So, did anyone hear about how Manhunt 2 got an AO rating in America, effectively banning it since Sony and Nintendo have policies which clearly prohibit third party developers from releasing such games on their console. HOW STUPID IS THAT?!!! There are indeed adult gamers out there, so why can't they have access to games that are only for them. I know, I know...If they're made available then kids will inevitably get their hands on them somehow. Listen...there are plenty forms of media which contain "Adults Only" content. You know what...kids get their hands on those too. BUT!!! The responsibility in those cases is laid upon the ADULTS who participate in these forms of media and the retailers to keep it out of the hands of kids. Why is it that governments, and apparently the video game industry itself, feel the need to police video game content. That is the responsibility of the PARENTS. Why should adult gamers be denied good content? Oh that's right, it's because parents today look to blame and put responsibility on everybody but themselves. So does anyone know if M'Soft also has this policy? They could gain an awesome exclusive if they're the only console company with the grapefruits to say f-u to the politicians' agendas against video gaming. Unfortunately, I don't think they do, and with that, we'll see the death of Manhunt 2 in America, at least in the form it was orginally intended by its developers. They can always of course resubmit the game, which is apparently the route they're choosing.

[UPDATE] Ricardo Torres and Guy Cockergot a chance to sit down with the controversial copy of Manhunt 2. This is the conclusion they came to...

"Based on what we played, Manhunt 2 is shaping up to be a solid, intriguing follow-up to the original. The game's violence and gore, which have become the mother of all lightning rods for the title, are in full effect. But, while they've been ramped up from the original game, they're not exactly going to wreck Western civilization any more than, say, the Saw and Hostel movies--or just about any other of the slasher flicks that come in and out of vogue. What we saw was graphic for sure, and given a slightly unsettling twist by the interactivity offered by the Wii game, but ultimately it's nothing we haven't seen before in other games, movies, or even some television. We're curious to see the form Manhunt 2 ends up taking should Rockstar make changes to get a more retail-friendly rating. The game's violence is part of the dark story it's telling, not an element tossed in for shock value. If films such as Seven or Reservoir Dogs had been toned down, they arguably wouldn't have told the same stories. Hopefully Rockstar can figure something out and keep the game's dark vision intact. We'll keep you posted as Manhunt 2 is prepared for release."

They repeat my point exactly by referencing movies like Saw and Hostel. They apparently feel that the violence is not gratuitous in nature, but instead, a part of the story...a story intended FOR MATURE AUDIENCES!!! I argue then that it is hypocritical for slasher movies to be released while video games get the shaft from government agencies. The problem unfortunately is that video gamers are known to be a slothy breed, and we don't stand up for our rights. Polls have shown that the majority of gamers today are indeed adults, somewhere in the range of 20-30. We have seen from these polls that there event exist golden gamers if you will (sorry if the term has been coined already by someone else), or in other words, gamers who have reached the age of retirement...their golden years. With so many adult gamers, it doesn't make sense to assume that all games are intended for kids' hands anymore. As adult gamers, I feel that we need to become more politically active unless we want to continue to be walked upon. There is no video game lobbying organization that I can think of, yet so many lobbying organizations are against us. A shame really :(

A GS user was able to speak in an interview with one of the people responsible for the banning of this game in Ireland. I'd like to point your attention to that conversation. You can tell me who raised the most valid points:

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