 | ON: Content is age-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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Halo Wars
- Xbox 360
- Price: $59.99
- Genre: Real Time Strategy (RTS)
Common Sense Media says
Well-made strategy game breaks from Halo shooter tradition.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need
to know that this is the first Halo game rated "T" instead of "M." Unlike the other
Halo incarnations, Halo Wars in not a first person shooter but a real time
strategy game with less gore and violence. There is still some violence as you watch
tanks, ground troops, flamethrowers, missiles, and other military weapons do
damage, the action is far enough away that you can't see the details. For
example, you can see bodies flying through the landscape, just not the carnage.
A few video cutscenes show closeup fighting with human bodies impaled and some
blood which is why the game is rated "Teen." Players will also hear mild
cursing. The game can be played online where colorful language is the norm.
Common Sense Media does not recommend children under the age of 12 playing
online games.
What's it about?
Long known as a first-person shooter, the Halo franchise shifts gears in HALO WARS, a simple real-time strategy (RTS) game that should entice diehard fans. Set about 20 years before the original Halo game, the game follows the United Nations Space Command (UNSC) as they battle the alien race called the Covenant. Instead of commanding one character, players take charge of multiple UNSC squads. Units range from Infantry and flamethrowers to big vehicles such as the Scorpion Tank.
Players will build up a base, gather supplies, create units, and bolster military technology. They can navigate the map and select single units, or hit the shoulder button to select all units. To attack, players point their cursor to an enemy and hit an attack button. Most units have a standard strike and a stronger secondary attack. For example, Infantry units can lob grenades. Each level is broken down into specific objectives, such as destroy an enemy base or defend a particular area. Players can also engage in online skirmishes against human players, assuming either the UNSC or Covenant armies.
Is it any good?
Halo Wars is a fun RTS that is pretty easy to control. Between excellent tutorials and four levels of difficulty (which can be changed mid-campaign), this is a game that newbies can play. And you don't need to be familiar with the previous Halo games to enjoy it. The game streamlines military commands, making it simple to switch between units in different areas of the map as well as give orders. The one problem is the inability to create custom groups of units. Breaking up units into special groups requires a few too many steps. The action is quite intense, particularly as you progress to the later stages of the single-player campaign. At times, combat is frenetic as you're hopping between units dispersed throughout the environment. One moment, you may fight enemies on one portion of the map while your base is enduring an assault from a surprise attack.
Halo Wars look sharp, an impressive feat when you consider how small each unit looks. When big vehicles or weapons are destroyed, debris flies across the landscape. Battles also look very smooth, even when dozens of units litter the screen. While the real time strategy approach is different from previous Halo titles, Halo Wars is a worthwhile strategy adventure. Plus the cooperative and competitive online modes make it something you can explore with friends.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how this game compares to the rest of the Halo franchise. Do you prefer commanding many forces or just one super-powered character? Since this game is T-rated and set 20 years before the other 3 M-rated games, do you think this is a good way for the publisher to expand the Halo's license to younger players?
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- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
This is Just an Excuse to Introduce the Real Shoot-Um-Up to Young Kids
This is obviously a Trojan horse to get adults to think this popular ultra-violent, gory shoot-um-up franchise isn't really as bad as it is. These kinds of games and positive articles such as here at this site enable the big video game companies to reach a larger market share. There are only so many rabid teen fanboys, and this will start younger kids on the path to play ‘the real thing’ when they are older. Have them play CIV IV if you must. Then they might actually learn something.
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AGE
it is the best game in the would
i am on day 3 and i am on misson 10
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Kid, 12 years old
December 11, 2010
AGE
play it now me
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AGE
Err..
Not a really great game. it reminds me more of chess than fighting but some people like that. And for the purpose that its more stategy there is less violence.
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AGE
there is only some violence, because you can only see blood in the cutscenes because you are to far away to see it when you are playing. Sure there will be a few bodies flying around, but that why its rated teen
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AGE
Well made strategy game
Halo War's is a great game for both Halo fans and fans of strategy games. It takes place 30 years before the very first game, exploring the war between the UNSC Marines and Alien Covenant.
It's also the first T rated game, as the violence is less graphic then the games released before.
The game is actually kind of simple. There are different "slots" around the map that you can capture from computer controlled factions ((Human Rebels/Forerunner) and use to build bases. Then build buildings in more slots, using them to upgrade or build units.
The campaign is pretty solid, with a decent plot and varied objectives.
I cant say anything about the online game though, as I dont have it.
Overall, a decent addition to the Halo franshice.
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AGE
awsome game!!! :)
It is not a first person shooter it is more of a stratagy game which I personly like just because you have to think. Not the best graphics but still good.
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AGE
At first I was angry when my son got this as a gift, but after playing it with him, I was actually pretty happy with it. I think that the violence language and blood are toned down to where they should be for most games. Also, this game provides lots of opportunites for kids to learn (even if they aren't aware of it). The players need to develop tools and technology to build an army capable of defending earth. This requires patients and skill that is sorely lacking in the majority of today's games. With a little parental guidance kids can easily learn to understand this game's high points and few low points.
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AGE
Alot less violent, and less bad lang than the other Halos
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| Platforms: | Xbox 360 |
| Available online? | Available online |
| Genre: | Real Time Strategy (RTS) |
| Developer: | Microsoft |
| Release date: | March 3, 2009 |
| Price: | $59.99 |
| ESRB rating: | T for Mild blood, mild language, violence |
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