Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
A bloody, action-packed, sci-fi shooter sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 22 parent reviews
Based on 83 kid reviews
Kids say this game is a mix of enjoyment and concern among parents, who have varying opinions on its appropriateness for younger audiences due to its violence, mild language, and the controversial M rating. While many players praise its engaging story and gameplay, they note that the portrayals of blood and combat, primarily against cartoonish aliens, might not be as severe as claimed, though some parents feel it requires caution for kids under 13.
- fun gameplay
- mild violence
- age concerns
- mixed ratings
- great story
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
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?
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
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?
Game Details
- Platforms : Windows , Xbox
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Microsoft
- Release date : January 4, 2005
- Genre : First-Person Shooter
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : August 25, 2016
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