UK Bans Manhunt 2

The British Board of Film Classification has rejected Manhunt 2, meaning that the game cannot be legally supplied anywhere in the United Kingdom.

The decision was made by the Director, David Cooke, and the Presidential Team, namely Sir Quentin Thomas, Lord Taylor of Warwick and Janet Lewis-Jones, to ban both the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo Wii versions of Rockstar's latest title.

David Cooke said: "Rejecting a work is a very serious action and one which we do not take lightly. Where possible we try to consider cuts or, in the case of games, modifications which remove the material which contravenes the Board's published Guidelines. In the case of Manhunt 2 this has not been possible. Manhunt 2 is distinguishable from recent high-end video games by its unremitting bleakness and callousness of tone in an overall game context which constantly encourages visceral killing with exceptionally little alleviation or distancing. There is sustained and cumulative casual sadism in the way in which these killings are committed, and encouraged, in the game.

"Although the difference should not be exaggerated the fact of the game's unrelenting focus on stalking and brutal slaying and the sheer lack of alternative pleasures on offer to the gamer, together with the different overall narrative context, contribute towards differentiating this submission from the original Manhunt game. That work was classified '18' in 2003, before the BBFC's recent games research had been undertaken, but was already at the very top end of what the Board judged to be acceptable at that category."

"Against this background, the Board's carefully considered view is that to issue a certificate to Manhunt 2, on either platform, would involve a range of unjustifiable harm risks, to both adults and minors, within the terms of the Video Recordings Act, and accordingly that its availability, even if statutorily confined to adults, would be unacceptable to the public."

While Nintendo gamers throughout the country are no doubt disappointed by the decision, the move has been heralded by the ELSPA. Paul Jackson, director general of the Entertainment & Leisure Software Publishers Association, said: "A decision from the BBFC such as this demonstrates that we have a games ratings system in the UK that is effective. It shows it works and works well. Any decision the BBFC takes, it takes on the basis of its remit to rate on screen entertainment.

"The games industry is a creative phenomenon that produces all kinds of games across all kinds of genres that appeal to all kinds of people across the country, young and old, male and female. The important thing to know is that all games are rated according to age suitability, with over 70 per cent of games being available to all ages over three years."

To quote a Blackadder episode, I think the adequate response 'rhymes with Clucking Bell'.

To say this comes as something of a disappointment would be a gross understatement. This was the most un-Nintendo-like title to appear on a Nintendo console, the most mature and hardcore game on the Wii's horizon, and was therefore hailed as a good thing.

The internet, magazines, blogs, podcasts and forums have been rife with speculation about whether or not Manhunt 2 was going to cause trouble for Nintendo, with its realistic stabbing action, but I have yet to come across anyone who pointed out that it might not even make it to these shores.

It's not too surprising, I guess. Perhaps the graphic nature of the game, the controversy surrounding its predecessor, and the changes in society made the BBFC's decision inevitable. After all, Britain has changed since the scandal that surrounded the original Manhunt. We've had more tragedies and we have tighter laws. Manhunt 2 was never going to be let off lightly.

Now, under the terms of the Video Recordings Act, distributors are allowed the chance to appeal against the Board's decision and, naturally, we'll keep you posted. I, for one, hope that they do appeal, but whether or not it's successful, I wouldn't like to lay money on whether or not they're successful.

Having said that, the game will not be impossible for us Brits to play. Importing has become considerably easier, cheaper and quicker over the last generation or so, meaning that it will at least be possible for those with enough determination to enjoy all the bloody, psychotic goodness they want. Always look on the bright side of life, eh?

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