I really have to disagree with Common Sense Media on this one. The only "real" violence is in Team Fortress 2, and even then it's so cartoony and fake looking it is hardly even bad anymore. If you are really that concerned, they can play the other 4 games. These games are brilliant masterpieces, and it would be bad NOT to let your kids play them.

My favorite game series of all time. Blood and violence are the main focus, with some language thrown in sporadically. fine for anyone who has played an M rated shooter before.

First off, Half-Life 2 and Portal are easily two of the greatest games ever made. Episodes One and Two are also fantastic and Team Fortress 2 provides some excellent multiplayer. (Arguably better than Halo 3 or Gears of War.) The language is a bit worse than Prime Time TV stuff but nothing compared to most PG-13 movies. Sex is definitely not an issue: Half-Life 2 and Portal are two of the best non-kiddie games out there when it comes to sex, and have the only non-sexualized women in games. The violence is what you'd expect in the shooter. Yes, obviously, people fall down when you shoot them, and yes, unfortunately for kiddies--who shouldn't even be playing these games--you can see blood too. The gore at times in the "We Don't Go To Ravenholm..." chapter is pretty disturbing at times. Don't play that level with a weak stomach. Outside of that there's nothing really to worry about for the target age group. It's mostly M-rated (parents, don't be fooled by the "T-M" rating) so it's for adults. The only game safe for kids at all is portal, and that's supposed to be released on its own soon, so if your kid wants it I'd wait for that.

Three games in one, for a low price. What a deal. No matter which console you buy these games for you are in for a treat This package is amazing, and there is something for everyone. Half Life 2: Your standard first person shooter. Expect blood and the occasional curse word, but overall alright for teens. Portal: An excellent and challenging puzzle game. You control a portal making device which you use to solve puzzles, some as simple as cross a large gap in the room. Others requiring you to think outside the box. There is still violence but it is minimal, such as turrets shooting at you if they see you. This will challenge kids and adults of all ages. Team Fortress 2: Ridiculously fun, ridiculously violent. Bodies explode, people are stabbed, rockets and bullets flying every which way. Definitely not for the younger audience, but still alright for teenagers 13+. This is the only game in this package that involves interaction with other people, which some parents will want to avoid. There is a single-player mode, but it is limited in terms of game content. However, it should be noted that Team Fortress 2 has one of the best communities of any online game I have ever played. You will occasionally meet the elitist jerks who live to put others down, but most players are friendly, as this game requires team cooperation. Another one of those instances where the ESRB rating is perfect, rated T for teenagers ages 13+. Best deal in gaming history.

The Orange Box is a fantasterrific compilation of games, hands down. Have not started on Half-Life just yet, but Team Fortress 2 is freekin fantastical, and downright fun. It gives you a great sense of fulfillment, watching someone explode from a couple of bullets.Check with the itty bitties to make sure the violence isen't too explicit for their age group, though. Portal is a great addition as well. It scores points in the intelligence section cuz of its strategy, and CS will enjoy its lack of gore. And really, who dosen't like a game with shelves of chocolate cake at the end?

It is an perfect game for a 13 and older child. If he/she is mature and understands what is realy happening in this game.There is also an option on any of the orange box gammes that allows you to turn off any blood gore swears ext: Enjoy

The orange box is a great value, no doubt about it. Portal is in my opinion a wonderful experience fit for any kids old enough to handle a controller. Team fortress 2 is violent, however the setting is obviously cartoony and gore can be switched off. Multiplayer servers on TF2 are unmoderated however, and cursing and obscene "Sprays" (A feature of multiplayer valve games) are common. Half life 2 is the main reason i'd rate this as bad for 12 and under. Although an astounding game, Half life 2 is very violent in a realistic way. The player is pitted against humanoid and alien enemies, although the human enemies are faceless police units with little to no humanity. Gore is common, an entire chapter of the game is devoted to fighting against zombified victims of an alien parasite in a dark and dreary small town. Said small town is riddled with gore in the form of corpses, blood, and other things. Although the game has a clear good vs evil story, the gratuitous violence used by both sides sends bad messages to kids.

The orange box being one of the greatest in value. Having 5 games in one disk...its also one of the more violent shooters. You can blow these alien type things to bits and there is blood everywhere, Unrealistic blood though. Decapitation is often and its just muddled. This is still a stunning game though, The violence is pretty extreme. The language is moderate. A few cuss words rather than F bombs. Its not really too bad. Its also scary..

The game is a must buy for teens