Manhunt 2 goes back to the ESRB ratings board after trimming out some AO (Adult Only) rated violent content to bring it down the level of M. M is for Mature and that's the rating Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony like to see.
For those that didn't know, Manhunt 2 was given an AO rating by the ESRB which means it wasn't able to be released on any consoles because Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft all refuse to publish Adult Only games on their console.
We're not exactly sure what level of violence it takes to go from Mature to AO but many of us thought Mature was the same as Adult considering the age restriction is so minor (no pun intended). Mature audiences are 17+ while Adult Only audiences are roughly 18 and beyond. The AO rating is basically a "ban" on a game, even though UK and Ireland already banned Manhunt 2 the old fashion way (just say no).
Now, Manhunt 2 has cleared the ESRB as a Mature Audience game (rated M) and will head for store shelves on the 31st of October 2007.
Sam Houser, founder and executive producer of Rockstar Games, commented, "Manhunt 2 is important to us, and we're glad it can finally be appreciated as a gaming experience. 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."
Rockstar won't tell anyone what was cut from the game but whatever it was it allowed them to be rated for: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, and Use of Drugs.
What about that UK ban? Take-Two (parent of Rockstar Games) is appealing it given the new situation but it's said that this could take months to process. Hold tight guys and gals.
source: gamespot
