Halo 3
Parents say
Based on 135 reviews
Kids say
Based on 428 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this adult game has been hyped by a massive advertising campaign that extends to normally kid-friendly establishments like Burger King and 7-Eleven. But the ESRB gave this first-person shooter game a "Mature" rating for violence for good reason. Throughout the game, players shoot aliens and humans using a variety of weaponry, and they'll see vivid images with blood. And know that when the Halo games are played online, players can communicate -- and curse -- via headsets.
Community Reviews
So much blood
Report this review
Great game
Report this review
What’s It About?
This Microsoft Xbox 360 exclusive begins as your character -- super soldier Master Chief -- crash-lands on Earth and is recovered by teammates. Your first goal is to make your way through a densely populated forest with fellow space marines to uncover an alien base. While ducking behind trees, rocks, and waterfalls, you battle alien creatures that are loyal to the militaristic Covenant, an alien species that has long been fighting humanity. Expanding on the capabilities and features of its predecessors, HALO 3 lets up to four gamers play through the entire campaign together in a cooperative mode and allows you to record a portion of your game, like a homemade highlights reel, to play back at any time, from multiple camera angles.
Is It Any Good?
Not only is Microsoft Game Studios' HALO 3 the most eagerly anticipated video game of 2007, but this action-sci-fi series has become a cultural phenomenon, spawning novels, comics, action figures, and a top-secret project with Academy Award-winning director Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings).So the big question is: Does Halo 3 live up to the hype? Absolutely.
The extraordinary high-definition graphics, which include many non-interactive cinematic story sequences, push the limits of the Xbox 360. Thousands of lines of dialogue and a Hollywood-quality epic musical score also help you become immersed in this slickly produced sci-fi thriller. So whether you're an old fan or new to this franchise, Halo 3 is a must-own game for mature action or sci-fi lovers. Its gratifying solo campaign and many multiplayer modes, new features (including co-op play), and high production values all ensure that Halo 3 will live up to expectations.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what makes the Halo games so popular. How are they different than other sci-fi shooters? For kids who want to play but have parents who put their foot down: What made you want to play this game? Why do you think Burger King and Mountain Dew helped tell kids about the game when the rating isn't T for "Teen" or E for "Everyone"?
Game Details
- Platform: Xbox 360
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: Microsoft
- Release date: September 25, 2007
- Genre: First-Person Shooter
- ESRB rating: M for blood and gore, mild language, violence.
- Last updated: November 4, 2015
Our Editors Recommend
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate