News
Manhunt 2: The story so far
Ben Parfitt Dec 18 2007, 4:32pm
Comments (6)
MCV recaps the six months of trauma that have dogged Rockstar’s Manhunt 2
Yesterday’s news that the BBFC is to challenge the Video Appeals Committee’s backing of Rockstar’s quest to overturn the ban of Manhunt 2 in the UK is just the latest instalment in what has been one of the longest running and most eventful news stories this year.
For those of you whom the saga has seemingly been going on forever, here’s a recap:
In June the BBFC decided not to grant Manhunt 2 an 18 certificate in the UK, effectively banning it from sale. Rockstar admitted to being disappointed with the decision, and even ELSPA said it was a bit gutted. A revised version of the game, where the gory execution sequences are turned into some sort of neon party-like murder fest, was again denied release.
The game then arrived in North America sporting a suitably adult-orientated ‘Mature’ rating, even though one retailer got cold feet following a hack that allowed players of the PSP version to access the unedited gore, forcing US games body ESRB to defend itself.
It then transpired that the version released on the other side of the Atlantic is the same as the revised version denied release here.
Talk of a possible digital-downloads lifeline emerged, but was soon forgotten when Rockstar announced that it was to challenge the BBFC decision. The Video Appeals Committee then backed Rockstar by four votes to three, a move which delighted the publisher. However, the BBFC is far from finished with the ordeal, saying it will now take the debate to court. And Rockstar is once again disappointed.
Phew!
Comments
“Six months?”
Posted: Dec 18, 4:53pm
It's been six months already? Bleedin eck. Still, great round up MCV. Ta.
“Re: Six months?”
Posted: Dec 19, 9:26am
Good. Take em down. No need for this kind of thing
“Re: Six months?”
Posted: Dec 19, 10:27am
The bottom line is, if you head is screwed on, you're not going to play this game then go out on a killing rampage in the real world.
If you're head isn't screwed on, then yeah, you MIGHT play this game then go out on a killing rampage in the real world. However, that just as likely to happen if you've listened to an 'aggressive' album or watched a violent movie.
I mean after all, you're head isnt screwed on is it?
You could play COD4 or Killzone and then go out on a killing rampage....
Anybody see my point?
I've watched violent films and listened to 'aggresive' music my whole life and have never done anything bad to anyone, ever.
I have no intention of buying this game quite simply because it does not appeal to me. Although I'm sure if I did play this game, I wouldnt become an instant threat to society?!
Hmmm? Maybe I should buy it, see what happens and then we can sort out this mess?!
There are documentary's on the telly everyday that glorify murder, rape, cannibalism and the people that commit these crimes. Most of these programs go into to serious detail about the crime and how it was commited.
You dont have to be over 18 to be able to watch them, you just need a telly.
What is the difference?
The fact that it is cloaked as educational rather than entertainment?
I'm confused?
“Down with this sort of thing!”
Posted by: Ted - Dec 19, 3:10pm
Careful now...
“Re: Down with this sort of thing!”
Posted: Dec 20, 3:24pm
I've bought a copy of this game from the other side of the pond & must admit, it's not all that it's hyped up to be!!! I played all the way through the game & found it to be slightly less appealing than the original ManHunt!! so i used my CFW PSP & used the hack to take off the "Kill filter" & to be, again, as honest as possible, didn't think the filters made that much difference. I'm an adult with 2 young kids, one 10 & the other 6, I allow my oldest child to play GTA San Andreas, but only becuase I've played it & thiink that is suitable for him to play, i woulldn't let him play manhunt though!!!! I don't find the game disturbing or anything like that, i just feel that kid's don't need to be force fed adult content I i always play the games he buys before he does, i i think the content might be adult orrientated.
“Re: Down with this sort of thing!”
Posted by: dolly_p - Mar 6, 11:13pm
Years ago I played (a little shamed to admit) to completion the Pop Idol game. Does this get me a pass to the X Factor finals do we think? I'm gonna email ITV....
On a more serious note, its an adult game for adult gamers. If you don't want to see gore and killing, don't play it. Not that difficult! I played the 1st one to death - no pun intended - and have yet to kill anyone with an axe!
Yet....