Halo 3
Parents say
Kids say
Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Get it now on
Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...
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.
Wondering if Halo 3 is OK for your kids?
Set preferences and get age-appropriate recommendations with Common Sense Media Plus. Join now
Stay up to date on new reviews.
User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
It almost appears that Marc did not play Halo 3 at all, or at best is extremely unobservant
Good for young teens
2nd off, all the blood is blue, purple or green.
3rd off, you fight aliens and defend humanity.
4th off... Continue reading
my 6 year old brother has more commen sense than commen sense.
This game is not nearly bad as it seems.
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
- Platforms: Xbox 360
- Price: $59.99
- Available online? Available online
- Developer: Microsoft
- Release date: September 25, 2007
- Genre: First-Person Shooter
- ESRB rating: M for blood and gore, mild language, violence.
- Last updated: June 19, 2019
Our editors recommend
Top advice and articles
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.