Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Rockstar collection 50% off through Steam this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/rockstar-collection-50-on-steam-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/rockstar-collection-50-on-steam-this-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/rockstar-collection-50-on-steam-this-week/#comments Haven't picked up Grand Theft Auto: Episodes from Liberty City? For about the same price as the retail console version of the GTA IV expansion packs, you can get every nearly single Rockstar game in one massive, discounted bundle. The "Rockstar Collection" includes 13 titles, including Bully: Scholarship Edition, Manhunt, Max Payne, Midnight Club 2, and every Grand Theft Auto for PC -- including The Lost and the Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony.

This week, the bundle will be discounted to a mere $42.49, a considerable savings over the suggested $169.90 value for all the games combined. Considering the bundle includes rather new content, one can even consider this package ... a steal.

[Via BigDownload]

JoystiqRockstar collection 50% off through Steam this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bullydealepisodes-from-liberty-citygrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-4grand-theft-auto-ivgrand-theft-auto-iv-pcmanhuntmax-paynemidnight-club-2rockstarrockstar-gamessalesteamTue, 27 Apr 2010 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Proposed Swiss game ban detailed, won't target all violent games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/proposed-swiss-game-ban-detailed-wont-target-all-violent-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/proposed-swiss-game-ban-detailed-wont-target-all-violent-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/proposed-swiss-game-ban-detailed-wont-target-all-violent-games/#comments Until very recently, there had been a massive void in our knowledge about the violent game-banning bill which was recently ratified by Switzerland's National Council. With language stating it would outlaw the sale of games featuring "cruel acts of violence against humans and human-like creatures for in-game success," we feared it would constitute a ban on, like, everything. Fortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case -- Swiss politician Evi Allemann recently explained in an interview with Swiss news site 20 Minutes (via GamePolitics) that the bill would only affect around 12 "individual games" with extremely graphic content, such as Manhunt and Mortal Kombat.

Allemann commented that PEGI is "not enough," stating that Switzerland or even Europe needs its own body for video game ratings. Apparently, not everyone agrees -- the 20 Minutes article includes a link to a petition against the bill, as well as its adjoining measure which would outlaw the sale of PEGI 16 or 18 games to minors. We'd like to remind these petitioners that Swiss 16-year-olds can legally drink beer, so hey, let's not get greedy.

JoystiqProposed Swiss game ban detailed, won't target all violent games originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banbanningmanhuntmortal-kombatnational-councilpegipoliticsswissswitzerlandviolenceTue, 06 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB rates 'AO' version of Manhunt 2 for PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/24/esrb-rates-ao-version-of-manhunt-2-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/24/esrb-rates-ao-version-of-manhunt-2-for-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/24/esrb-rates-ao-version-of-manhunt-2-for-pc/#comments
Violent game poster child Manhunt 2 is headed to Windows PC according to the Entertainment Software Rating Board's online database. It appears to contain slightly different content from that found in 2008's M-rated console releases, as the PC entry has been rated "AO - Adults Only." Manhunt 2 initially had an AO rating in the States, but it was later changed to Mature (thus allowing it onto store shelves).

Will the PC game feature all of the stuff that was deemed too mature for consoles? We've put in word to Rockstar for clarification and will update the story when we hear something.

JoystiqESRB rates 'AO' version of Manhunt 2 for PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esrbmanhuntmanhunt-2rockstarMon, 24 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Counting Rupees: Does controversy sell?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/counting-rupees-does-controversy-sell/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/counting-rupees-does-controversy-sell/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/counting-rupees-does-controversy-sell/#commentsFiled under: ,

Each week Jeff Engel and Geoff Brooks contribute Counting Rupees, a column on the business behind gaming:

Another day, another video game banning controversy. Proponents of the ban, unsurprisingly, argue that eliminating the sale of controversial games prevents them from harmful exposure. Yet one of the main arguments against banning games is that they make them even more popular, causing people to take notice of the title and thus spurring more sales than if it had been ignored in the first place. So, what exactly is the impact of game bans on sales in the first place?

Ideally, we'd be able to compare the sales of games pre- and post-ban and see how the regulation impacted them ... after accounting for all the other factors that might have also influenced sales at that time. The data we have don't really let us do that, though, so this is a slightly less scientific attempt to answer the same question, using some of the most controversial games of the past few years.

Continue reading Counting Rupees: Does controversy sell?

JoystiqCounting Rupees: Does controversy sell? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ControversyCounting-RupeesGTAManhuntMortal-KombatNight-TrapThu, 11 Sep 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Manhunt 2 controversy rules out Saints Row Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/manhunt-2-controversy-rules-out-saints-row-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/manhunt-2-controversy-rules-out-saints-row-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/manhunt-2-controversy-rules-out-saints-row-wii/#commentsFiled under: ,


The controversy that was whipped up over Rockstar's naughty Manhunt 2 may be more far-reaching than we originally thought; for example, it's pretty much scared Volition right off the idea of producing a Saints Row game for the Wii.

Volition's Dan Sutton thinks that a Wii iteration of the crime epic would create little more than an unwanted hoo-hah, particularly with motion controls thrown into the mix. "With games like ours you get much more controversy when you add motion controls like you saw with Manhunt 2," remarked Sutton to CVG, before going on to explain how motion-controlled chainsaws and satchel charges probably wouldn't win many friends in the various regulatory bodies.

So where do Wii-owning, virtual-hooker-killers turn now? Take-Two has already played down the idea of a Grand Theft Auto game on the Wii, and now one of the next best alternatives has been emphatically ruled out. Ooh, how about a True Crime game? Actually, just not caring sounds like a better option to that.

JoystiqManhunt 2 controversy rules out Saints Row Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controversygrand-theft-automanhuntviolencevolitionMon, 04 Aug 2008 20:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Manhunt 2 in the UK: Rockstar knows nothing about it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/manhunt-2-in-the-uk-rockstar-knows-nothing-about-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/manhunt-2-in-the-uk-rockstar-knows-nothing-about-it/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/manhunt-2-in-the-uk-rockstar-knows-nothing-about-it/#commentsFiled under:


A lengthy, to-and-fro legal battle between the BBFC and Rockstar prevented Manhunt 2 from being released in the UK, with the BBFC eventually giving up and granting the game an "18" certificate in March. Having won its right to lop limbs clean off be released in Britain, it was no surprise that the title appeared in Nintendo's latest European release schedule this morning.

