Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that even kids who don't play video games know about this adult game thanks to a massive advertising campaign that extends to normally kid-friendly establishments like Burger King and 7-Eleven. (Mountain Dew has even created a new soda for the game called "Game Fuel.") But while it might be marketed to kids, the ESRB gave this first-person shooter game a "Mature" rating for violence for very good reason. Throughout the game, players shoot aliens (and humans in multiplayer mode) using a wide variety of weaponry: shotguns, machine guns, bombs, grenades, and special alien weaponry that includes laser blasters. In the mayhem, they'll see vivid images with blood shooting out. Regarding the mild language warning, there isn't anything to really raise an eyebrow, but know that when the Halo games are played online, players can communicate -- and curse -- via headsets. Parents also have to know that this game is a major time-suck and can be so appealing that kids would rather play it than interact with their friends in real life.
Families can talk about what makes the Halo games the kind of experience that mature gamers gush about. How is it different than other sci-fi shooters? For kids who want to play but have parents who put their foot down: What made you want to play this game? Why do you think Burger King and Mountain Dew helped tell kids about the game when the rating isn't T for "Teen" or E for "Everyone"? What other made-for-adults media titles do you see marketed to teens? Why do you think this happens? And ask your kids how many hours a week they think is appropriate for game play?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Marc Saltzman
Not only is Microsoft Game Studios' HALO 3 the most eagerly anticipated video game of 2007 -- it achieved a milestone of 1 million pre-orders -- but this action-sci-fi series has become a cultural phenomenon, spawning novels, comics, action figures, and a top-secret project with Academy Award-winning director Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings).
So the big question is: Does Halo 3 live up to the hype? Absolutely.
The third and final game in this billion-dollar franchise doesn't detract much from what made its predecessors so sought after, but fans can expect a few new features to justify the purchase.
This Microsoft Xbox 360 exclusive begins as your character -- super soldier Master Chief -- crash-lands on Earth and is recovered by teammates. Your first goal is to make your way through a densely populated forest with fellow space marines to uncover an alien base. While ducking behind trees, rocks, and waterfalls, you battle alien creatures who are loyal to the militaristic Covenant, an alien species that has long been fighting humanity.
The plot in this third game is deeper than a trite "save the world" campaign, but it would be a shame to reveal too much of the story in this review. Suffice it to say that fans of the series will be satisfied with the conclusion of the story.
Played primarily from a first-person perspective, much of the action takes place on foot, but a number of levels require you to drive vehicles, switching to a third-person camera angle. Memorable missions include "The Ark," "Floodgate," and "The Covenant." The best one is "Halo," which features a climactic conclusion as you race to reach your frigate amid attacks and a collapsing platform.
The extraordinary high-definition graphics, which include many non-interactive cinematic story sequences, push the limits of the Xbox 360. Thousands of lines of dialogue and a Hollywood-quality epic musical score also help you become immersed in this slickly produced sci-fi thriller.
But it's the new features that truly make this game stand out from its two predecessors (2001's Halo: Combat Evolved and 2004's Halo 2, both for the original Xbox). For one, Halo 3 lets up to four gamers play through the entire campaign together in a cooperative mode -- either in front of the same TV (via split-screen mode) or over the Xbox Live online gaming service ($50 a year). But there's only one Master Chief, so additional gamers will take on roles of other characters, such as an Arbiter alien, each with unique skills.
Also new is the ability to record a portion of your game, like a homemade highlights reel, to play back at any time, from multiple camera angles. About 100 of these "Saved Films" can be archived on an Xbox 360's hard drive. If you're particularly proud of your team's performance in an online game, you can also share these clips over the Xbox Live service so others can admire (or challenge) your handiwork.
Multiplayer gaming remains one of the strong points. You can choose from a number of head-to-head modes, including a new one called "Infection," where one player starts off as an infected Flood creature and everyone he kills becomes infected. A new tool called Forge gives you the option to tweak existing multiplayer maps before playing on them with friends. While you can't alter the environment, you can place objects such as weapons and vehicles in different areas and change re-spawn points (where you reappear on the map after biting the bullet).
Whether you're an old fan or new to this franchise, Halo 3 is a must-own game for mature action or sci-fi lovers. Its gratifying solo campaign and many multiplayer modes, new features (including co-op play), and high production values all ensure that Halo 3 will live up to expectations.
Other recommended sci-fi shooters with a strong multiplayer component include the Half-Life and Unreal series. For a sci-fi adventure that's more appropriate for children, try the Ratchet & Clank series or the various games based on the Star Wars franchise.
Rate It!
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ViolenceAs with its predecessors, this game lets gamers shoot aliens from a first-person perspective with the gun seen on the screen at all times (unless you're riding in a vehicle or manning a turret). Blood that splatters can be alien or human. Weapons include shotguns, machine guns, bombs, grenades, turrets (for mowing down hordes of enemies in a flash), and special alien weaponry, including laser blasters. |
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LanguageSome occasional cursing can be heard in the single-player game, usually from teammates, including "s--t," "hell," and "damn." There are no "f--k"s. |
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Social BehaviorYou're a hero trying to save the world from a malevolent alien race, but you do it by using extreme force. |
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CommercialismThird and final title in this highly hyped video game series. While it's M-rated, parents will see product placement at Burger King, 7-Eleven, and other usually family-friendly businesses. |
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