The September issue of NGamer has a 2 page feature on Manhunt 2, where they take a stab at why the BBFC refused classification of Manhunt 2. The article is pretty brief; to summarize their point of view on the situation they say that the game is right in line with the original in terms of its content and that the differences are ‘quite subtle’. They go on to say that the narrative is harder to follow than the original due to there being flashback levels and that the levels are more densely packed making the violence more frequent. Interestingly enough they say that they think there was no ‘good’ reason for killing in either game. Their overall opinion on the situation isn’t abundantly clear, in the sense that they don’t really state their end conclusion, but they do say that the game probably wouldn’t be upsetting to the adult gamers that would be buying Manhunt 2 anyway and considering how fond of the game they seem to be, I would say they are likely against the BBFC on the situation.

The latest issue of PlayStation Official Magazine UK (issue 8 - August 2007) says that it will have a review of Manhunt 2 in its September issue which goes on sale on the 01st of August. OPS2M UK has promised for the past two issues to feature a review of Manhunt 2, and PlayStation Official Magazine UK is from the same people so I wouldn't hold my breath about it. But we will be on the look out for it and let you know if they follow through.

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The July 15th issue of UK tabloid newspaper News of the World is running an article 'Violent Games Made Our Son a Killer' where the parents of a teen killer are blaming Manhunt for driving their son to murder.

The incident took place on April 6th 2006 in Spain when then 18 year old Stuart Harling was on holiday with his parents. He stabbed nurse, Cheryl Moss, 72 times, he is said to have accumulated a knife and other related materials off internet auction site eBay in the build up to committing the murder. Hardling himself said he was suffering from ‘mental health issues’ and was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in jail at the end of June of this year.

The killers mother, Lorraine Harling, had the following to say:

Stuart never gave us any reason to think he was violent at all. He was a very normal boy—quiet and reserved. I used to call him ‘my little professor'.

I knew he was playing the video games but we didn't really know what went on in them, how brutal and graphic they were.

I know these games are played by kids across the world, but some are truly horrific.

And if they can cause a trigger to be pulled in someone's head they should be banned.

Now I feel like people are looking at me, as if I should have read the signs. But I had no idea.

Mrs. Harling continues:

Stuart was 11 or 12 when I bought him the PlayStation. For a long time I didn't even realise games had age limits on them. We'd just buy him the game that all the other kids had.

I didn't really know what they were about. I think most parents are the same. But Stuart wasn't in his room on the PlayStation all the time. He was a normal boy. He wasn't that outgoing, but he had friends. He never did anything that made us worry.

I was his mother, but I'd no idea what was happening.

Keep in mind that Manhunt isn’t being blamed for the killing by any court of judge but by the parents of the killer. So to clarify, there is no real or legal connection between Manhunt and this incident. Hopefully Manhunt won’t be mentioned in the same breath as this incident again.

You can check the newspaper article out for yourself by heading over to the gallery. We have also added it to the media coverage section, if you are having trouble reading the scan.

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Inside Gamer have posted a bunch of 'new' screenshots from Manhunt 2, they are a mixture of old and genuinely new ones. Some of them have appeared in magazines and some have been available in digital form for a few weeks now.

A handful of the images appear to be direct screenshot of the game in action with the heads up display (hud) fully visible. In one of the screenshots we can see helicopter lights from the wardogs like outfit that was mentioned in one of the developer diaries released by Rockstar.

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The second part of Fangoria’s Weekend of Horrors kicks of tomorrow and Manhunt 2 is still on the billing, presumably it will be the same demo that was shown at the last convention. The event kicks off today, the 29th of June and runs through the 30th of June and finishes on the 1st of July. This time the event takes place in Secaucus, New Jersey. The Manhunt 2 preview takes place on Saturday, June 30 at 6:00 P.M.

Fangoria billing:

6:00 P.M.: “MANHUNT 2” PREVIEW
A look at Rockstar Games’ new video-game sensation!

If you attend the event, please get in contact with us and let us know what is shown or said of the game.

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Level Up's N'Gai Croal recently had the chance to speak with Nintendo of America president, Reggie Fils-Aime about the recently announced 'WiiWare' service that is coming to the Nintendo Wii. The interview quickly drifted into AO games appearing through the service, which then led it to Manhunt 2. Reggie ceased the opportunity to point out that Nintendo supports Manhunt 2 and Rockstar, the game just has to be rated within their guidelines:

This is not an image issue. Wii welcomes games rated E, T and M. We haven't approved AO-rated games. I doubt we ever will. What Rockstar has right now is a game rated outside our spectrum, outside any manufacturer's spectrum.

