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Earlier today, I broke the disappointing news that Manhunt 2 was deemed too harmful for an overprotected British public, pushing back the progression of civil liberties several decades and making me wonder if I lived in the UK or communist China. With that in mind, it seems that America has no intention of being left out of the overreaction happy fun party as the ESRB has seen fit to slap an 'Adults Only' rating on Rockstar's much maligned boogeyman-in-DVD-form. While slightly better than an outright ban, the move will see popular chains like Wal-mart refusing to stock the game and will have a significant impact on Rockstar's earnings while movies like Hostel 2 will hit theaters with no such crippling restrictions in place. Many thanks to the ESRB who have pitched in and helped the illogical and childish enemies of the games industry pop another ill-gotten feather in their caps. We all appreciate it very much. Seriously, on behalf of gamers everywhere, thank you for making the quest for games to be viewed without prejudice and bias all that more difficult. Meanwhile, in the UK, the European wing of the Destructoid collective will continue to fight the BBFC's decision to ban the title. Stay tuned for news of a new campaign that will soon be unleashed so gamers may provide some much needed balance to the ridiculous demonization of our favorite hobby. I think I speak for all the sane ones among us when I say this - the bullcrap's getting ridiculous. [With thanks to Joe 'I got banned from Gmail' Burling]
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Ah, I sent this in too late...sadness! Oh well...done and done. Who is this Joe Burling that has been appearing abouts? haha
jim sterling
joe burling...
i believe we've seen this before.
damnit, i thought it was getting an M rating. now i have to wait another year to be able to buy this damn game.
you know, with games like this getting harder and harder to get, i can see the violence rising because people can't get their hands on the video games.
im actually not surprised
Good thing I'm an adult.
How many AO games do the more mature Xbox360 and PS3 consoles have to stack up against this!?
^_^
I don't know, I think it's just irresponsible journalism on the gaming media's part to ignore the drastic rise in hockey-masked-stealth-assassinations-via-directive-from-whispery-earpiece crime the release of the first Manhunt caused in United States. You can't argue with statistics.
I personally hope that this was the plan from the start. R* has been known to shake things up in ways never thought possible. If something like this gets released with an AO rating (on the Wii no less), hopefully it'll stop the tired, played out routine of "gots to protects the childrens". Politicians/parents have made it abundantly clear that they have no idea what the word 'MATURE' means, so maybe the statement 'Adult Only' will slap some sense into activists that video games are NOT only marketed towards kids. Adults play games too.
BTW: don't appreciate the insinuation that the game doesn't deserve it's AO rating. Little to no information about the game, it's content, and it's controls have been released to the public, so it very well could require a rating above M. The fact that R* hasn't responded yet, and have known for days, I don't see this as being overrated.
wow...if this is getting an Adults Only rating..you won't be able to find a copy in most retail chains. Brutal!
kids are pussies
Older gamers want more mature games dammit!!
Why should movies get a pass on content while videogames get screwed over!
Fuck JT.
Fuck the dumbass parents who don't know shit when it comes to videogames and their ratings(and sometimes rely on their children because they know better-WTF)!
I watch gore/sex-filled movies (i.e. Hostel, SAW, etc.)
Why i can't i play games that have almost similar content?!
Doesn't having an AO rating mean you should be 18 instead of 17 for Mature games? Apparently in one year you will be able to handle the new level of sex and violence or something.
Anyway I have to agree with DeusPayne here, we really have no idea what the game is like. I would think its better that it is rated AO instead of having some family groups protest because the rating is too low for what the game has. An AO will give a clearer message that your kids should not buy this game. That and didn't the first Manhunt suck anyway?
Again, I don't have a problem with this. If people want it, they'll find it - just not at a Wal-Mart or Target. Frankly, if Take Two is going to make a game that's extremely, graphically violent and involves the player physically simulating these violent acts, then I don't see a problem with them giving it an AO rating. I'm not going to cry for any kid who doesn't get to play this now.
And, like it or not, game ratings should not be approached in the same way that movie ratings are. They're different animals altogether. Besides, the MPAA sucks, anyway.
you do know this game allowed you to reenact ripping out a dudes testicles with pliers and rip out a part of there spine somehow attached to the testicles? or, also, how about how it allows you take a saw and saw up between the crotch and butt (the gooch, as jackass taught me) up into the abdomen? Or how about throwing a dude into a circuit board until his head explodes? Just thought you guys might like to know.