But wait, for there's another twist to this twistiest of sagas! A Rockstar spokesperson contacted Eurogamer earlier today to reveal that it "has no confirmed release date set for Manhunt 2 in Europe." Ho boy. If any Europeans out there are beginning to feel particularly indifferent about Manhunt 2 at this stage, we can't say we blame you.

JoystiqManhunt 2 in the UK: Rockstar knows nothing about it originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbfccensorcensorshipeuropemanhuntmanhunt-2rockstarukTue, 24 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Many call for BBFC to step aside from games following Manhunt 2 ordeal]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/many-call-for-bbfc-to-step-aside-from-games-following-manhunt-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/many-call-for-bbfc-to-step-aside-from-games-following-manhunt-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/20/many-call-for-bbfc-to-step-aside-from-games-following-manhunt-2/#commentsFiled under:


Many folks think the ratings board should discontinue its work with video games, as they voice concerns over the decision to allow Manhunt 2 to be sold in the country. They feel the games classification process in the UK has some major issues. Many are even expecting the report of Dr. Tanya Byron, one of the country's most popular psychologists, to support a different ratings institution when she releases it later this month.

Darren Waters, editor of BBC News' technology index, rips apart the BBFC, stating "The grudging nature of the BBFC's statement, that it now has "no alternative" but to grant the title a certificate, coupled with the fact the body went to the High Court, twice rejected the game itself and tried to overturn the original judgment of the VAC leaves the organization with its credibility bruised."

Others have come through to voice their concerns, as well. General consensus seems to be that the new classification system will fall squarely on the shoulders of PEGI (Pan European Game Information), another games classification system that is completely voluntary on the part of the game developers.


[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqMany call for BBFC to step aside from games following Manhunt 2 ordeal originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbfcmanhuntmanhunt2pegirockstarukThu, 20 Mar 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Manhunt is back on in the UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/the-manhunt-is-back-on-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/the-manhunt-is-back-on-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/the-manhunt-is-back-on-in-the-uk/#commentsFiled under:


Well, for those of you in the UK who wanted to enjoy the murder sim latest game from Rockstar, your time will come. Even with all of the fuss about the game going down in the UK, the BBFC's decision to ban the game in the country has somehow been overturned by the VAC (Video Appeals Committee), who have decided to affix an age 18 certificate to the title (meaning you have to be that old to purchase it).

Although we've really heard nothing but bad things about Manhunt 2, surely some of you in the UK are happy to hear about this new state of affairs involving the game? Not like it matters, because thanks to the Freeloader, you could have just imported the game from North America.


[Thanks, Jon!]

JoystiqThe Manhunt is back on in the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Mar 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbfcmanhuntmanhunt2rockstarukvacFri, 14 Mar 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Manhunt 2 UK ban officially lifted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/manhunt-2-uk-ban-officially-lifted/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/manhunt-2-uk-ban-officially-lifted/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/manhunt-2-uk-ban-officially-lifted/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


After a tumultuous history of appeals, appeals, and more appeals, the British High Court has finally lifted the ban on Rockstar's controversial title Manhunt 2. The PS2 and Nintendo Wii versions of the game have been cleared for release in the UK, and will carry an "18" rating.

The Video Appeals Committee has stood its ground regarding the release of the censored version of Manhunt 2, stating that it depicts no greater violence than any other release in Britain bearing an 18 certificate. The British Board of Film Classifications has finally seen the light, so it seems, and recognizes that the title will indeed land on shelves without further interruption.

No word yet on when Manhunt 2 will finally be released in the UK, or if anyone still cares about last year's controversial game.

JoystiqManhunt 2 UK ban officially lifted originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Mar 2008 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbfcmanhuntmanhunt-2manhunt2PS2rockstarWiiFri, 14 Mar 2008 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Manhunt actually getting released in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/manhunt-actually-getting-released-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/manhunt-actually-getting-released-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/manhunt-actually-getting-released-in-uk/#commentsFiled under:


The perpetually banned Manhunt 2 will finally be released in the UK, after a lengthy battle against the BBFC. David Cooke, president of the BBFC stated: "As I have said previously, we never take rejection decisions lightly, and they always involve a complex balance of considerations. We twice rejected Manhunt 2, and then pursued a judicial review challenge, because we considered, after exceptionally thorough examination, that it posed a real potential harm risk.

"However, the Video Appeals Committee has again exercised its independent scrutiny. It is now clear, in the light of this decision, and our legal advice, that we have no alternative but to issue an '18' certificate to the game."

Rockstar must be relieved that their game can finally be released -- however, after all the legal battles, we wonder if anyone will buy the poorly-reviewed title.

[Thanks, Bill!]

JoystiqManhunt actually getting released in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banbbfcmanhuntmanhunt-2rockstarFri, 14 Mar 2008 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Trucha Signer paves the way for game mods]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/trucha-signer-paves-the-way-for-game-mods/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/trucha-signer-paves-the-way-for-game-mods/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/29/trucha-signer-paves-the-way-for-game-mods/#commentsFiled under:

Presented with a new toy to play with, Wii hackers have gone right to work producing a variety of game mods with the recently released Trucha Signer. For those of you out of the loop, the application allows programmers to run augmented games on chipped Wiis -- the gore-enabled Manhunt 2 mod is a good example of the software's possibilities.

So far, a lot of the developments focus on making it easier to play pirated copies of Super Smash Bros. Brawl, but there are a few non-piracy-related modifications, too:
  • Change the credits and increase character speed in Mario Strikers Charged
  • Play Manhunt 2 in Italian or German
  • Swap character movesets in Super Smash Bros. Brawl
  • Invincibility mode in Manhunt 2
So, once you're tired of pirating Super Smash Bros. Brawl, make sure to test these out!

JoystiqTrucha Signer paves the way for game mods originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Feb 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugcensorisomanhuntmanhunt-2mario-strikersmodchippiracysmash-bros-brawltrucha-signerFri, 29 Feb 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trucha Signer opens new Wii hacking possibilities]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/trucha-signer-opens-new-wii-hacking-possibilities/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/trucha-signer-opens-new-wii-hacking-possibilities/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/trucha-signer-opens-new-wii-hacking-possibilities/#commentsFiled under:



The Trucha Signer is the latest tool to hit the Wii hacking scene, enables kids at home to "modify the contents of a Wii ISO and then re-sign it with an electronic signature the Wii will accept." So, does this mean you'll be able to play pirated games without modding your console? No, not at all.

From what we understand, whenever someone alters the code of a Wii game, the resulting product will not match its signature, and the disc will be rejected. Using an undocumented bug, Trucha Signer will resign the code of an adapted ISO (disk image for storing data on a CD-ROM), allowing you to load the disc successfully onto a modded Wii. We're not sure yet what's possible with this new development, but we've already heard a wide range of fantasy scenarios -- downgrading firmware, copying VC games, switching regions, etc.

Already, GBAtemp forumer Mr.O has posted instructions for "enabling gore" in Manhunt 2 (chipped Wii required). Keep in mind that Nintendo can patch this exploit at any time with a firmware update.

[Via GBAtemp]

JoystiqTrucha Signer opens new Wii hacking possibilities originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugcensormanhuntmanhunt-2modchiptrucha-signerWed, 27 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Manhunt 2 one step closer to British unbanning]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/manhunt-2-one-step-closer-to-british-unbanning/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/manhunt-2-one-step-closer-to-british-unbanning/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/manhunt-2-one-step-closer-to-british-unbanning/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In America, it was quite the saga getting Manhunt 2 from AO-rated, system-excluded game an eventual, mediocre M-rated release. In Great Britain, though, the battle to get the game released continues to this day, though it is moving in Rockstar's direction.

GamesIndustry.biz is reporting that Rockstar has won its appeal of the BBFC's decision to refuse the game classification by a four to three vote. The game's not out of the woods yet, though -- the BBFC could still continue to defend it decision through further appeal to the High Court. "We won't make a decision until we've seen the full printed judgement," a BBFC spokesperson told GI.biz.

JoystiqManhunt 2 one step closer to British unbanning originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AOBBFCcontroversyMmanhuntmanhunt-2manhunt2PS2ratingsrockstarviolenceWiiMon, 10 Dec 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockstar's British appeal begins for Manhunt 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/rockstars-british-appeal-begins-for-manhunt-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/rockstars-british-appeal-begins-for-manhunt-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/rockstars-british-appeal-begins-for-manhunt-2/#commentsFiled under: ,


Official proceedings began today for Rockstar's appeal to the British Board of Film Classification, regarding their refusal to rate the Wii version of Manhunt 2, effectively barring the game from release in the UK. GamesIndustry.biz provides coverage of the appeal. Geoffrey Robertson, representing Rockstar Games, opened the proceedings with his statement, claiming that the BBFC are "ignorant of the gaming experience," and might as well be called "the British Board of Videogame Censors."

Robertston further accused the Video Appeals Committee of having never even played video games, to which one panel member reportedly responded that some of them actually had (to which we say: only some of them?). Robertson argued that the BBFC is more concerned with their own image than anything else.

Rockstar has clearly come out with fists flying for the appeal. It remains to be seen if the aggressive strategy will prove effective in allowing the lackluster Manhunt 2 to find its way to British Wii's.

JoystiqRockstar's British appeal begins for Manhunt 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbfcmanhuntmanhunt-2manhunt2politicsrockstarukviolencewiiMon, 26 Nov 2007 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP Fanboy review: Manhunt 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/psp-fanboy-reviews-manhunt-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/psp-fanboy-reviews-manhunt-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/psp-fanboy-reviews-manhunt-2/#commentsFiled under:


Manhunt 2 has had an interesting development cycle. It's hard to think of another game that has been so steeped in controversy, politics and debate. But while the politicians and TV talking heads can go on and on about violence, corporate responsibility and protecting the children, the people who the game is actually made for (you know, gamers) are much more curious about how Manhunt 2 actually plays.

The game starts off with a massive lightning storm temporarily causing a blackout at a rundown and dingy insane asylum, which rather inconveniently causes all the cell doors to pop open, spewing forth a small army of violent crazy people. Your character, Daniel Lamb, suddenly snaps into consciousness while strangling an old female doctor as your cell door opens. Shocked at what you're doing, you drop her body and stumble out into the hallway in what segues into a mini-tutorial on how to sneak and kill. It also nicely showcases some of the ... questionable aspects of the game, since in the first five minutes you are peed on, spit on, and throw up twice.

Of course, the most controversial part of Manhunt 2 is not the urination -- it's the wide variety of grotesque ways you can kill people. While it is possible to engage enemies in normal hand-to-hand combat, this will almost always mean your death. The way you're 'suppose' to kill someone is by sneaking up behind them with a weapon and performing an execution. If done correctly, you will be treated with a short cutscene of you horribly eviscerating your opponent. Well, at least you'll assume you just eviscerated the perp, since Rockstar edited the cutscenes to appease the ESRB and ended up making them an unintelligible mess of quick cuts, bad camera angles, and blurred effects. Unless you're extremely squeamish, you're not going to be disturbed by the violence of the executions, but the cutscenes may give you epilepsy.

Gallery: Manhunt 2

Continue reading PSP Fanboy review: Manhunt 2

JoystiqPSP Fanboy review: Manhunt 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joystiqfeaturesmanhuntmanhunt-2rockstarFri, 09 Nov 2007 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rockstar fails to credit some Manhunt 2 developers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/03/rockstar-fails-to-credit-some-manhunt-2-developers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/03/rockstar-fails-to-credit-some-manhunt-2-developers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/03/rockstar-fails-to-credit-some-manhunt-2-developers/#commentsFiled under:


Amidst all the controversy over Rockstar's latest release, Manhunt 2, comes word that someone else is now upset with the developer. It appears that Rockstar failed to include the staff of more than 50 people at Rockstar Vienna, which worked on the title for nearly two years until it was closed down, and several other people from various other Rockstar teams.

