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Resident Evil 5 gave Bionic Commando its 'M' rating photo

You've probably never wondered why Capcom's latest Bionic Commando game is rated M, but we're going to tell you anyway because the story is quite interesting. According to the publisher, the reason for the rating isn't because they intended to fill the game with violence and foul language, but because of Resident Evil 5.

See, Bionic Commando was originally intended to ship with a demo for the popular action sequel, which caused the ESRB to rate it M for Mature. Since BC ended up shipping two months after RE5, that decision became a moot point. However, since the classification had already been awarded to the game, Capcom decided not to tone it down and go for a T rating. In fact, the studio had already "upped the violence and language to hit an M."

Even with the violence and language strengthened, it's looking quite likely that Bionic Commando will be pretty tame in comparison to more gratuitous games out there. The game could easily have been a T, but it seems the ESRB's decision is final. Still, that won't stop kids getting their hands on it, only for the game to be banned by the media once they start trying to graft hotdogs to their arms.


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18 comments | showing # 1 to 18

Necros's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/16/2009 13:46
Necros
Erm...so the ESRB won't rerate the game if the content has changed (re: losing the demo)? Kind of hypocritical, when they'll rerate a game if it has more violence or sex.
Xhumation's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/16/2009 13:51
Xhumation
kinda strange.

still the ESRB needs to rethink how they evaluate games. I mean if the "M" rated content has been removed. Why not change the rating?
Magnalon's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/16/2009 13:52
Magnalon
This debacle reminds me of the hilarious standout between the MPAA and the producers of the movie Scarface. Apparently, the MPAA hated one simple scene in the movie, and wanted to rate it an "X". The producers slightly altered that one scene, took out a maniacal clown, and it got an "R". Rating boards are so arbitrary.
Rockvillian's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/16/2009 13:53
Rockvillian
Upping the violence and language just to hit an M? Can't wait for the "story" now. "Shit me! Fucking shoot the shitters, bastard jerks!"
gamadaya's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/16/2009 13:54
gamadaya
No, of course they would rerate the game. I don't know why Jim worded it like that. The decision is final because Capcom, in what was a really cool marketing move, decided to accept the rating and readjust the games content to fit it. I like how M rated games can still perform as well, if not better, than T rated games. It is, unfortunately, the complete opposite for R rated movies.
Jim Sterling's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/16/2009 14:06
Jim Sterling
One of the reasons Capcom gave for the lack of rerate was that the "rating was set," hence why I worded it like I did.
JynxShot's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/16/2009 14:14
JynxShot
I'm glad Grin decided to keepp the M. I like my games with wanton swearing and violence. After all, we remember MEgaman Zero:

"Sir! Those reploids! THEY'RE ALL GOING TO BE RETIRED!" "NNOT IF I RETIRE THEM FIRST! PREPARE FOR RETIREMENT!" "Man, we're all SOOOOOOO retired."

What can we expect from BC?

"Nathan Rad JAckass McQuark Shit-Hat Spencer Rasta Soldier, get that piece of shit metal shit on your arm and go soot those sons of fucks up on that piece of shit over there or some shit."
"YES SIR!"
gamadaya's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/16/2009 14:17
gamadaya
Ok, but there is no way the ESRB can rate a game and then refuse to rerate it if content drastically changes. It was set in that Capcom didn't bother to submit for a rerating, not that the ESRB would refuse to rerate it.
wanderingpixel's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/16/2009 14:22
wanderingpixel
In this case, it is not a big deal. But if Capcom did want it to be rated T then would the ESRB allow it? And is it fair to rate a game based on a demo that has nothing to do with the actual product you are buying? This would make an interesting article...
Bigworld 41's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/16/2009 14:28
Bigworld 41
Even though it wasn't very explicit, by todays standards the original game was never "made for kids" Who better than to enjoy this fine game then us grizzled old gamers. Bring it on!
gamadaya's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/16/2009 14:44
gamadaya
@SnipeU2day:
Yes, they would have to allow it. As for your second point, I thought that was weird as well. The Orange Box is rated T-M, because it has both T and M rated games on it. The disc as a whole is considered M rated, and game outlets will sometimes check your ID if you buy it. I don't know why ESRB didn't use the same method with Bionic Commando.
Chronic Logic's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/16/2009 14:47
Chronic Logic
Rated M for money! Everybody loves mature stuff (except mature women).
The Prodigal Son's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/16/2009 16:56
The Prodigal Son
The ESRB decision is final until someone finds out that they can patch the game to include going in for "coffee" after you finish the date. I can only imagine what that guy can do with his fist (NSFW?)
TheCleaningGuy's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/16/2009 18:09
TheCleaningGuy
If it wasn't rated M already, that means that there were no exploding Hitler heads. As such, they're doing something wrong.
Los255's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/16/2009 20:16
Los255
I guess cause they're gonna include more faces being blown to bits.
Uniquenamehere's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/16/2009 20:24
Uniquenamehere
Since when has swearing meant more mature, silly school kids.
Arttemis's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/17/2009 10:27
Arttemis
@Gamadaya - Wait, what is your source of seemingly insider information that contradicts Jim's article and the MTV-linked source? Are you disagreeing because you find it hard to believe that a regulatory body that covers the entire spectrum of video games to be inefficient, or do you truly know the inner workings of the ESRB?
coffeesash's Avatar - Comment posted on 04/25/2009 05:54
coffeesash
The ESRB, like the BBFC, will re-rate anything for a further fee. It's a couple hour job for a big tidy wad, look at this link and see:
http://www.esrb.org/ratings/ratings_process.jsp
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