouraging creative problem-solving
No predatory monetization, no loot boxes, no toxic chat—just pure strategy gaming

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What to Watch For

Time commitment is real—games can take 4-8 hours, and 'one more turn' syndrome is legendary. Set clear boundaries before starting
Occasional mild language ('damn,' 'hell,' 'bastard') and historical references to opium, wine in economic contexts—nothing shocking but worth knowing
Combat is abstract (units fighting on a map) but military conquest is a valid strategy—good opportunity to discuss imperialism and its consequences
Complexity can be overwhelming for younger or less patient kids—there's a learning curve

Conversation Starters

"Which civilization did you choose and why? What made their unique abilities interesting to you?"
"Your empire just entered a Dark Age—what went wrong, and how are you going to recover?"
"Is it better to focus on science and culture, or should you build a strong military? What are the trade-offs?"
"Some of these leaders were pretty brutal in real life—should we celebrate them in games, or does it help us learn about history?"
"If you were leading a real country, what would you prioritize: happiness of your people, military strength, or technological advancement?"

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Civilization VI: Rise and Fall