Thankfully, Jurie Horneman, a former Rockstar Vienna producer posted the full list of names on his blog, but he didn't stop there. According to Horneman, the work him and the rest of his team contributed to the game made it into the retail release of the game.

"I am disappointed and outraged that Rockstar Games tries to pretend that Rockstar Vienna and the work we did on Manhunt 2 never happened - the work of over 50 people, who put years of their lives into the project, trying to make the best game they could. I am proud to have been a part of that team," Horneman wrote. While we've been behind Rockstar during the flood of media scrutiny over Manhunt 2 and its past releases, we can't, like Jurie, help feel a bit disappointed that it failed to properly credit the developers who spent so much time creating its new cashcow.

[Via IGN]

JoystiqRockstar fails to credit some Manhunt 2 developers originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 03 Nov 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controversymanhuntmanhunt-2rockstarSat, 03 Nov 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB responds: Manhunt 2 will not receive AO rating due to PSP hack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/esrb-responds-manhunt-2-will-not-receive-ao-rating-due-to-psp-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/esrb-responds-manhunt-2-will-not-receive-ao-rating-due-to-psp-h/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/esrb-responds-manhunt-2-will-not-receive-ao-rating-due-to-psp-h/#commentsFiled under:

The PSP version of Manhunt 2 is vulnerable to a hack that allows the graphic kills of Rockstar's controversial action game to remain intact, unedited. Surely, this will raise the eyebrow of the ESRB, which pulled Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas off of store shelves due to the "Hot Coffee" incident?

No. In an statement released to the press, ESRB president Patricia Vance said: "Manhunt 2's rating makes it unmistakable that the game is intended for an older audience. The unauthorized hacking into the code of this game doesn't change that basic fact. Parents need to be vigilant about monitoring what their children are downloading on the Internet and ensure that they are not making unauthorized and oftentimes illegal modifications to software and hardware that remove the controls the industry has so diligently put in place for their own protection."

The PSP isn't widely known for having the best security around, but it's clear that a bit more effort goes into unlocking the "unedited" version of Manhunt 2 as opposed to the PC version of Grand Theft Auto. "The Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas "Hot Coffee" situation involved a scene that was a) fully rendered in an unmodified form on the disc (the Hot Coffee mod did not alter the content that was there, it merely unlocked it), b) not previously disclosed to the ESRB during the rating process, and c) easily accessible to all owners of the PC version of the game. Conversely, in the case of Manhunt 2, a) content that was programmed to be part of the game (i.e., visual blurring effects of certain violent depictions) is being modified, b) the content was previously disclosed to the ESRB, and c) unauthorized versions of software and/or hardware are required to play the modified content."

JoystiqESRB responds: Manhunt 2 will not receive AO rating due to PSP hack originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esrbmanhuntmanhunt-2Fri, 02 Nov 2007 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ESRB issues statement about Manhunt 2 hacks and controversy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/esrb-statement-about-manhunt-2-hacks-and-controversy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/esrb-statement-about-manhunt-2-hacks-and-controversy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/esrb-statement-about-manhunt-2-hacks-and-controversy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


OK, we're just going to come out and say we're getting a whole seven-year itch from all this Manhunt 2 controversy and coverage. We're bored by it. It's a mediocre game and in no way brings the concept of a thrill kill to the Wii. Back in the day when the whole AO rating affair was going on it was sexy, with issues about retail sales keeping things interesting. Now, it just feels like we're being subjected to lame talking heads trying to grab the microphone.

The ESRB recently held an investigation regarding Manhunt 2 and the hack that makes the censored material available -- we've placed the corresponding release and Q&A after the break. ESRB president Patricia Vance makes it clear that unauthorized hacking of the code does not constitute a need to reissue the rating, and that parents should be vigilant of what their kids are downloading from the internet in order to modify or remove "controls the industry has so diligently put in place for their own protection."

Vance better watch her back, parents don't like being told to do their job -- that's how wars with Canada get started.

Continue reading ESRB issues statement about Manhunt 2 hacks and controversy

JoystiqESRB issues statement about Manhunt 2 hacks and controversy originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esrbmanhuntmanhunt-2manhunt2PS2PSProckstarstatementWiiFri, 02 Nov 2007 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Manhunt 2 credits neglect Vienna team]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/manhunt-2-credits-neglect-vienna-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/manhunt-2-credits-neglect-vienna-team/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/manhunt-2-credits-neglect-vienna-team/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Oops, looks like some people didn't get credit where credit was deserved in the sweeping epic of love, lust, loss, betrayal and murder known as Manhunt 2. Former producer Jurie Horneman writes on his blog that the names of 55 people, who worked on the game at Rockstar Vienna before it was closed in May of 2006, are missing from the game's credits. He lists the names as best he can remember, with the exception of one person who did not wish to be named.

Horneman says, "I am disappointed and outraged that Rockstar Games tries to pretend that Rockstar Vienna and the work we did on Manhunt 2 never happened - the work of over 50 people, who put years of their lives into the project, trying to make the best game they could. I am proud to have been a part of that team." Development teams switch up all the time -- it's a wonder we don't hear about stuff like this more often.

[Via Develop]

JoystiqManhunt 2 credits neglect Vienna team originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creditmanhuntmanhunt-2manhunt2PS2rockstarviennaWiiFri, 02 Nov 2007 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two acknowledges Manhunt 2 hack]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/take-two-acknowledges-manhunt-2-hack/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/take-two-acknowledges-manhunt-2-hack/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/take-two-acknowledges-manhunt-2-hack/#commentsFiled under: , ,

After word spread throughout the internet of gamers hacking the M-rated version of Manhunt 2 to unlock its censored content, Take-Two has now confirmed the diabolical deed.

"Multiple edits were made to revise Manhunt 2 for its M-rated version. Hackers apparently have altered one of those edits to produce an illegally modified version of the game that can only be played on an unauthorized, modified PlayStation Portable handheld system," a Take-Two rep wrote to GamePolitics.com. "All of the game material, and especially these specific edits, was submitted to and reviewed by the ESRB in accordance with requirements regarding disclosure that were enacted two years ago and any contrary suggestion is inaccurate and irresponsible."

