Game Details
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  • $49.99
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Halo 2 (Windows, Xbox)

common sense media says

A bloody, action-packed, sci-fi shooter sequel.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this game is not for kids -- hence the PAUSE rating and recommended age of 16 years and older. It's a moderately challenging first-person shooter game with lots of blood, gore, and scariness. You will use guns, swords, grenades, and other weapons to inflict death. Some torture is shown and you can also hijack cars. Online play will likely expose players to foul language.

Educational value: Nothing you would want your kids to learn.
Positive messages: You are fighting an alien race, using extreme violence to do so.
Violence: Shoot down enemies from a first-person perspective. You can wield two sub-machine guns at once, cut down your enemies with a sword, or blow up enemies with grenades. Blood is prevalent and battles are intense.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Mild language sprinkled throughout the game. Online play isn't rated, and fellow teammates or enemies can swear in their headset.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Halo 2

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about why this game has become one of the most popular action game franchises of this generation. Is the sci-fi story better than other games? Does the level of violence make a game like this more immersive than its competitors? Is blood necessary in a 3-D shooter or is falling down enough to confirm the enemy is dead? Does the swearing that you might hear while playing online detract from the multiplayer experience or add to it?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Picking up shortly after the events in Halo, HALO 2 finds the Master Chief attending a medal ceremony onboard a spaceship hovering above Earth. The evil Covenant begins an attack on the ship and planet, which calls Master Chief back into action down on the surface to dispose of crafty aliens. Notable new features in Halo 2 include online play for up to 16 gamers via Xbox Live (service sold separately); a split-screen mode for up to four players on the same television; a system link mode for those who want to connect multiple Xbox units in the same room; and, of course, an updated arsenal of weapons with which to dispatch the enemy.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
The original Halo was one of those rare games that excelled in every department, from the gameplay and story to the graphics and orchestrated music soundtrack. And now its sequel takes things further. The game's sci-fi story and impressive cut-scene sequences are some of the best in a video game to date. Stunningly surreal landscapes, an outstanding soundtrack, multiple game types, and the ease with which gamers can launch a multiplayer match all contribute to the thrilling experience.

Halo 2 proves you can improve on excellence. It's an outstanding solo adventure and multiplayer game that gets almost everything right.

Game themes & details

Game Details
Available on: Windows, Xbox
Not available online
Genre: First Person Shooter
Developer: Microsoft
Released on: January 4, 2005
Price: 49.99
ESRB Rating: M

This review was written by Marc Saltzman
 
 

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What parents & educators say

10

Most useful reviews by all members

Eraticus180
kid, 11 years old
 
Four Words...
BEST HALO GAME EVER!

complexity23
parent of 8 and 11 year old
 
Best Game Ever
Halo 2 is by far the best game I have ever had the pleasure to play. The graphics are incredible, the music is impeccable, and it's just an overall great video game. When ESRB rated this game M, I was outraged. I mean, you're shooting aliens here, and there's little to no blood. (plus, it's whacked colors, like green and pink) The only time there is ANY human blood at all is if you shoot your partner, which even the youngest of children understand is morally wrong, and they'd never do it. (At least, my little ones don't) When the ESRB said it's scary, I just laughed out loud. The aliens are well-done, but I don't really think they're going to make you pee your pants or anything. There is absolutely no gore at all in this, despite what the ESRB says. There is a bit of blood, but like I said, it's mild and discolored. The language is extremely mild; I only heard about 5 d*mns and maybe 1 crap in the whole thing. It could at least of been rated T, but I don't think it even amounts to that. I think this is along the lines of E-10+ more than anything. CSM believes that the message is bad because we're attacking aliens. What the heck are they talking about?! Aliens are invading us, and we're simply defending ourselves! My two sons, Trent and Jacob, simply enjoy this game. I don't blame them, as I'm an epic halo fan myself. So buy the game, share it with your children. (If they're mature for their age) I don't think you'll regret, and neither will they.

jc103
adult
 
Decent gameplay, but mature
Admittedly addicting, the game is still violent, and some scenes in the first-player scenarios can be tense/frightening. The online gaming can be fun, but that can also become one of the more offensive aspects of gameplay as players talk to each other; Frequent cussing and harrassment is somewhat common even though they have a system in place to report abuse. I think Mature is an appropriate rating for this game.

mdinger2
kid, 12 years old
 
EPIC! Just somewhat hard.
My friend and I played it on his xbox and it was EPIC! Just somewhat hard and I had to ask for help for him a lot. That is why I gave it four stars.

mjdtherealdeal
parent of 11 year old
 
This is a fun game, and fun to play with your child
This is a very, very fun game. It is great to play co-op with your kid, or even just let them kill you! It is a great stress reliever and is a great opportunity to teach your child some combat tactics as well. I would highly recommend this. Even the blood on the ground looks very cartoony.

bob the 85th
kid, 12 years old
 
Epic game!!!
While there is some blood in this game, Common Sense blew it WAY out of proportion. The only time there is a lot of blood in HALO is in extreme circumstances. In campaign, despite there being more blood, most of it is alien, and colored fluorescent blue, green, or orange. In multiplayer, there is more human blood, but less overall. The gameplay is fun and easy to get the hang of, and the main protagonists are honorable people with good motives. If a child is mature for their age, then they should be able to play it. However, the violence may be a little much for younger kids.