So how about if Manhunt 2 was to be rated M, would it be an issue on the Wii? With its controls and all:

That's an issue for the ESRB and Rockstar to work through. And as I understand the ESRB guidelines, the Wii controls should not be an issue.

The third and final part of the 'VS. Mode' discussion over Manhunt 2 between MTV News' Stephen Totilo and Level Up's N'Gai Croal has also been posted online. Again it is a long read and you would be advised to read part 1 and part 2 first if you want to be up to scratch with all that is being discussed. Please also keep in mind that there is mention of spoilers within all three parts of the discussion.

Stephen Totilo seems to be very impressed with the game, speaking with a lot of admiration for the title and sees it as being a step in the right direction for the industry, not to mention an improvement over the original Manhunt. He also believes that the Nintendo Wii build is the version to play, with far greater immersion in the game world:

So there I was hacking and slashing with my arms while seated in the Rockstar offices last Friday and I thought, "this Wii sure makes me feel more involved with this Manhunt 2 game than I thought I would." At one point I had the lead character, Daniel Lamb, leaping off a roof and down onto some victim that must have deserved it, because… why else would that victim been in the game? Anyway, Daniel had garden shears in hand. Holding the Wii's nunchuck and remote in my two hands I followed on-screen cues and hoisted my hands up (Daniel lifted those shears) and then drove them down (Daniel, shall we say, forcefully gave the shears to his victim). In another display of Wii-enabled immersion, one of the Rockstar guys in the office held the Wii remote like a saw handle and sliced it back and forth while Daniel sawed something other than a 2x4 in the game.

But I say, thank goodness they made Manhunt 2 for the Wii, because it provides a new way to think about where games are going. Let me quickly establish that I think the Wii controls in Manhunt 2 are quite effective. They don't force you to imitate exactly what Daniel Lamb does on-screen, but the spirit of the player's and Daniel's actions are the same. A sharp move from one is a sharp move from the other. A powerful swing from me is a powerful swing from whichever hand Daniel is holding his axe.

Totilo finishes by saying that they never got the chance to play the final levels of Manhunt 2:

Oh, and for the record, readers, Rockstar wasn't able to let us back in to play the rest of the game. Who know what lurks in the game's final 10 levels. Will we ever find out?

N'Gai's overall thoughts on the game are a little harder to read; he does seem to like the game and has clearly put a lot of thought into the title. He favours the original Manhunt over Manhunt 2 and prefers the PS2 build due to putting little time in with the Wii console and the controls ‘not yet second nature to’ him as such he is far more comfortable with PS2 controller and he goes as far as to say he is a ‘veteran of the DualShock 2 controller’. His memory of the original game seems to be pretty vivid and has drawn some parallels between the two games; he then says Manhunt 2 features some paranormal abnormalities, such as images flashing on the screen. He also addresses a possible plot twist that many people have pondered over the past few months, since he has only played the first six levels he believes that there is likely a lot more in store for the game player.

He ends his response to Stephen by making mention that Rockstar may already be in the process of altering the game to get past the rating officials:

We're hearing that Rockstar is trying to make alterations to the game in hopes of securing a new rating, but even if Seth Schiesel over at the New York Times believes that removing the most intense executions from each weapon will put Rockstar in the clear, I remain skeptical about their chances.

With that said he still remains sceptical of Manhunt 2 being released even after these alterations, citing the PSP as being problematic due to it being portable, the Wii due to it being motion controlled and that under current circumstances he doesn't think the game will get past the BBFC or Irish rating boards.

Source(s): Fils-Aime on AO Titles, Manhunt 2 ‘VS Mode’ Part 3

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Attorney and professional whinger Jack Thompson is once again in an uproar over Take-Two. This time he is claiming that he is not in breach of the recent settlement he made with Take-Two. The issue is of course his stupid, dumb, arrogant comments and activities surrounding Manhunt 2.

I would also like to remind everyone that he is an attorney, and you're not.

Source: GamePolitics

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Rockstar has just sent out the following message to all those who support them and Manhunt 2:

We wanted to thank everyone who has taken the time to contact us about Manhunt 2, which we had been planning to release on PlayStation 2, PSP and Nintendo Wii. As you know, Manhunt 2 was effectively banned around much of the world, after it was refused certification in the United Kingdom, prohibited in Ireland, and denied an M rating in the United States.

We are very proud of Manhunt 2 and believe it builds on what the team accomplished with the first title in the series. The game was developed as a horror experience, and to be an M rated title, aligning it with similar horror content created in other forms of media. Unlike many other people, we do not think video games should be singled out for special treatment from the authorities. We hope to have more information for you soon, but in the meantime, we wanted you to know how much we value all of your messages of support.

Rockstar Games

A few people seem confused about the Manhunt 2 facts, mainly due to various sites reporting ill worded articles. Hopefully the following will clear it up for those of you who aren’t sure of the situation.

It is NOT banned - While the game was refused classification in the United Kingdom and it can’t be sold on Nintendo and Sony formats in North America, it technically isn’t banned as it was never released. To be banned would insinuate the game could never hit retail, while that is true under current circumstances Rockstar and TakeTwo have opted to evaluate the situation rather than run head into a decision.

It is NOT cancelled – Some gaming news sites have the game listed as cancelled, this is not true. TakeTwo have opted to temporarily suspend the title as they evaluate the options available to them. To simplify that, they have opted to hold the release date back until they are able to make the best decision available for them and the game. In effect the game is delayed.

The Wii is NOT responsible for rating – The BBFC and ESRB have both said it is due to the overall game content and tone, analysts and gaming journalists have reflected blame upon the Wii build, not the rating officials. All formats have allegedly been evaluated separately and on their own merit.

Rockstar have NOT issued a release date - Some retailers are listing release dates, these dates are created by the retailer as their best estimate based upon how long Rockstar has to appeal the decision made by the BBFC and ESRB. There is no official release date for Manhunt 2 anywhere.

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One question that many people have been wondering is 'was there porn in Manhunt 2?' Instead of giving you a flat out yes or no I will instead take a direct lift from Stephen Totilo, be warned though, there might be a little spoiler involved here, depending on how you look at the situation:

Then I walked through the doorway expecting to see a TV playing a dirty movie. Instead the camera angle switched, and the TV you and I were watching was filled with a movie screen showing a pornographic movie--a watered down one, that is, with a virtual man and a woman hot and sweaty but revealing none of their most private parts. Daniel Lamb was standing right in front of it, fully armed. Then I walked a couple of steps and the camera angle changed (players don't control the angles in Manhunt 2, which is a change from the first game). Now the movie screen was to his back. I couldn't see it. I could just hear it. The lovemaking continued. I looked out at the rows of empty seats. I was in a movie theater. A group of hit men rushed in. Suddenly I was in a tough firefight. The whole time the guns were blazing, those sounds kept on playing. Do you think that scene was crafted to say something about sex and violence, by any chance? After I took out each of the hit men, they lay there and the movie kept on playing. I could hear the rattle of the film projector and see the dusty beam of light it projected over Daniel's head and onto the screen. I looked over to you and to the Rockstar employee who had walked in to see what we were laughing about and said "I'm going to put an end to this ***." I pointed my Wii remote at the film projector and fired. The sound from the movie warbled. The room went dark and quiet. That was quite a moment--and one that I think is worth grown-up gamers experiencing.

At the end of the article N'Gai says:

But we've only played a third of the game, and hopefully we'll get to play some more later today, so perhaps I'll find that they've anticipated my improvements.

They both seem to enjoy Manhunt 2, albeit on different levels.

Source: Manhunt 2 ‘VS Mode’ Part 2

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IGN have posted an article titled 'Manhunt or Witch Hunt? - Inside the BBFC' where they talk to the press office manager for the BBFC, Sue Clark, who had the following to say about Manhunt 2:

We haven't singled out Manhunt 2 and we're not singling out games, despite what some people have said to us. We are classifying a work: we give it very careful consideration - several examiners have played Manhunt 2 and it was seen by our Director and it was seen by our presidential team and a lot of discussion was had about whether or not it could be classified. The problem games face, which don't necessarily apply to film, is that it's much more difficult to make tweaks and changes to a videogame than it is to remove two or three seconds or several frames from a film. It's a much more complex issue and in the case of Manhunt 2, as in the case of 'Terrorists, Killers and other Whackos', the amount that you'd have had to have changed or removed would have not made it a viable work which is why it was rejected.

You can read the article in its entirety by clicking here.

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Over at the Prime Minister of Brtiains official website a petition has been created in order to put across how you feel about the decision made by the BBFC regarding classification of Manhunt 2.

The petition creator, Bradley Smith, writes:

The BBFC have recently refused to rate the videogame "Manhunt 2". As such, adults in this country will never be allowed to play this game. Adults should be allowed to make their own decisions with regard to what videogames they want to play. We all understand that this game is extremely violent and unsuitable for children. As such an 18 rating should have been applied.

Only British citizens are permited to sign the petition, but perhaps you know someone online from Britain who you are able to pass the information along too?

Effectivly tomorow Gordon Brown will be the new Prime Minister of Great Britain and what better way to start his reign as P.M than to make sure Manhunt 2 is rated acordingly. I urge everyone who is able to sign this petition, it only takes a minute and who knows, we may just get a reaction.

The petition runs until the 25th of August 2007. There are currently 47 signatures, there were 41 when I first started writing this update, hopefully it continues to increase at that rate!

Click 10 Downing Street Manhunt 2 Peition to sign.

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The National Institute on Media and the Family today released a statement in response to the decision by Take-Two to temporarily suspend the distribution of Manhunt 2 while they look at the options available for the game. The statement primarily revolves around the ESRB issuing the game with an AO rating in North America:

Take-Two’s decision to temporarily suspend distribution of Manhunt 2 is a victory for parents and children.

Because of the their thoughtful decision to give Manhunt 2 its strongest rating, “Adults-Only,” the ESRB has sent a strong message to Take-Two and other game makers that they no longer can push the envelope on gratuitous violence in video games. The ESRB showed real leadership in assigning this rating and further evidence it is making significant progress in keeping extremely violent and graphic materials out of children’s hands.

Hopefully Take-Two has learned from its Manhunt 2 experience and will undertake preventive measures to ensure its future games, including Grand Theft Auto IV, are appropriate for families and gamers.

As gaming technology continues to change, we hope to continue to work with the ESRB to ensure that future games have appropriate content and context for children. The uniqueness of Nintendo’s Wii gives game raters a new challenge when it comes to first-player shooter games. We take the ESRB’s decision about Manhunt 2 as a positive step in addressing this new challenge.

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Total VideoGames have posted another hands-on preview with more new information most of it just expands on stuff we already knew but useful all the same. They were given 3 levels from the game to play the S&M Club entitled 'Deviant' the 'Best Friends' level and the very first level called 'The Awakening' both 'The Awakening' and the level 'Best Friends' were running on the Nintendo Wii while the level 'Deviant' was running on the PS2 described as the third chapter in the game. The preview has a lot to it and brings some interesting things to light:

The Level ‘Best Friends’: Described as a challenging scenario, the final mission sees Danny drawn to an island by a former colleague called Michael. Swarming with Project goons, Danny and Leo's only chance of escape is to get the start key to a boat from Michael - who has now run away in some of the factory buildings found on the island. As well as throwing in a couple of Environmental Kill points (a rather nasty shredding machine and an electrifying fuse box). In the end however, it came to a gun fight against Michael, with sharp accuracy of the Wii-remote needed to take him down - and the foresight to use bales of hay as cover, at least until they caught fire from the hail of bullets.

If the PlayStation2 version was shaping up to be the more pure iteration of the game, the definitive version of Manhunt 2 would have undoubtedly rested on Wii. Beyond the obvious levels of tension and apprehension created from the control system, Rockstar also implemented additional touches to the lighting, dynamic blood splatter, three exclusive weapons (including a razor blade), and a completely different dynamic when the hunters are gazing into the shadows. When this occurs, the view changes to a first person perspective, with movement of the Wii-remote translated into a small dot on the centre of the screen. Whether you're seen in the shadows or not depends on if the dot moves outside a circle that shrinks down to barely its diameter.

Interestingly enough they said that you can use a cattle prod in the game as means on a weapon which i don't think has been confirmed anywhere else as of yet. You can check out the rest of the 3 page preview at the link below.

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Strauss Zelnick has spoken on Manhunt 2 once more and this time he had a lot more to say on the issue comparing the game to recent movies like Saw and Hostel saying Manhunt 2 is pretty tame compared with these movies. It also refers to some pretty interesting things so here is some of that and some of what Mr. Zelnick had to say:

American raters, somewhat surprisingly, don’t actually play the games. Instead they base their decisions on a videotape compilation, a kind of highlight reel, of the bloodiest or raciest scenes.

The problem is that in addition to just hitting a bad guy a couple of times with a bat, there are other options, like slitting his throat, sticking a scythe in his nose and yanking his head back. Rather than stab him with a shard of glass, you can stab him, wrap a cord around his neck, stuff his head in a toilet and smash him on the back of the head. But these execution scenes are optional and don’t seem to last more than 10 seconds.

