Halo 2 (Windows, Xbox)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This game is easily a good game that is OK for children

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.

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.