Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Hot sci-fi shooter for adults only.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 20 parent reviews
Parents say that while this game is rated for mature audiences due to its violent content and strong language, there are options to filter out these elements, making it more suitable for younger players. Many reviews suggest that with parental guidance and the appropriate settings adjusted, the game can be enjoyable for older teens, but caution is advised for those under 17 due to its graphic nature.
- mature content filters
- parental guidance
- violent gameplay
- age appropriateness
- strong language
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 43 kid reviews
Kids say the game is fun but very violent and gory, with intense combat featuring alien enemies, and some reviews suggest it’s appropriate for players aged 10 and up if graphic content is filtered out. Many users appreciate the cooperative multiplayer aspect and the ability to adjust violence and language settings, although parental guidance is recommended due to its strong language and bloodshed.
- fun gameplay
- intense violence
- adjustable settings
- appropriate for older teens
- strong language
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
Microsoft Game Studios' GEARS OF WAR is an action-heavy sci-fi shooter that places a heavy emphasis on using items for cover and exchanging blows with the vicious E.T. race known as the Locust Horde. Players assume the role of a beefy futuristic soldier in the effort to rid the world of nightmarish alien creatures through tactical warfare. Played from a third-person perspective, players must carefully assess areas for cover, find ammo, and take on the enemies until the coast is clear to continue to the next area.
Weapons range from pistols and shotguns to grenades, assault rifles, and the Hammer of Dawn, which communicates with a satellite that beams down a deadly laser strike that can level buildings. Taking cover is as easy as pressing the A button on the controller when near a solid object. Press the analog stick to the left or right and you'll peek around to assess the threat. Press A again to re-enter the freeform mode to walk, roll, and find another hiding place.
Is It Any Good?
The game's strengths lie in the tense action, smart artificial intelligence, and multiplayer modes on the same television or via the Xbox Live online service ($50 a year). The game offers plenty of atmosphere, adding to the wonderful sense of anxiety and excitement. Gears of War is easily the best-looking Xbox 360 game to date thanks to photorealistic characters, detailed environments, and special effects.
A handful of head-to-head battle modes are included in the game, including Warzone, pitting humans versus the Locusts, and Assassination, where the goal is to kill the leader of the opposing team. Xbox 360 fans in search of a gorgeous but gory game combining tactical action with horror elements will love fighting though this challenging adventure. Play through the game once and it unlocks an incredibly difficult mode, with even meaner enemies.
Online interaction: Online play with open chat may lead to profanity.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why older kids might be attracted to this game. Is it the story? Graphics? Violence? Online play? Since the enemies are extraterrestrials -- essentially already dehumanized for you -- is it easier to get into the violence of the game? What if the enemies were human -- would it make a difference to you?
What impact does playing a violent video game have on you?
Game Details
- Platform : Xbox 360
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Microsoft
- Release date : November 9, 2006
- Genre : Third-Person Shooter
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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