USDD
kid, 11 years old
 
Near-by teens
For mature tweens

The Halo Expert
teen, 16 years old
 
Great game, pretty violent and gory though.
Great game. Basically the same as the first as far as violence, blood, and gore. There is killing of aliens, and when they die, green, or purple blood spurts out. There is also a parasitic, zombie-like form called the Flood that you fight. Those are really gory. Mild to moderate language sprinkled throughout. May be frightening to children under 10. Players use automatic rifles, high caliber pistols, semi-auto rifles, SMGs, plasma-based guns, grenades, turrets, rockets, and energy swords. PS: the "What Parents need to know" thing at the top says "torture". I played the whole game several times, last time just a month or two ago, and I didnt see any torture. Verdict: good for 14 and up. maybe for 11 and up. Definitely not for kids under 11.

ThePikachu4321
teen, 18 years old
 
Perfect for teens
It is a wonderful game in my opinion. It is completely age appropriate for a 13 year old. There is actually minimal blood or gore. There is some language issue, but it's nothing a kid won't hear at school. If your kid knows the difference between real-life and video games, everything will be fine.

 
A great game.
Saying halo 2 has so-so graphics is like saying the sky is red. it simply isn't true, and is immiedietly obvious to anyone who looks at it. I don't think this game deserves an Off 17+. yes, there is violence, but none of it is very realistic, and there isn't any dismemberment. most of the blood is either purple or green. i wouldn't recommend it for anyone below 12, but most kids above 13 are smart enough to know that it's just a game.

video game man
teen, 16 years old
 
halo fr kids or not.
It's a fun game but violent bloody and has cussing. Probaly for kids 11 and up. I f your kid is not responsable don't get it but good for responsable tweens.

mitchman7299
kid, 12 years old
 
Wondering
This game is easily a good game that is OK for children

 
LOVE THIS GAME!!!
THis game is amazing and I play it all the time. Even better than the first Halo. I mostly play it w/ my cousins who are stinkin obsessed w/ this game. I particularly didn't like the Flood-but I guess I didn't in the first Halo either. Occasional swearing so I always turn the volume down to make my mom happy. But then I miss out on the GREAT music. (i shed a tear). Some violence but against the aliens and parasites-not against the humans. And ur playing as the good guys so it gives a positive message.

Btabz
teen, 14 years old
 
Depends on your kid
In my opinion Halo 2 is the best game in the franchise. Although ESRB gives it an M rating it really isn't all that bad. Mild cartoony blood, mild language, and aliens are all that this game shows. But it really does depend on your kid. When your kid starts growing violent or becomes addicted to the game its not the games fault, its the kids fault. Unfortunately some kids are just not mature enough to play Halo. So make sure your kid is actually mature enough to handle the game first. Also, try and spend time with your kid when playing Halo. These games are perfect to help bond with your kid.

Dr. Acula
teen, 16 years old
 
Best Halo Game Ever
Best Halo game ever. this game really isnt bad there is shooting, but it is always aliens being shot. the Flood may be disturbing for younger audiences, but if your kid is mature and knows you cant really shoot people in the real world they will be okay

alex7896321
kid, 13 years old
 

Figgy66
adult
 
OK for 11 year olds
This is no doubt the bloodiest halo game its very good though and easy to play. Some language, but other wise ok for 11 year olds.

XXXELITEXXX
parent of 15 year old
 
LET KIDS OVER ELEVEN PLAY HALO (ADULT)
This is by far the best halo game;even being an adult i still love to play it.Halo has a few objectionable things like a few swear words and some screaming aliens. But this blood gore stuff is lies. No gore is seen in the game. There are small amounts of blood that only is seen when killing certain enemies. Its not like in F.E.A.R. where its coated all over the walls in some levels. Halo 2 and any other halo game should be allowed to be played by kids. Us adults are holding our kids back for some fun not at all graphic games.

 
Of course the rating is correct (they are there for a reason)
Maybe this site is lacking in common sense. The game is rated as 'M'-Mature (age 17+) it shows it on the front of the box. The game ratings shown as are there after being reviewed in much the same way as movies are - well that is the case in the UK - I can't speak for other countries. If the rating is for ages 17+ then it should be a no-brainer - its simply not for kids. Perhaps if more parents used *their* 'common sense' then there wouldn't be as many whiny & bratish 12 year olds ruining the Xbox Live experience for this game.

Dideloop2
teen, 15 years old
 
Seriously, ESRB?
But really. I am a seasoned video game player. I know what games should be rated M or rated T or any other rating. But Halo 2? The blood might be frequent, but its just a little splatter. There is more blood in the game Uncharted 2, rated T. And the language? Once again, more in Uncharted 2. This game is not nearly as bad as others like it. And this? "You are fighting an alien race, using extreme violence to do so." The ALIENS ARE ATTACKING US! Of course you're going to fight back! Come on!

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About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age