By now you should all be aware of Suda 51's latest cel-shaded gore-fest, No More Heroes. While completely outrageous violence and showers of blood have made up the vast majority of the game's promotional material, it seems that only America is getting what has been advertised -- if you live in Europe (like I do until I get off this stinkin' rock) then you can enjoy the Japanese, censored version.
Yes, censored. Following the BBFC's rejection of Manhunt 2, publisher Rising Star Games seems to have become frightened and decided that a "black spray" should replace blood for those of us in the PAL territories. It's not surprising, since the most logical fear in the wake of Manhunt 2's banning was that a worrying new precedent of media censorship had been set in the UK. With that in mind, it seems Rising Star intends to take no chances.
As usual, European gamers get a raw deal, though I wonder if this censorship was needed. I still maintain that a lot of Manhunt 2's banning was fuelled by politics and the mainstream attention that Rockstar's games get. Everybody knows that similar violence can get under the radar provided the mainstream media doesn't know about it, and No More Heroes is pretty obscure in that regard. At least this demonstrates what I always said -- the BBFC debacle has far wider reaching effects than just the banning of Manhunt 2.
Either way, this game was one of the few on the Wii that I truly cared about, and even though it's a little thing, the replacement of blood with something so utterly stupid seriously takes my estimation down. Oh well, yet more proof that owning a Wii in Europe just doesn't pay.
Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize.
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Contest:
8:54 AM on 12.09.2007
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Excuse me? You don't think that will happen to systems on other games? That is what your comment implies.
What isn't clear is if this is a Europe wide censorship of the game. We all know UK residents tend to equate "PAL territory" and "Europe" with only the UK, and with all the talk of the BBFC it makes me think this may be the case here. After all Manhunt 2 supposedly enjoyed an uncensored release elsewhere in Europe. I say "supposedly" because I didn't bother tracking it down on account on it being a shitty game.
In any case, let's settle down and wait for more details to surface.
Whilst censorship of an adult rated game is unjustifiable, Rockstar haven't helped the situation by producing the perfect ammunition for alarmists. If all those who are itching to censor, had to create a perfect example which justified their decisions whilst at the same time inflicted irrational fear in the mainstream, then Manhunt IS that perfect example.
It's like "Look mums and dads, this is what game developers get up to, they're sick, as an industry their sick and here's the proof." Thanks to Manhunt being so instantly repulsive to most people, any chance of a decent argument is over before it's begun.
even if you dont want to play the game that news is still no good so why be glad by it. i want to see what becomes of that ninja gaiden 2 game cuz that looks bloody as helll.
What does that mean?
I've been putting off getting my Wii chipped because, even though it says it's safe, I worry and it's hard to find a decent mod chip store online.
If you care sign it... :) I know it's not much, but let's try at least... (I'm number 158 :) )
anyhoo, 3 more assassins for me to kill :D
I hate censorship i live in the North and this game could have gay snuff and we would still not care.
Censor = Bullshit.
It's one of my fields of coverage, but OKAY JOHNNYWADD I will change what I cover JUST FOR YOUS!
Nyuk.
And why haven't you supported modding your console yet Jim? :P
The violence in the game is over-the-top ridiculous with people literally exploding into showers of red ooze... from a sword attack. It's not anything at all like the Manhunt games where the whole idea is to be gritty and realistic and such. It's literally akin to cartoon violence, just with red splatters.
In hindsight, I think it would make the game cooler if the pixelated black ooze was a red pixelated ooze for the American release just to see how much attention the game would get for showing violence, but in a clearly unoffensive (and arguably more stylish) manner via pixels. It'd be like the guys bled Tetris blocks and it would be hilarious.
You know what's a threat to decency? Censorship.
The developers should be rebelling with all their will, not backing down like this. Haven't they ever heard of Neville Chamberline?
It's bullshit.
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Free Games!
Never said i wanted you to change your coverage, personally i like hearing how inferior Europe is, it makes us Canadians feel better.