Does anyone know anything about these computer games? My DD (9) wants to get these in her book order but there isn't really a description so I don't know what they are.

By Unschoolmom on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 06:34 am:

They're fantasic games. You build a city, manage taxes, rebuild after disasters, etc. Lots of planning and problem solving and it's all really absorbing.

If you want a taste of it you can play the original online for free here (you will have to register with the site)...

http://simcity.ea.com/play/simcity_classic.php

Newer versions have a lot more detail and much better graphics but the one in the link is the one I spent many, many adolescent hours on. Your daughter has great taste in computer games.

By Breann on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 09:41 am:

LoL, my DH likes to play simcity games

By Mommmie on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 11:08 am:

Sim City is great for kids. My son played it at age 9.

By Dawnk777 on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 11:36 am:

My 13yo dd loves playing Sim City.

By Paulas on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 11:37 am:

Oh good. It said the age recommended was 13+ and I didn't know if that was because there was violence or something. Thanks guys. It costs $44 (set of 3 or 4 games) and we told her if she worked hard and I found out it was ok for her age we would pay half.

By Paulas on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 11:37 am:

Oh good. It said the age recommended was 13+ and I didn't know if that was because there was violence or something. Thanks guys. It costs $44 (set of 3 or 4 games) and we told her if she worked hard and I found out it was ok for her age we would pay half.

By Dawnk777 on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 03:23 pm:

Sometimes storms destroy your city, just like in real life, but no other violence.

By Kaye on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 03:45 pm:

Keep in mind Sim city is a bit different from "the sims". The sims is about people and I can see why they might be age 14. They do date, etc.

My children all love those type of games, along with the tycoon games. Our favorite is zoo tycoon, although for me the school tycoon is pretty cool too

By Cocoabutter on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 06:54 pm:

My dh has Railroad Tycoon and Hard Truck Tycoon (with semi truck transportation lines.) He is totally hooked. Talk about challenging to the mind.

By Crystal915 on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 11:11 pm:

I play Sims on PS2, but it's different than Sim City. Sim City can be great for teaching finances, and how communities work. The Sims is definitely something I wouldn't recommend for kids, but any of the build your own games are good. Roller Coaster Tycoon is fun, you build a theme park, and have to keep a budget while keeping customers happy. It really is a neat way to teach budgeting and how the economy works.

By Sassy on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 11:41 pm:

We had a different experience with Sims. Not too sure exactly which one but my daughter's friend brought it over. I was in the next room and heard the girls laughing (age 12). They were asked if they wanted to fool around. Lots of silly noises, then the game asked if they wanted to have a baby as a result of fooling around. I don't think so! Also, children's services could show up if you didn't take care of all of the kids properly. Too much too fast. I am very straight forward about sex and other life topics but they don't need to act it out on video games. I would be very quick to pay attention to the rating. The Sims vary on their content and age appropriate guidelines. I know there are some made for younger ages - just wanted to let you know our experience.

By Dawnk777 on Monday, February 27, 2006 - 11:55 pm:

Sim City doesn't have anything like that, on it! LOL!

By Paulas on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 12:05 am:

Thanks for all your input. I told her I am not comfortable buying her the one that is recommended for an older audience. The book order also has one that has SimFarm, SimZoo, Sim City and Sim Coaster. It says ages 9+. I told her that one would be alright.

By Sassy on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 12:41 am:

Good call Paulas. Like I said - I am not sure which Sims it was but I clearly saw what happened. The ratings are there for a reason.

By Kaye on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 08:13 am:

Sassy that is "the sims 2". it is about people and not buildings. Big difference!

By Paulas on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 01:30 pm:

I looked closely at the one she was wanting. It was a 3 pack set: The Sims Deluxe, The Sims Vacation and one other (can't remember the name)

By Sassy on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 02:18 pm:

Oops! My bad. Sorry

By Luvn29 on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 - 02:45 pm:

Hehehe! Sassy said "My bad" guys!

Nope, not laughing at you Sassy, it's just the topic of another post that was on here not too long ago!

Not picking on you, though...I'm guilty of saying it some, too! LOL!