Valiant Hearts: The Great War

Valiant Hearts: The Great War

game

2014, Platform, Puzzle

WISE
81%

WISE Score

81%

IGDB

A beautiful, heartbreaking puzzle-adventure through WWI that teaches history while breaking your heart—in the best way.

Where to Play

PlayStation
PlayStation
Google Play
Google Play
PC/Steam
PC/Steam
App Store
App Store
Xbox
Xbox
Nintendo
Nintendo
Screenwise Verdict

This is what happens when a game studio decides to make art instead of just another shooter. Valiant Hearts uses WWI as the backdrop for an emotionally devastating story about friendship, love, and sacrifice—and somehow manages to be both educational and deeply moving.

The genius here is the approach: instead of putting you behind a machine gun, you're solving puzzles, helping people, and experiencing the war through the eyes of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. The comic book art style is gorgeous and makes the heavy content more accessible without trivializing it.

Yes, it's sad. Yes, there's violence and death. But it's handled with respect and purpose, teaching kids about the real cost of war in a way that history textbooks can't. The 13+ rating is right—younger kids will be upset by the content, but teens studying WWI will get more from this game than any documentary.

The clean monetization (no IAP, no predatory mechanics) is the cherry on top. This is gaming as education and art, and it's genuinely excellent.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13 and up. The Teen rating is accurate—this deals with real war violence, death, and emotionally heavy themes that younger kids aren't ready for. That said, mature 12-year-olds studying WWI in school might handle it with parental guidance. Adults will appreciate it too; this isn't just a kids' game.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
75

Models sacrifice, friendship, and humanity in wartime through a heartfelt narrative. Characters help each other retain their humanity against war's horrors. The emotional weight is heavy—tragedy and loss are central—but it's handled with respect and purpose, not gratuitously. The cartoonish art style softens the blow while still conveying the gravity of WWI. Some alcohol/tobacco use reflects historical accuracy.

Imaginative
82

A 2D animated comic book aesthetic that's visually distinctive and gorgeous. The blend of exploration, puzzles, and narrative-driven gameplay creates something unique in the war game genre—focusing on human stories rather than combat. The interweaving of four crossed destinies shows creative storytelling. Puzzles require problem-solving and the historical setting invites curiosity about WWI.

Safe
68

ESRB rated T for Teen (Blood, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence). No in-game purchases, no online chat, no loot boxes—clean monetization. However, there are dead corpses covered in blood, soldiers and civilians die choking in gas attacks, and the overall atmosphere is heavy with war violence. The cartoonish graphics mitigate but don't eliminate the impact. This isn't surprise violence—it's a WWI game—but it's emotionally intense and includes disturbing imagery that younger kids shouldn't encounter unexpectedly.

Enriching
88

Exceptional historical education wrapped in an emotional narrative. Includes accurate historic content about WWI, teaching about the Great War in a way that builds empathy and understanding. The puzzles develop problem-solving skills. The focus on humanity, sacrifice, and the cost of war provides meaningful ethical lessons. Common Sense Media parents note it 'teaches a lot' and has 'intelligent puzzles' and 'good role models.' This is one of the rare games that truly enriches while entertaining.

Parent Info
✓

Why It Might Be Great

  • Teaches WWI history through compelling human stories rather than glorifying combat—kids actually learn while playing
  • Stunning 2D comic book art style with intelligent puzzles that require real problem-solving
  • Models sacrifice, friendship, and maintaining humanity in the darkest times—genuinely good role models
  • Clean gaming experience: no microtransactions, no loot boxes, no online toxicity to worry about
  • One of those rare games that sticks with you emotionally and intellectually long after you finish
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What to Watch For

  • This is emotionally heavy—soldiers die, civilians choke in gas attacks, and there are blood-covered corpses throughout (cartoonish but still disturbing)
  • The 13+ rating is spot-on; younger kids will be upset by the war violence and tragic deaths
  • Some historical alcohol and tobacco use (pipe smoking, drinking) reflecting WWI era
  • The story is genuinely sad—expect tears, even from teens and adults

Conversation Starters

  • "What did you learn about WWI that surprised you? How was it different from other wars you've studied?"
  • "Which character's story affected you most? Why do you think the game showed us all these different perspectives?"
  • "How do you think ordinary people kept their humanity during something as terrible as war?"
  • "The game shows both sides of the conflict—why do you think the creators made that choice?"

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