Shogun 2

[Isabel1066]

DS, 15, needling me to get this for him - or buy it and he'll reimburse me. 16 rated and clearly one of those 'strategy' games that leaves me wondering if it's very clever or very manipulative or both and if in fact it's just too warlike for a youngish teenager.
Already worried about his appetite for all things computer/x-box and wishing he'd study more as well as get out more - socialising, sport, chilling out with friends - anything (almost) other than the hours and hours he spends in his room with only his consoles and i-touch for company.
In the meantime, any views on Shogun 2? I might, just might, relent and use as a bargaining tool if I thought it was harmless enough.
Thanks!

[sunnydelight]

My 12 year old plays it and loves it. It's rated PG here in Australia though so maybe the UK version is different. The graphics are great and if they are going to play games I prefer strategy games as at least it makes them think!

[GnomeDePlume]

My 12 year old is allowed to play games rated up to 16. IMO games rated 18 are too violent and also too morally questionable.

As a return is it possible to move the games out of his room. That way you can see how much screen time he is getting (and also set some limits).

[WelshCerys]

Thanks sunny and gnome - encouraging/helpful comments.
I agree with your point, gnome, about 18 rated games - too many of them are highly questionable for any age group.

[WelshCerys]

Maryz - thanks very much for your thoughts, here. 'Time studying (or even reading) - time on computer' is a great idea and I'll try it - might bring some order into what seems to be rather a chaotic situation.

Feel a bit better about this game after the comments here.

Once heard someone say that kids on the x-box or computer begin to loose all track of time - and I think that my DS genuinely does so. Therefore incumbent on me to take much greater control. At age 15 habits can become long lasting - time to get some balance and perspective - I feel that his childhood is running away from him and that he'll regret that very much in the years to come. (This evening he did go out with DS2 and play football - came home an hour later looking so much better.)

Thanks again to you all.