Mr. Zelnick: This is still animation It’s not photo-realistic. It’s not live action. And compared to an R-rated movie, which is intended for 17 and above, like ‘Saw’ or ‘Hostel,’ it’s actually pretty tame. But you make your own conclusions when you play the game. We’re very comfortable letting people know what is in the box before they bring it home,”, “I know I’m not curing cancer. I get that. Our job is to delight consumers in their free time, and yet I believe in doing it in a really responsible way.”

Source: NyTimes

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A very interesting article has popped up on multiplayerblog.com titled "Vs. Mode: Newsweek And MTV News Play and Debate "Manhunt 2" -- Round One" 2 reporters basically send each other emails on various subjects and this time it happened to be Manhunt 2 they were talking about both of them have actually played through the first 6 levels of the PS2 version and the first 5 of the Nintendo Wii version of the game. It is here they state that the game has 16 levels rather than the 14 we thought not sure who is right on this one but it is an interesting point to bring up. Since it says in the title "Round One" you can expect another one shortly, in the next one they said that they will be talking about the Nintendo Wii version and the various gestures you have to do in order to make an execution work.

The article has some new information it refers to the very first level apparently static emits from the Wiimote speaker. The person who was playing wasn't sure if it was a programming bug or not since it isn't referred too and if it wasn't a bug he assumes that it was an attempt to make you think that your going insane. They also said that they just pitched the idea to play the game to Rockstar and they let them play it for a whole afternoon at Rockstar’s headquarters strange? The rest of the article focuses on the rating given by the ESRB (Adults Only). Here is what was said about the static emitting from the Wiimote and the levels:

I'll warn you now -- lengthy discussion of the game and the issues that surround it by two reporters who have, as of this writing, played through the game's first six of 16 levels. I lead it off:

It was all exacerbated by something that may have been intentional or may have been a programming bug or been intentional, I don’t know. The Wii remote has a speaker, and about halfway into my progress in the level, the remote started emitting crackling static. The pattern of the static kept switching. It didn’t seem to relate to any particular action on the screen. Instead, I played it… perturbed. It made me feel a little crazy, like an asylum inmate. I wonder if that was a good thing, for a game designed to put you in control of a crazy man. It gives you some of the feeling of going crazy.

There is also an online petition going around on the forum which i have been asked to mention on the news here so if your interested in signing it click here. It currently sits at 1479 signatures.

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A new article on Computer and Videogames looks at Manhunt 2 and asks the question of how violent the game really is, they also ask if the game is a murder simulator and they pose the question has Rockstar gone too far this time? In the article they say that the game isn't any more violent than many films out at the moment and that they thought certain scenes from Gears of war were more violent which says a lot considering that game was rated an 18 in the UK. They also reveal some new details during the feature saying that you get to practice executions using the Wii remote on a blank screen and that painful moans to shoot from the speakers which i assume is the speaker on the Wiimote. A few executions are also talked about including the sledgehammer and the syringe:

In one situation we were told to thrust forward the remote, and then thrust forward the Nunchuck through on-screen prompts. It wasn't immediately clear why we were doing this but two seconds later we saw our character stabbing a guy with a syringe and then pushing down the plunger to inject him. Ah, we thought. Now we know what we've just done.

But with a weapon like the sledge hammer, kills are a lot more immersive, as you're energetically swinging an imaginary bat through the air at your on-screen victim's head.

Before kicking off the single-player antics in the Wii version, you're treated to a tutorial on a blank screen and Wii Remote prompts. Practicing your slices and swings causes blood to splatter on the screen and painful moans to shoot from the speakers.

It definetly looked a lot better than the PS2 version though. On Wii the game runs in progressive scan, the textures look nicer and blood also splatters and sticks on the main character - a feature that's not in the PS2 version.

You can check what else they had to say over at Computer and Videogames.

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GameSpy have posted a hands-on preview of Manhunt 2, evidently they played the same demo(s) as GameSpot. They say they never got a chance to play the PSP version but that it was said to be identical to the PS2 build. They also say that on the Wii version the blood on Daniel and Leo actually stays on them until the end of each level rather than just disappearing after so long.

They tease with hints towards a potentially interesting cut scene:

With some executions, such as the familiar garrott, you'll be able to decapitate guards; something you'll actually need in order to clear security access at one point --if the cutscene showing you getting past a guard actually makes the cut, should Rockstar release a re-edited M-rated version, we'll have to nod and smirk in surprise.

So what are you guessing they are suggesting? My guess would be an eye recognition system where you need to hold a severed head up to be scanned, either that or Daniel actually removes a fallen hunters eye for the retinal scanning.