Because the ESRB approved Rockstar's edits of the game, it will probably be safe from any actual lawsuits, but that probably won't stop some uneducated media members from blowing it out of proportion. We just can't wait to hear from dear ol' Jack.

JoystiqTake-Two acknowledges Manhunt 2 hack originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackmanhuntmanhunt-2modmodifyrockstarThu, 01 Nov 2007 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Manhunt 2 retail vs. uncensored: a video comparison]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/manhunt-2-retail-vs-uncensored-a-video-comparison/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/manhunt-2-retail-vs-uncensored-a-video-comparison/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/01/manhunt-2-retail-vs-uncensored-a-video-comparison/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

If you're interested in seeing some of the ways Rockstar bypassed that sales-killing (sorry, bad pun) AO-rating to get Manhunt 2 on US retail shelves this week, Game Videos has created a short montage of footage contrasting specific scenes of violence found in Manhunt, Manhunt 2 retail, and the uncensored Manhunt 2 beta.

Two points are made from what we see in the video:
  • The original Manhunt can be just as gory at times as the uncut version Manhunt 2
  • The best way to lower your game's ESRB rating is to use crazy filter effects during acts of gratuitous violence
We'd really like to see this video expanded in the future to give a more complete visual comparison of the three versions. For a game poised to be the next hotbed of controversy, surely there's more than 90 seconds of violent similarities to be found amongst the titles.

JoystiqManhunt 2 retail vs. uncensored: a video comparison originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Nov 2007 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>manhuntmanhunt-2manhunt2PS2PSProckstartake-twoWiiThu, 01 Nov 2007 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[From AO to M: the changes of Manhunt 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/29/from-ao-to-m-the-changes-of-manhunt-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/29/from-ao-to-m-the-changes-of-manhunt-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/29/from-ao-to-m-the-changes-of-manhunt-2/#commentsFiled under:


You've seen the footage: the edited Manhunt 2 features toned-down kill sequences. Yes, they're still violent, but they had to be distorted in order to lessen the visceral impact. In spite of the changes, we think Rockstar did a fantastic job of still conveying the sadistic nature of a serial killer.

But that's not the only thing that's changed about Manhunt 2. A scoring system, which rewarded players for performing the most difficult (and most extreme) kills, has been removed. In an interview with MTV, developer Jeronimo Barrera noted that: "The scoring was a hold-over from the first game, and when we had the opportunity to make edits because of the rating, we decided to remove it ... We felt it flowed better without a score screen between levels."

With the game's release firmly set for launch this week, the developers are glad that people will finally have a chance to play their game. They certainly couldn't have anticipated the amount of controversy the game would receive: "There are conversations to be had about this game - intelligent conversations," he said. "That's what we want to do: get people interested in those [things], rather than ban this game because of X, Y and Z."

JoystiqFrom AO to M: the changes of Manhunt 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Oct 2007 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>manhuntmanhunt-2rockstarMon, 29 Oct 2007 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Manhunt 2 + pen = murder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/26/manhunt-2-pen-murder/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/26/manhunt-2-pen-murder/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/26/manhunt-2-pen-murder/#commentsFiled under:

Ah, so that's why it was banned ...

Rockstar's Manhunt 2, although edited, looks quite gruesome. Although the violence is covered by the dramatic use of visual filters, it still maintains the visceral feel that many (if not most) so-called-violent games are missing. Taking a cue from The Bourne Identity, we see our favorite anti-hero kill a man with a pen -- but for reasons unknown. Check out IGN for more brutality.

JoystiqManhunt 2 + pen = murder originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Oct 2007 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>manhuntmanhunt-2Fri, 26 Oct 2007 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Manhunt 2 release impending, trailer on display]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/25/manhunt-2-release-impending-trailer-on-display/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/25/manhunt-2-release-impending-trailer-on-display/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/25/manhunt-2-release-impending-trailer-on-display/#commentsFiled under:

Holy s***!

There sure are a lot of masked gang members, strippers, dirty cops, and more in this launch trailer for Manhunt 2. This Wii, PSP and PS2 game garnered a lot of attention when it earned the much-hated AO (Adults Only) rating from the ESRB, and was effectively banned. It's been edited -- but it still looks like a pretty dirty romp to us. This trailer looks absolutely horrible ... and we love it.

Stay tuned for our hands-on impressions.

JoystiqManhunt 2 release impending, trailer on display originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Oct 2007 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>manhuntmanhunt-2rockstarThu, 25 Oct 2007 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Manhunt 2 online leak came from SCEE insider]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/22/manhunt-2-online-leak-came-from-scee-insider/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/22/manhunt-2-online-leak-came-from-scee-insider/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/22/manhunt-2-online-leak-came-from-scee-insider/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

You may recall in early September that an early build of Manhunt 2 for the PlayStation 2, pre-censored, was allegedly leaked on the internet. Not only did that end up being true, but the originator of the leak -- Deep Throat, if you will -- worked for Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.

According to a statement from Take Two (via Game Politics), the SCEE employee "has acknowledged his responsibility for the unauthorized online distribution of an unrated play-test version of Manhunt 2." Rockstar provided the information that "the person has been sacked," and declined to elaborate whether the original person responsible for the sacking had, too, been sacked.

JoystiqManhunt 2 online leak came from SCEE insider originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Oct 2007 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europeleakmanhuntmanhunt-2manhunt2PCPS2rockstarsceesonySony-Computer-Entertainment-Europetake-twotaketwoMon, 22 Oct 2007 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Croal goes on CNN to discuss Manhunt 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/croal-goes-on-cnn-to-discuss-manhunt-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/croal-goes-on-cnn-to-discuss-manhunt-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/10/croal-goes-on-cnn-to-discuss-manhunt-2/#commentsFiled under:


Newsweek's N'Gai Croal recently appeared on the CNN program American Morning to discuss all of this business about Manhunt 2 and its gruesome acts of violence. What is most odd, Croal reports, is that the interviewer (Kiran Chetry) was reasonable and didn't have "an ax to grind." She instead asked Croal a series of reasonable questions.