"Fuck the dumbass parents who don't know shit when it comes to videogames and their ratings(and sometimes rely on their children because they know better-WTF)! "
--
Podtoid 17 - @ the 20:33 mark
So?
Sounds tasteless and horrible to me, but it should be MY decision if I want to play it or not, not somebody else's.
While I think there's nothing wrong with giving a game an AO rating, I think the problem here is that many DVD movies are released as "unrated," meaning that the content goes completely unreviewed. These DVDs are routinely sold at "reputable" outlets who would otherwise avoid NC-17 content.
The double-standard is the problem, not the presumably-correct application of the AO rating to Manhunt 2.
I guess it's not all bad though. Before now, I haven't really been paying the game much attention, but now I'm pretty sure I'm buying it whenever it releases.
And no more heroes will be more violent...
AWESOME!!
maybe if enough people buy it, retail chains will see it's popular and start stocking it in shelves?
I feel bad for any 17-year olds who now have to wait a whole, entire year before they can play this game. I'm sure they'll mature at an astounding rate in that time and be much more capable of handling the content of the game than they were a year before.
@TheFuckIsJimSterling
Well, in America, it IS our choice, Jim. Isn't that what this comment thread is about? I'm sorry that it got banned over there, but we do still have the choice of whether or not to play it, over here.
Movies get shit on quite a bit by the MPAA. There are plenty of well-known movies out there that first got NC-17 (or X) such as Scarface. The only way the movie makers could combat this were through appeals and extensive cuts. Saying "why are Hostel and Saw allowed!?" is laughable. For one, both of these movies are crappy examples of the horror genre overall, especially in terms of gore. But even so, I'll bet you anything these movies had to rely on several camera tricks, cuts, and pleading in order to avoid the NC-17 stamp. I'm not even touching the fact that movies and games are apples and oranges, that's a given.
It's too early to tell what Rockstar is going to do about this, but an AO rating is pretty bad. Yes, people will still find it someway or another, but without mainstream advertising or major stores backing the game, the number of sales is going to go down. The main thing I hope for is that the game doesn't turn into another Thrill Kill incident. I don't mind having to get the game through some other means, but it certainly can't be good news for the company.
Has anyone considered that this may all be an elaborate marketing campaign initiated by Rockstar.
From my understanding the rating boards do not actually play the games (go figure) but create their ratings based on developer submitted videos of gameplay. is it possible that Rockstar just submitted some really bad stuff which they will later 'withdraw' from the final retail version? Or has my faith in the BBFC been utterly destroyed forever?
@ imOK
yeah, i commented about that earlier. hopefully the one year i'll have to wait will mature me enough to take on the gratuitous sex and violence in the games. yeah!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06b9sMyLsHY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEbElh8HIdI&mode=related&search=
i did come across a video from the punisher where he puts a goy onto a bench saw and proceds to push the guy crotch first
Well in Amaerica....the media tells us whatwe want to hear cause we can't make up our minds and we are dumb!
[/sarcasm]
Well this makes me angry. I'm 17 so I was thinking I'd pick it up. Now I can't. And I know my parents wouldn't pick it up for me.
Gg, ESRB. Gg.
Having read a bit more about this now I would like to strike my previous comment from the record.
Who would've thought the second AO game on a console EVER would be on the wii?
BlindsideDork: What was the other?
...sweetheart, I ask no more than this, a kiss to build a dream on....
That's what the image reminded me of heh (only the hardcore will know this reference).
If you think Rockstar's not going to cut back so the game is M, you're insane. Games NEED to be stocked at big stores like Wal-Mart or else the company loses a lot of revenue.
I didn't like the first Manhunt much so it doesn't affect me, but if the MPAA and ESRB are anything alike, there were boobs in this game. These groups think boobs are more evil than a demon eviscerating a child with her or her own teeth. Cover those filthy, nasty, evil things up ladies, they have no reason to ever be seen in society.
I think the AO rating should be used more liberally, and not looked at as such a negative. Yes, the game deals with extremely mature themes. No, I don't think minors should be allowed to purchase this. Why is the AO rating such a retail deathbed? The difference between M and AO's age limit is one year.
