Watch out, someone has an ax to grind! Rockstar's Manhunt 2 was banned in the UK and Ireland last week. The ESRB in the U.S. followed up by giving the game an Adults Only (AO) rating.
Since the console makers and major retail outlets won't carry AO games, the prospect of Manhunt 2 arriving anytime soon is quite dim.
The BBFC and IFCO in the UK and Ireland, respectively, criticized Manhunt 2 for being excessively and unrelentingly violent.
The original Manhunt title created quite a controversy with its violent content and disturbing themes, such as snuff films.
Manhunt 2 takes place in an insane asylum and players assume the role of an ex-scientist trapped in the asylum and one of the inmates.
Manhunt 2 was developed for the PlayStation2, PSP and the Wii. Some have become concerned that the Wii's motion sensor controls will encourage violent actions among young people.
Rockstar can appeal the decisions of the BBFC, IFCO and ESRB but it seems unlikely that the appeals will be successful.
Rockstar previewed Manhunt 2 last month at the Fangoria Weekend of Horrors convention. It looked creepy and violent, but no more so than most violent games with mature content.
Will the Manhunt 2 rulings lead to stricter and harsher video game ratings in Europe and the U.S.?
Rockstar has announced that Manhunt 2 has been delayed. Is it possible the title will be cancelled? Will Rockstar port the game to the PC, or will it have to redesign the game to get a more suitable rating?.
TOPICS