Of course, she still brought up the whole "kids acting out murder" thing. Croal, however, brought up the common sense argument, stating that the game is rated "M" for mature, and isn't designed for children. Of couse, some kids are still going to get their hands on it, but he believes (just like many other sane individuals) that it is up to the parents to keep their kids away from material that isn't appropriate for them.

JoystiqCroal goes on CNN to discuss Manhunt 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Oct 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cnncroalmanhuntmanhunt2Wed, 10 Oct 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Manhunt 2 still not tame enough for UK, Rockstar appealing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/manhunt-2-still-not-tame-enough-for-uk-rockstar-appealing/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/manhunt-2-still-not-tame-enough-for-uk-rockstar-appealing/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/manhunt-2-still-not-tame-enough-for-uk-rockstar-appealing/#commentsFiled under: ,


The saga continues, as word hits that the latest version of Manhunt 2 hasn't received the A-OK from the BBFC. Turns out, the game is still too violent for the UK, as David Cooke, director of the BBFC, recognizes the changes made, but says the game's content is still far too violent. Cooke explains "We recognise that the distributor has made changes to the game, but we do not consider that these go far enough to address our concerns about the original version." He goes on further to add that the "impact of the revisions on the bleakness and callousness of tone, or the essential nature of the gameplay, is clearly insufficient."

Rockstar isn't taking this lying down, however, as they are appealing the decision. Fat lot of good their appeal is bound to do for them, as it looks like the suggestions made by the BBFC for how the game should be changed are "unacceptable" to Rockstar. Rockstar further commented that "The BBFC allows adults the freedom to decide for themselves when it comes to horror in movies and we think adults should be similarly allowed to decide for themselves when it comes to horror in video games, such as Manhunt 2."

Read: BBFC rejects Manhunt 2 again
Read: Rockstar to appeal

JoystiqManhunt 2 still not tame enough for UK, Rockstar appealing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbfcmanhuntmanhunt2rockstarukMon, 08 Oct 2007 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop's not ruling out AO-rated games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/24/gamestops-not-ruling-out-ao-rated-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/24/gamestops-not-ruling-out-ao-rated-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/24/gamestops-not-ruling-out-ao-rated-games/#commentsFiled under: ,


The fact that you (likely) don't own any AO (Adults Only)-rated games is, in part, the product of a vicious circle. Gamestop doesn't sell the games because companies don't make the games because Gamestop doesn't sell the games is a simplified version of the formula. But, to hear GameStop merchandising vice president Bob McKenzie tell it to Gamasutra, the company wouldn't be against them if the situation was right.

When asked about the recent Manhunt 2 rerating McKenzine said, "I think that it is an opportunity that we would have to look at on a case-by-case. In this situation, I'm glad that they went back, reworked it, and it will be M rated. I can't say that we would have supported it at AO, and I can't say that we won't."

Gamasutra went on to point out that though AO is still on the fringe, there's no telling how large of a role it could eventually play in the market, a point McKenzie agreed with, saying, "We see the opportunity, and we like it. Again, for me, I am glad that it's there. You don't know all of the games, and their reasons, whether it's language or violence or nudity within the game, they all have their points for being." It's at least a glimmer of hope for those who'd like to eventually see a video game industry with more diversity ... or those who find it hard to slake their unquenchable thirst for electronic pornography. Either way, it's heartening.

JoystiqGameStop's not ruling out AO-rated games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esrbgamestopmanhuntMon, 24 Sep 2007 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncut Manhunt 2 leaked, intro cinema revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/07/uncut-manhunt-2-leaked-intro-cinema-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/07/uncut-manhunt-2-leaked-intro-cinema-revealed/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/07/uncut-manhunt-2-leaked-intro-cinema-revealed/#commentsFiled under:


Supposedly, a leaked version of an early "uncut" PS2 Manhunt 2 is making its rounds on the internet. To prove the authenticity of the leak, videos of the game can be found on YouTube, such as the game's sufficiently violent introduction. We don't see anything particularly "Adults Only" about the intro, which has us questioning the ESRB's original decision. Perhaps the game becomes far more gruesome later on?

See the video after the break. Because the game is rated M for Mature, you must be 17 or older to view the clip.

[Update: Rockstar has already removed the video from YouTube.]
[Thanks, bob! Via Maxconsole]

JoystiqUncut Manhunt 2 leaked, intro cinema revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Sep 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>manhuntmanhunt2Fri, 07 Sep 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Uncut Manhunt to be released ... in Holland]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/30/uncut-manhunt-to-be-released-in-holland/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/30/uncut-manhunt-to-be-released-in-holland/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/30/uncut-manhunt-to-be-released-in-holland/#commentsFiled under:


Although Manhunt 2 will be censored in the US, an uncut, unedited version of the controversial Rockstar game will appear in Holland. In a letter to Parliament, Justice Minister Ernst Hirsch Ballin said: "The current law is based on the principle that every adult is considered capable of deciding for himself which games he wants to play, unless it contains illegal material." He added that keeping a watchful eye on the content in games is "the joint responsibility of parents, the audiovisual industry and the government."

While we'd love for other nations to take an equally liberal approach to games, it appears that Holland is reconsidering its laws. According to MCV, the ministry was now examining whether new laws or policies were needed "to better protect the youth."

The game will be released in Holland uncensored, but there's no word on the fate of Manhunt 2 in the UK, where the game is still banned, according to Next-Gen.

JoystiqUncut Manhunt to be released ... in Holland originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Aug 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hollandmanhuntmanhunt2Thu, 30 Aug 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Manhunt 2 gets M rating, releases Halloween]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/24/manhunt-2-gets-m-rating-releases-halloween/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/24/manhunt-2-gets-m-rating-releases-halloween/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/24/manhunt-2-gets-m-rating-releases-halloween/#commentsFiled under:


After receiving the much-feared AO rating from the ESRB, Take-Two Interactive had no choice but to delay Rockstar's Manhunt 2 and edit some of its more questionable moments. It looks like whatever they did, the ESRB is now satisfied enough to give the game a toned down, but still restrictive M rating. With an M rating, the game can now be sold in retail stores -- something the AO rating didn't allow.

