Tools for this page
Print

Gears of War 2

(2008, Video Games - Third-person shooter, Rated M, Play it on: Xbox 360)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 17, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 17.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Gory yet well-done shooter meant for adults only.

Why We Rated This not for kids

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    You assume the role of a futuristic soldier who fights horrible alien creatures using all sorts of weapons.
  • Violence:

    The game is both brutal and gory. Players use assault rifles, flamethrowers, and other weapons to kill enemies. Often, opponents' heads and/or bodies are blown to bits, with chunks of flesh flying through the landscape. Blood will splatter onto walls as well as on the television screen. The more brutal attacks occur through melee strike. Players can use a chainsaw attached to one rifle to hack enemies apart. There is also an array of execution moves ranging from curb stomps to smashing heads with the butt of your gun.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    The f-word and s--t are used regularly. You may also encounter additional cursing when playing the game online.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Gears of War 2 was written by Brett Molina

Parents need to know that this is a bloody, violent shooter. Players use a standard array of weapons from assault rifles to shotguns and grenades. Bodies are blown to bits, with flesh flying across the screen. On head shots, you'll sometimes see heads blown apart. Melee kills are particularly brutal. One rifle includes a chainsaw bayonet players can use to rip bodies to shreds, while blood splatters on the screen. This is definitely a game meant for players 18 and older. The game is also playable online.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the intense, gory violence of the game. Do you think that it's necessary to make the game an enjoyable experience?
Did this review help you decide?
Do you play it? Review It!

More on Gears of War 2

What’s the Story?

Space marine Marcus Fenix is back in the highly-anticipated sequel GEARS OF WAR 2, a gory yet gratifying action shooter. The Xbox 360's latest superstar picks up where the original Gears of War left off: with an explosion that seemingly eradicated the evil alien race known as the Locust. Instead, the Locust have gone underground, rebuilding their forces and growing stronger. Their latest scheme involves sinking cities in the land of Sera, and it's up to Fenix and his Delta Squad to thwart their efforts.

For those new to the franchise, this is an action shooter where cover plays a critical role. Players must strategically pop in and out of cover as they mow down enemy Locusts. Leaving yourself in the open often results in defeat, as enemies prove to be relentless. Players have a bevy of weapons to choose from, including an assault rifle with chainsaw attached, shotguns, sniper rifles and flamethrowers. The entrenched firefights are very bloody, and often result in bodies being blown to bits. Players can opt to move the action online by participating in the game's myriad of multiplayer modes.
Close

Is It Any Good?

Publisher’s Details

Released on 11/6/2008, price $59.99, not online enabled
ESRB rating: M (for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language)

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Do you play it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Gears of War 2?
  •  I think this game is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 58 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative role models

    • My highlights are:
    • Easy to play

    BEST GAME EVER!!!!!

    this game is amazingly great!!!!! but it has extremely brutal and gory stuff in it. Players use assault rifles, flamethrowers, and other weapons to kill enemies. Often, opponents' heads and/or bodies are blown to bits, with chunks of flesh flying through the landscape. Blood will splatter onto walls as well as on the television screen. The more brutal attacks occur through melee strike. Players can use a chainsaw attached to one rifle to hack enemies apart. There is also an array of execution moves ranging from curb stomps to smashing heads with the butt of your gun.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language

    XBOX 360 Highlight

    to be honest, I decided to post this simply because of how...what's the word, misleading, some previous posts have been. Yes you can turn language and blood (*most*) off, but even then, there is a gun with a chainsaw bayonet on it, and when you use it, it's still graphic, but in a less realistic way. The other issue is that the setting does not require a password to change. You can just press pause...and turn it right back on, which most people will do, and your kids will likely do once you walk out the room. This is a game which glorifies violence, and in that regard is infinitely worse than any Grand Theft Auto game. It's almost like there's a psychological effect at work when you play, you feel a sense of accomplishment and...well...happy when you pull off an execution move, of which there are many: - shoot someone in the head with certain weapons and it blows up like a watermelon, same goes for the "curb stomp" move - take a chainsaw and literally saw your enemy in half - take a grenade, stick it to them, and watch their bodies explode - you can also dismember enemies by shooting off a leg or arm (sometimes happens when they die) believe it or not, this all heavily adds to the enjoyment factor of the game, it's simply not the same without it, which is why I always leave the blood on..... If your willing to allow your child to play this game (it's intended demographic were adults btw), then language in the game shouldn't be an issue, since they should be mature enough. ...other than that, this is a must have game for any mature xbox 360 owner, one of the best.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    EPIC

    u can turn blood off and cussing make a m game a t game

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models
    • Safety isn't an issue
    • Easy to play

    DOESN'T DESIRVE M RATING

    First off, You can easily turn off the violence and that makes the game T by itself. And plus, you need to remember that it's just a game and Locasts aren't going to come up and kill us. This game takes place on a different planet, like Sierra or something. You never actually here them say they are from Earth. Also, the cursing, your child will here much, much worse before they can DRIVE! And the blood, some of the fakest ever. The game is amazing and easy to play. I am a teenager, so parents, don't take me too seriously, but it's not as violent as GTA IV! SO SHUT UP! That will be all.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    New Moon Is Rising

    New Moon Is Rising

    Fans are gearing up for the 11/20 release.

  • Tech Tip

    How to help them think more ... and want less.Making the Sale

    How to help them think more ... and want less.

  • Must See TV

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Download This

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Acccchhhoooo!" A funny reminder to help kids fight the flu.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name