http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7296278.stm


By Darren Waters
Technology editor, BBC News website

A clip from the controversial video game
The ban on controversial video game Manhunt 2 in the UK has been lifted and the game will now go on sale. The Video Appeals Committee upheld an earlier decision that the game could be sold, following a nine-month battle between makers Rockstar and UK censors.

The British Board of Film Classification had taken the fight to ban the game to the High Court, saying the game "went too far".

An edited version of the title will be released with an 18 certificate.

The game was first banned in June 2007 and an edited version of the game was later rejected by the BBFC.

David Cooke, director of the BBFC said: "As I have said previously, we never take rejection decisions lightly, and they always involve a complex balance of considerations.

Who should we believe when it comes to video games - developers or the BBFC?




"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."

Developers Rockstar Games has always maintained that the content of Manhunt 2 is no different from other 18-rated entertainment products, such as the film series Saw.

In a statement, the company said: "We are pleased that the VAC has reaffirmed its decision recognizing that Manhunt 2 is well within the bounds established by other 18+ rated entertainment.

"Rockstar Games is committed to making great interactive entertainment, while also marketing our products responsibly and supporting an effective rating system."

those of us with a ps3 40gb version are gutted

yay... I love violent games. They're a great stress reliever.
Helps me relax and to be a better person, so I can evolve upon my spiritual level of conscious awareness.

I watched my friend play this game for his Wii, I honestly think it sucked because this game is mostly meant for it's gore and violence, and it basically blocked it out with it's rapid camera movement when you do some kind of gory attack. So you shouldn't be all that exited.

Might have alot of publicity but it was NOT a good game..

i had played this game ones.. and its so bloody. cant stand it, gore

dont play it then

I played and beat Manhunt 1. It got really boring really fast. Don't think I would ever buy the second. I'll play it for free though.

i got my brother the first manhunt for his christmas and i ended up playing it i thought it was great so i must go get the second one it looks good from what ive seen

Played the first Manhunt for about 10 minutes. Then I got bored and couldn't be bothered to play it anymore.

manhunt was well cool, you been drinking to much flouride my friends