It strikes me as odd is all, the game is meant for adults, and thusly, is given an Adult rating. It isn't like you are strangling people out...with cocks.
I don't care what these idiots think the game should be, the game can not be anywhere near as graphic as a movie like Hostel. The graphics aren't nearly good enough.
Also, what is so different with the Wii controls for Manhunt compared to any other game? You're always slashing and swinging the Wiimote around, the only difference is what happens on screen. Big deal.
Besides, only so much can change in between 17 and 18 years of age. This is a stupid thing to do, and it'll only cause problems for Rockstar and the people who want to buy it because most places refuse to carry AO games despite carrying R rated and even Unrated movies. It's all bullshit and double standard nonsense.
Im sure that this will be the best selling AO title ever. That is if R* doensnt decide to cut out the "good stuff" to get an M rating. If this game sells well (100k) at an AO rating I hope that will encourage developers to make more adult games, not just the blood 'n guts kind.
It might deserve the rating...but it shouldn't have been banned in the UK.
This will only help Rockstar Trevor. Americans love their controversy. It's why so many masochistically watch Fox News...and believe every word they say as doctrine.
Rockstar will do just fine. Real gamers don't shop at Wal Mart anyway.
But Best Buy and GameStop also have policies that have them not carrying AO titles.
Although I would suspect that certain wheels are in motion to change policies at at least ONE of those chains. Probably the one that can make money on the game twice via the preowned market.
All it takes is 1 major chain to sell the game. And online sales will carry it. IMO, retail chains should slowly go out of business other than initial releases. Costs of stocking old games is too high, and a revolution should overthrow EB's used game market. Online distribution (both digital and physical) is the future, so mommy and daddy not being able to go into your local Walmart and make uninformed purchasing decisions for their children shouldn't have an effect on the market. (If it will or not is still up for debate)
Hot damn, this is certaintly going to be an interesting ride.
Deus, this isn't a debate on your opinions of retail. The used market isn't going anywhere.
While I do live in the US so I can play Manhunt 2, this is a step in the wrong direction. I never did quite understand the difference between movies rated R and movies rated NC-17 anyways. If parents were smart, they'd understand the rating system in the first place. No game, no matter what happens in it, should be banned anywhere, except by parents of underage kids in their own homes.
Something needs to happen to get the word out and educate these people. Not all video games are for kids. Some are for adults. There is no need to play big brother and protect the ignorant parents.
It's a fucking video game. Srsly.
I believe that it's the wii game that's going to be Ao rated, not the ps2 version. At least that's what kotaku leads me to believe. Because adding motion control is GOING to make us much more effective killers apparently.
It's too bad that Manhunt had to be the one to get slapped with AO. No one's going to want to champion a one-trick pony like this.
If you want "anyone" to go and point at a game and say "murder simulator" this is that game. I could care less to play it because the appeal is something I've divested myself in countless times before, in much more compelling ways.
Can we at least have a game worth fighting over Rockstar? Or was this your goal?
I don't care either way. My copy of Manhunt 2 stays on the shelf for some other championing schlub to go belly up to. Give me a compelling cause that I support with my dollar and I'm there.
If Hitler got an unfair parking ticket levied against him, would you want to jump up and say, "Hey! Unfair parking ticket dude!"?
And to be perfectly honest, I think the ESRB is probably a lot more honest than the MPAA. The MPAA has this vague set of loose standards with no set checks to run through when they rate a movie.
While the ESRB will point out what you have done to earn your rating, the MPAA tells you "excessive violence" or "too much nudity" and leaves it at that.
Also given here is that with film, there's alternate takes and angles to provide breathing room with those ratinges. Whereas with a video game, since everything is prescripted actions, the ability to alter these actions is more time consuming to the process and less likely to be changed for the sake of the rating.
Rockstar had to have known what they were going to do, they got it, and now whatever happens from it, I'd say, buy it if you want, but judge it for the game, not for the controversy that surrounds it. If you do that, you've potentially wasted $50 on a mediocre game that could've been better spent on something worth your time.
Im now going to buy this game, just because they said that and pin it on my chest.
Grand Theft Auto received an AO.
I had only the slightest interest in this game until all this adult-only BS. I fully intend to do my part to cock-block the ESRBs attempts at impeding the profits of well-deserving game companies.
