Old World – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Old World

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

game2021

91%

WISE Score

90%

IGDB

Civilization meets Crusader Kings in this deep, character-driven strategy game that makes classical history feel personal and urgent.

Old World

game

2021

91%

WISE Score

90%

IGDB

Civilization meets Crusader Kings in this deep, character-driven strategy game that makes classical history feel personal and urgent.

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Where to Play

PC/Steam

Screenwise Verdict

Old World is the thinking person's strategy game. It takes the familiar 'one more turn' loop of Civilization and adds a layer of human drama that makes the history feel alive. Instead of just moving tanks and archers, you're managing a family tree and a court full of rivals.

For a kid who loves history or complex puzzles, this is gold. It’s intellectually demanding, ethically interesting (how do you handle a rebellious heir?), and completely devoid of the 'brain rot' mechanics found in modern mobile games. It’s a serious game for a kid ready for a serious challenge.

Age Fit

Best for ages 12 and up. While there's nothing 'inappropriate' for younger kids, the sheer volume of text and the complexity of the resource management will be frustrating for anyone who hasn't developed strong systemic thinking skills.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The focus on family legacy and historical continuity provides an emotionally grounded experience, though the 'dynasty' aspect includes some unavoidable political backstabbing and intrigue.

Imaginative

The 'Orders' system is a brilliant mechanical innovation that forces players to think creatively about resource allocation rather than just following a standard 4X build order.

Safe

Standard turn-based strategy fare. Violence is abstracted on a map, and there are no manipulative monetization loops or predatory social features.

Enriching

It's a masterclass in classical history and complex systems. It demands high-level literacy, long-term planning, and an understanding of how individual personalities shape history.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Dynamic storytelling through a character system where your ruler's personality, marriage, and heirs actually matter to the gameplay.
The innovative Orders mechanic prevents the late-game slog by limiting how many actions you can take, forcing meaningful tactical choices.
Deeply researched historical flavor that goes beyond surface-level names, teaching players about the actual cultures of the Hittites, Assyrians, and Carthaginians.
It was designed by Soren Johnson, the lead designer of Civilization IV, arguably the high-water mark for the entire genre.

⚠

What to Watch For

The learning curve is steep; this isn't a 'pick up and play' experience for a casual afternoon.
Events include political intrigue like assassinations, affairs, and religious conflict, which are presented through text and portraits.
It is a massive time sink; expect a single game to last 10 to 20 hours, which can be hard to manage without clear boundaries.

Conversation Starters

"How did your ruler's personal traits—like being 'greedy' or 'learned'—change the way you played that generation?"
"Why do you think the game limits your 'Orders' instead of letting you move every unit every turn?"
"If you were a leader in the classical era, would you focus more on keeping your family happy or your generals loyal?"
"Which historical civilization did you find most interesting to play as, and why?"

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