"Manhunt 2 is important to us, and we're glad it can finally be appreciated as a gaming experience," said Sam Houser, founder and executive producer of Rockstar Games. "We love the horror genre. Manhunt 2 is a powerful piece of interactive story telling that is a unique video game experience. We think horror fans will love it."

With an M rating secured, Mahunt 2 will ship to retailers this Halloween, October 31st.

JoystiqManhunt 2 gets M rating, releases Halloween originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Aug 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esrbmanhuntmanhunt2rockstartake-twoFri, 24 Aug 2007 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[London Review of Books weighs in on Manhunt 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/british-novelist-weighs-in-on-manhunt-2-ban-games-as-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/british-novelist-weighs-in-on-manhunt-2-ban-games-as-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/british-novelist-weighs-in-on-manhunt-2-ban-games-as-art/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

British novelist and journalist John Lanchester has penned a piece for the London Review of Books discussing the Manhunt 2 ban. While not taking sides, Lanchester does opine that the BBFC's decision will help the industry if it gets developers to focus more on pushing video games as a form of art.

The article gets some important facts right, specifically when it comes to how the public and news outlets can unfairly blame video games for acts of violence.

However, others facts presented seem based on a lot of FUD, particularly with Rockstar's history. Lanchester wrote that the infamous sex sequence was "unlockable," implying it could be done in-game without modifications (not true). He also talks about Bully (or Canis Canem Edit in the UK) in a manner to imply public outcry was justified, when anyone who did play the game realized it actually punished bullying and rewarded you for being a good student.

[Thanks, amit]

Continue reading London Review of Books weighs in on Manhunt 2

JoystiqLondon Review of Books weighs in on Manhunt 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Aug 2007 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banbbfcmanhuntmanhunt2PS2rockstartaketwoWiiThu, 09 Aug 2007 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Six weeks later: Rockstar fights back]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/six-weeks-later-rockstar-fights-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/six-weeks-later-rockstar-fights-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/six-weeks-later-rockstar-fights-back/#commentsFiled under:

Six weeks after Manhunt 2's ban from the BBFC (and subsequently, an AO rating from the ESRB), Rockstar has finally formulated an appeal. The Video Appeals Committee (VAC) will have to analyze both the BBFC and Rockstar's position on the game, and choose whether or not to uphold the ban.

It's good to see Rockstar finally fighting back: hopefully, gamers will be able to see the version of Manhunt 2 Rockstar intended to make all along -- not an edited version created to satiate the meek.

[Via 1UP]

JoystiqSix weeks later: Rockstar fights back originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appealbbfcmanhuntrockstarThu, 02 Aug 2007 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Manhunt 2 looks a lot more fun since the ESRB incident]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/manhunt-2-looks-a-lot-more-fun-since-the-esrb-incident/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/manhunt-2-looks-a-lot-more-fun-since-the-esrb-incident/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/manhunt-2-looks-a-lot-more-fun-since-the-esrb-incident/#commentsFiled under:


It appears that rather than attempting to appeal the ESRB's AO rating, Rockstar has decided to lose some of the violent content from Manhunt 2. In fact, they've gotten it all the way down to E. In our opinion, the changes seem to be for the better.

We play games about killing dudes all the time. But when was the last time you played a game where, using the Nintendo Wii's innovative motion controller, you held someone down and forced them to take an adorable puppy? Never, that's when. This is the kind of thing we want to play-- creepily-intense-niceness simulators. Put us down for one copy.

... yeah, we know.

[Via Level Up]

JoystiqManhunt 2 looks a lot more fun since the ESRB incident originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aoeesrbflowersmanhuntmanhunt2parodypuppyrockstarviolenceTue, 03 Jul 2007 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[NOA's Reggie Fils-Aime talks Manhunt 2, AO titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/noas-reggie-fils-aime-talks-manhunt-2-ao-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/noas-reggie-fils-aime-talks-manhunt-2-ao-titles/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/noas-reggie-fils-aime-talks-manhunt-2-ao-titles/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Talking with Nintendo of America's Reggie Fils-Aime about WiiWare, Newsweek's N'Gai Croal used the opportunity to bring up Nintendo's stance on games rated Adults Only by the Entertainment Software Rating Board, first in relation to their "hands-off" approach to the download service and then with the recent Manhunt 2.

Fils-Aime makes the company's stance with the ESRB very clear: no AO-rated titles. "This is not an image issue, Wii welcomes games rated E, T and M," he said, adding that he doubts Nintendo will ever approve an AO-rated title.

Concerning Manhunt 2, Fils-aime said that, "What Rockstar has right now is a game rated outside our spectrum, outside any manufacturer's spectrum," and asserted that they are still interested in releasing the game if it receives a Mature rating.

JoystiqNOA's Reggie Fils-Aime talks Manhunt 2, AO titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSfils aimeFilsAimeGameCubeman huntman hunt 2ManHuntmanhunt2nintendonintendo of americaNintendoOfAmericanoareggie fils aimeReggieFilsAimerock starRockStartake twoTakeTwoWiiwii wareWiiWareWed, 27 Jun 2007 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[IGN provides BBFC primer for non-Brits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/ign-provides-bbfc-primer-for-non-brits/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/ign-provides-bbfc-primer-for-non-brits/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/ign-provides-bbfc-primer-for-non-brits/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Let's face it, most gamers outside of Great Britain couldn't pick the British Board of Film Classification out of a lineup before their recent, controversial decision to deny classification to Manhunt 2. IGN decided to help us non-Brits out with a nice, in-depth interview with BBFC Press Office Manager Susan Clark.

While the BBFC officially uses the same set of guidelines in evaluating both games and movies, Clark acknowledged that the board takes repetition and interactivity into account when making decisions about games. "We might say 'Okay, if that had been a film, it would be okay in a linear format but with the element of interactivity in games, with the ability to do it over and over again, we might bump the rating up to a higher category,'" Clark said. Clark also admitted that, by law, the board has to "bear in mind the fact that these games will be potentially accessed by younger viewers ... We know that games are very, very attractive to under-aged players, particularly the 18 rated games." What, and violent movies aren't?