Also, just to spite the ESRB, I'm going to make sure every impressionable young mind that enters my home gets to demo this game. I would have never done this otherwise, but thanks to ESRB, the minds of children WILL be corrupted.
WAY TO GO ESRB!!!
Grimspoon, same here but I am still on the fence between buying and renting. grrr stupid money.
ATTENTION PEOPLES OF THE WORLD!
If you have been exposed to or used any of the following, we need to hear from you immediately:
Played baseball
Used a watergun
Spread margarine on toast
Pulled a drawstring shut
Aired up a tire
Masturbated
Peeled an orange
Wired speakers
Shaken a tree for it's fruit/nuts
Tied your shoes
Used a zipper
Played pinball
and many other cases...
You may have unknowingly taken part in a murder simulation. If so, you may be entitled to a large settlement from Rockstar Games for their commonality to these actions to their new popular murder simulator Manhunt 2. If you feel that you've been improperly tricked into any of these activities, we have representatives standing by to hear your case.
"I was clikin' my mice for 3 hurs a day and found out that I was gettin' haloes the whole time! I got free cheezeburgr!"
-Harbl handler, AZ
"I found that my frequent masturbatory habits were actually simulated rape, so I persecuted Rockstar and myself for $6 million and settled for a pack of Slim-Jims, a fleshlight, and a Hustler!"
-DVDdesign
"I just wanted to hurt wolves. Little did I realize that those wolves were simulated video game characters I'd projected actual violence onto. Now I have 70 real wolf carcasses, and Gordon Freeman has the Combine to deal with. I suck ass."
-Clownshoes McGee, editor of Joystinq.com
So does this mean the game is going to show tits in it or what?
We should all find a way to buy this game.even if our local stores won't stock it. I will definately buy it just to prove the point.
I also submit, Sterling is a communist China basher.
I don't see what the big problem is. You won't be able to drive down and get it from WalMart, so what? It's not like you'll never be able to get it. AO ain't that bad.
Well, you know, for us.
@Magesx
It's not just Wal-Mart. Which is 25% of the total market, BTW.
It's not going to be at Wal-Mart, Target, Gamestop, Best Buy, Toys R Us, Circuit City, Future Shop, etc.
It's likely going to be an online only game, or mom and pop stores. Lots of corporations have in place a no-adults-only policy when it comes to content. Cinemark theaters, in slightly related example, will never screen NC-17 films, or Blockbuster never stocking NC-17 or unrated films. Or Wal-Mart only stocking edited versions of CD's. Look how little audience those products receive after a large window passes up on the "unrated" version. That's the thing people are concerned about on a retail level.
Some of you people are retarded. It's probably not for tits, it's for hideous, gruesome violence that yes, is probably more terrible than some of the stuff in Hostel, minus the whole penis thing in 2 (oh, sorry, spoiler). After all, God of War both one and two had tits and both of those games were rated M, probably because, unlike Manhunt and Manhunt 2, those games were filled with over-the-top, cartoony violence.
While there is some validity to the point about there not being much difference between 17 and 18, it shouldn't be what comes out of this discussion.
Rather, we should look at what exactly this means for consumers. Why do we have an AO rating at all if few to none games ever receive, and few retailers will even stock it? What does it say about the sincerity of the ratings system if game companies try to put forth adult content and avoid the adult ratings?
Personally, I hope R* has the balls to publish the game as is and let the chips fall where they may. It would be a bold and brave decision for a company that consistently puts out awesome, mature titles.
Sorry for the doublepost, but @Jim Sterling: How does an AO rating prevent you from choosing whether or not you play the game? As long as you're an adult, you shouldn't have a problem. That is, unless you typically buy your games from a big box store, which, considering the website you write for, is unlikely.
Im with Uberone,
thank god I'm an adult.
Besides its not like I was going to buy it @ launch anyways
@BetaMaster : "And I know my parents wouldn't pick it up for me."
That means they're actually doing what parents are supposed to do.
@betamaster
Ask your parents to pick you up a pack of Kools while they're out. They'll respect you more if they know you smoke menthol.
That shit hurts.
well i'm buying it at launch. i loved the first manhunt, and i can't wait for the second. i hope they don't water it down too much [actually, at all]. if i'm allowed to watch gory, nudity filled movies, i don't know why i can't play a violent video game. oh wait it is because parents hav