The Manhunt 2 Saga

When Edge's preview of this game for the Wii celebrated it as a prime example of the brutal psychological horror that had been fumbled by the original, perfectly suited to the 'kiddie' console that was the Wii and its unique controller. The gaming world sat up and paid attention, after the flawed execution of the compelling premise that the first game offered could Rockstar North in Glasgow turn around a potentially brilliant series?

Then, the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) dropped a bombshell on Tuesday morning. Manhunt 2 was to become the first game since Carmageddon in 1997 to be refused classification. That meant it could not legally be sold by any retailer in the UK.

Not even a day passed before the first import option was shut off, the Republic of Ireland classification board also refused classification to the game. Rockstar issued a statement saying they would respect the decisions but 'wholeheartedly disagreed' with them both.

The next day a battered Rockstar and Take 2 got yet another smash in the face as the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB). The game got the ratings kiss of death as it was rated AO, a rating no major retailer would sell and that neither Nintendo or Sony would allow onto their consoles.

With the game banned in the UK, Ireland and the US inevitable bans in Austrailia and Germany the pressure is on Rockstar to tone down the game's content to bring it inline with an UK 18 rating and a US Mature rating. Ironically the AO rating is the US' 18+, a point of idiocy pointed out by many commenters.

Here are the interesting bits. The UK ban doesn't cover the channel islands. Which means that Jersey based website Play.com can still sell the game.

Rockstar have a few options regarding getting the game out. Firstly they can tone down the game and resubmit it for re-rating. Secondly they can release it on the PC, which would cause a frenzy of importing as PC makers have no say in how many AO games get onto their system. No doubt a little bit of modder skill would get the Wii controls working on the game.

The most likely thing though, is that people will import it. Play's immunity from the UK ban is undoubtedly going to be a dream come true for its owners. I think they may already be wiping their asses with £20s.

Manhunt 2. Depending on who you listen to its either a stunning example of survival horror that takes full advantage of its host console or a sadistic murder simulator that will ulimately lead to armageddon. I know who I'd believe.

Manhunt 2 is out on PS2 and Wii on July 13th