Manhunt 2 Suspended
The Manhunt 2 saga continues as a Rockstar representative speaks up and confirms that the title has been “temporarily suspended”. The rep contacted Next Generation about the issue:
"Take-Two Interactive Software has temporarily suspended plans to distribute Manhunt 2 for the Wii or PlayStation platforms while it reviews its options with regard to the recent decisions made by the BBFC and ESRB. We continue to stand behind this extraordinary game. We believe in freedom of creative expression, as well as responsible marketing, both of which are essential to our business of making great entertainment."
Originally Manhunt 2 was slated for a July 5th release on the PS2, PSP, and the Wii. The ESRB slapped the game with a Adults Only rating for US shores and the British Board of Film Classification denied the game a rating, so it cannot be distributed in the United Kingdom.
Take-Two is being forced to rethink their strategy for releasing the title. They have two options at this point, tone down the violence in the game and resubmit to the ESRB or appeal the AO rating to the ESRB and try to get a Mature rating. I have a feeling Take-Two will appeal the rating first.
I own the original Manhunt, and while I know the new game is more violent, the violence portrayed in the original game is by no means realistic. The game is great because of the gritty tone, excellent gameplay and engaging stealth action. It is obviously a game for adults, but I don’t find it profane or obscene. Abrasive yes, obscene absolutely not.
Strauss Zelnick, Take-Two chairman commented:
“We firmly believe that parents and consumers, once informed as to the nature of any entertainment product, should be able to make their own choices. I have reviewed Manhunt 2 myself. It fits squarely within the horror genre and was intended to do so. It brings a unique, formerly unheard-of cinematic quality to interactive entertainment. It is also a fine piece of art. I stand behind it fully."
Take-Two Suspends Manhunt 2 [Next Generation]
Toots
Posted to Hot Stuff, Video Games on 22 June 2007
Other stuff like this: adults only, controversy, Manhunt 2, ps2, psp, rockstar, take-two, wii