Despite the double standards, there's a lot to be praised about the BBFC system. Unlike the ESRB, the BBFC actually plays every game they review for about five hours, and they are the only regulator in the world not controlled politically or by the industry, according to Clark. All in all, if there's going to be occasional censorship, we can't think of a better group of people to be doing it.

JoystiqIGN provides BBFC primer for non-Brits originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 10:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BBFCclassificationESAESRBmanhuntPEGIPS2PSPratingsWiiWed, 27 Jun 2007 10:36:00 EST<![CDATA[NY Times says R-rated movies are gorier than AO Manhunt 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/ny-times-says-r-rated-movies-are-gorier-than-ao-manhunt-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/ny-times-says-r-rated-movies-are-gorier-than-ao-manhunt-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/26/ny-times-says-r-rated-movies-are-gorier-than-ao-manhunt-2/#commentsFiled under:

The NY Times got to get their hands on Manhunt 2 recently and they walked away wondering what the whole AO fuss was all about, as they say most R-rated flicks have got way more gore. Writer Seth Schiesel says that "banning the original version of Manhunt 2 may be a good way to demonstrate that the industry can police itself. Side by side, though, movies seem to be way ahead of games in delivering top-notch gore." How does Schiesel come to this conclusion?

He rents a copy of Saw II for comparison's sake. He says the first scene (we never watched it) has "a young man in a bleak cell being taunted to find a key by digging into his own oozing eye socket. If he does not yank out the key in 60 seconds, his head will be crushed in a spiked metal 'death mask' around his neck." Schiesel says the game probably got the rating because the ESRB only saw footage from the game and didn't actually play it (GASP!), and believes that it won't be hard for Rockstar to edit the game down to a Mature rating in time for the holiday season.

See also: NIMF hails Manhunt 2 rating as 'victory' for parents

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqNY Times says R-rated movies are gorier than AO Manhunt 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jun 2007 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aomanhuntmanhunt2nintendonintendowiirockstartaketwowiiTue, 26 Jun 2007 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Newsweek's Croal, MTV's Totilo hands-on with Manhunt 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/newsweeks-croal-mtvs-totilo-hands-on-with-manhunt-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/newsweeks-croal-mtvs-totilo-hands-on-with-manhunt-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/newsweeks-croal-mtvs-totilo-hands-on-with-manhunt-2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Newsweek's N'gai Croal hasn't been afraid to defend his tastes on his LevelUp blog. The site's Vs. Mode debates feature some of the best back-and-forth gameplay analysis to be found anywhere. So when Croal and MTV News game writer Stephen Totilo got to play the first few levels of Manhunt 2 at Rockstar's office, you know the resulting conversation is going to be good.

Totilo's portion includes some graphic descriptions of the asylum escape in level one, which includes scenes of public urination, in-cell hangings and stealth kills via syringe and axe-based decapitation. The protagonist isn't completely cold to his role, though -- Totilo describes how he "watched Daniel vomit because of his quick-passing guilt."

Most of the discussion so far, though, deals with the game through the lens of comparative media studies, comparing it to controversial movies like Natural Born Killers and Taxi Driver. Croal and Totilo both harp on the idea of organizations like the BBFC and IFCO and companies like Nintendo and Sony imposing content decisions on consumers. As Croal aptly puts it, "Unless they have good reason to believe that this game is an imminent threat to the public order, or that it will in and of itself incite adults to violence, [the BBFC and IFCO's] decision seems to me to be based on taste, and I will never believe in substituting anyone else's tastes for my own." Amen!

JoystiqNewsweek's Croal, MTV's Totilo hands-on with Manhunt 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 12:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AObanBBFCcontroversycroalmanhuntManhunt2newsweekPS2PSPratingsrockstarstephentotiloWiiMon, 25 Jun 2007 12:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Manhunt 2 controversy may boost sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/23/manhunt-2-controversy-may-boost-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/23/manhunt-2-controversy-may-boost-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/23/manhunt-2-controversy-may-boost-sales/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The AP reports that the decision to suspend the distribution of Manhunt 2 may actually help sales by boosting curiosity of gamers who will want to see what all the drama was about. Well, duh! Speaking with analysts, the AP says that the controversy will benefit the game in the long run. Of course, they couldn't get anyone from Take-Two or Rockstar to go on the record about that -- welcome to the club AP.

"It's free publicity," says Colin Sebastian of Lazard Capital Markets. Rick Munarriz, a senior analyst from The Motley Fool said, "If anything, with this suspension there's going to be a demand for it because of the controversy." Also, Take-Two's stock went up Friday by 21 cents. With no announcement of cancellation, especially with Take-Two's CEO calling it a work of art, looks like Manhunt 2 will come back out of the gate with an M rating and a heck of a lot more free publicity in a few months. Meanwhile, Take-Two and Rockstar are poised to do a one-two punch with GTA IV, which is still on track for its October release.

JoystiqManhunt 2 controversy may boost sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jun 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banningcontroversyesrbmanhuntmanhunt2marketingmoneyPS2PSPWiiSat, 23 Jun 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Postal designer speaks out on Manhunt 2 bans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/23/postal-designer-speaks-out-on-manhunt-2-bans/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/23/postal-designer-speaks-out-on-manhunt-2-bans/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/23/postal-designer-speaks-out-on-manhunt-2-bans/#commentsFiled under: ,


After recent ratings and banning fiascoes surrounding Manhunt 2, GameSpot sat down with Vince Desi, CEO of Running with Scissors, developer of another controversial series, Postal. Desi speaks out about the ESRB and its power over the gaming industry as well as his (lack of) jealousy that Rockstar "managed to land an AO rating" before Running with Scissors did.

Desi doesn't think the Manhunt ratings increase will accomplish much more than appease politicians and hurt Rockstar, kids will still get their hands on the game. "The video game industry is too easy for [politicians] to complain about, and with a presidential election next year ... it could be the only issue the Democrats and Republicans agree upon.". In other words, it's a game of politics and business, not concern for anyone's well-being.

JoystiqPostal designer speaks out on Manhunt 2 bans originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jun 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banningesrbmanhuntmanhunt2postalratingsrockstarrunningwithscissorsSat, 23 Jun 2007 11:00:00 EST