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European History: The (semi?) Educational Game(s)
Li'l Ronnie Post
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04050607
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Prompted by a friend looking for a game for her 15 yr old son, I posted this question in the forums:
Quote:
Can anyone think of a good game that might be helpful in learning about European History?

A friend just asked me this question:
"Can you suggest a game that we can use to help Max remember European History details?"

I asked if they were hoping for an overtly "educational" game or one where some knowledge might rub off more indirectly, and they would be happy to find either.


They're not limited to any particular era, although he's currently studying the Renaissance and Martin Luther.

There were enough responses so far, that I thought it'd be good to convert the question to a GeekList.
If you have any good suggestions, please add or comment on availability and complexity issues as well as content. Thanks!

Edit: the teenager is 15, not 13 - oops!
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Posted On: 2006-10-04 20:48:58
Edited On: 2006-10-04 20:48:58

1. Here I Stand [Average Rating:8.01 Overall Rank:81]
Li'l Ronnie Post
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04050607
Ted Torgerson wrote:
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He would learn more about Martin Luther playing Here I Stand than from reading his textbook.
3 Comments [Hide]
Posted On: 2006-10-04 19:02:56
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Philip J. Fry
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060708
Good luck teaching this game to a 13 year old and then holding his interest for 8 hours.
Smee-R-MEW-2
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0506
I'm reading the rules to this game right now, with a scheduled play time of late October.

Yeah, this is the kind of game where you need to schedule a playing for. Also, all players really need to know the rules before hand. Depending on the kid's interest and attention level, I think he might be able to handle this. If even for a short time.

:cool:
Michael Debije
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Depends on the kid. I would have swooned over this at 13 and played with my buddies all night...
2. Britannia [Average Rating:7.36 Overall Rank:140]
Li'l Ronnie Post
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ColtsFan76 wrote:
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Britannia covers Britain from the Roman occupation until the Norman Invasion. Of my limited experieince/knowledge, one of the best games trying to stay as true to historical events as possible.
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Posted On: 2006-10-04 19:10:14
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3. Napoleon in Europe [Average Rating:6.70 Overall Rank:715]
Li'l Ronnie Post
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04050607
Another ColtsFan recc.
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Posted On: 2006-10-04 19:10:14
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4. History of the World [Average Rating:7.17 Overall Rank:186]
Li'l Ronnie Post
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04050607
And another.
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Posted On: 2006-10-04 19:10:14
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Paul Schulzetenberg
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0607
I agree on this one. The rules are a little bit simpler than the rest of the games on this list, and it does show how the regional emphasis shifted over time, as well as the choices that existed for these empires. It's not Europe specific, though, which is a drawback. Perahaps the nation choices could be restricted to emphasize the European powers?
5. Louis XIV [Average Rating:7.41 Overall Rank:92]
Andy Kelly
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06
It's pretty specific, but in the rulebook are thumbnail sketches of all of the people depicted in the game.
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Posted On: 2006-10-04 19:34:11
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6. Europa Universalis [Average Rating:6.56 Overall Rank:1517]
Patrick Hirtle
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05060708
This will put the kid off history forever.
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Posted On: 2006-10-04 22:38:15
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Michael Debije
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Or really engage him in trying to discover who all the personalities really are, and see the development of nations in action, and see what impact the arrival of personae like Washington had. Sure the rules are tough and there is a lot of work in the game, but that's what gaovernments and empires are: messy and unweildy.
Darrell Hanning
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05060708
Michael, did you learn the game from the French version of the rules, or the English version?

Because I suspect the English version must have a greater negative impact.
7. Merchants of Amsterdam [Average Rating:6.84 Overall Rank:412]
Jason Matthews
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I think this game sort of effortlessly gives a sense of the ebb and flow of Dutch history. From imperialist power, back to little Holland again.
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Posted On: 2006-10-04 23:57:40
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Jason Matthews
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0405060708
Should have read the question a bit more closely. This game is readily available and is a Knizia design, so its easily within the rules comprehension of a 12 year old.
8. Revolution: The Dutch Revolt 1568-1648 [Average Rating:7.61 Overall Rank:245]
Jason Matthews
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