They also reveal a new environmental execution that takes place in an industrial area, apparently you throw a hunter into some grinding gears and tear him up.

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Rob Fahey over at GamesIndustry.biz has posted an article titled ‘Sick Filth? A discussion of the BBFC's decision to ban Manhunt 2’. The article is as much of an attack on Rockstar Games as it is a discussion of the decision made by the BBFC, as evident with the following quote:

In making such a game Rockstar has been juvenile, shameful and irresponsible. The right of creators to push the boundaries of media and society must be balanced out against a simple sense of social responsibility - something with Rockstar seems to entirely lack.

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IGN have put up their weekly ‘Wii-k in Review’ podcast, featuring Matt Casamassina, Mark Bozon, Lucas M. Thomas and Craig Harris.

The first subject of discussion is Manhunt 2, they say that they think Rockstar will first appeal and then later consider altering the game to get an appropriate rating, they also say due to the overall content in the game that it will take awhile to adjust since it isn’t the case of just removing any one thing. Bozon follows by saying ‘I really am very much against’ removing content.

Casamassina labels the acts taken by the ratings boards as ‘absolutely ridiculous’ while Bozon says ‘I would love to go on CNN and bitch out these people’. They label the AO rating as being ‘redundant’ and say that they have had a ton of mail from fans wanting them to address the issue and that they are ‘up and arms about this too, but right now we are sitting tight and seeing what is happening’.

They also say that they had a big feature planned that they were going to run on Thursday but had to delay and that they were due to get the game in their hands later in the week.

Click ‘Wii-k in Review Podcast: 6/22/07’ to download the podcast. It weights in at just over 51MB and runs for 54 minutes in total, about 6 minutes of which is spent on Manhunt 2.

The IGN Nintendo team have also launched a new video segment titled ‘NintendZone’, the video is only available to IGN Insiders but I have uploaded the Manhunt 2 feature from the video to YouTube:

The video was obviously recorded very early in the week or late last week. IGN Insider members can download NintendZone Episode one in its entirety by clicking here.

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For IGN Insiders there is a feature titled 'The Big A.O. - Why Manhunt 2 received the kiss of death and the implications.'. The article is just speculation and the opinion of IGNs David Clayman:

The lack of precedent has made Manhunt 2's AO rating a landmark decision regarding interactive violence. Titles like Condemned, Rainbow Six Vegas, Manhunt 1 and hundreds of others include realistic violence and received a "mature" rating. While we've only seen previews of Rockstar's game we can say with certainty that it isn't the most realistic portrayal of violence ever displayed.

Take the article for what it is worth, it is just an opinion and not actual facts as evident by his assessment that the Wii version likely had a hand in the games AO rating despite it being published by the BBFC and ESRB that it was the overall game content across all three formats and not the specifics of one console. IGN Insider members can peep the article in its entirety here.

IGN also have a new Podcast up, there is no Matt Casamassina and Mark Bozon this time, instead the Podcast line up includes, Jeremy Dunham, Greg Miller, Craig Harris, Dan Adams, and Daemon Hatfield. They don’t seem to have followed the game quite as much and haven’t actually played the game themselves.

In the Podcast they say they aren't surprised by the AO rating (yeah right!) and that they think Rockstar will delay the game to 're-tool' it so that they can achieve the desirable ratings. Again they lay blame on the Wii version, so once again people, just the opinion of a few people that aren't entirely aware of the ins and outs of the situation. Click Game Scoop! Podcast Episode 39 to download the Podcast.

I wouldn’t particularly recommend the article or Podcast, but at least you know.

And as one last piece of IGN Manhunt 2 coverage, they have posted a news update titled 'NIMF: Manhunt 2 Delay is Victory’. The update is a response from the National Institute on Media and the Family regarding the decision taken by Take-Two to postpone the game:

Take-Two's decision to temporarily suspend distribution of Manhunt 2 is a victory for parents and children. Because of the their thoughtful decision to give Manhunt 2 its strongest rating, 'Adults Only,' the ESRB has sent a strong message to Take-Two and other game makers that they no longer can push the envelope on gratuitous violence in videogames. The ESRB showed real leadership in assigning this rating and further evidence it is making significant progress in keeping extremely violent and graphic materials out of children's hands.

Hopefully Take-Two has learned from its Manhunt 2 experience and will undertake preventive measures to ensure its future games, including Grand Theft Auto IV, are appropriate for families and gamers.

As gaming technology continues to change, we hope to continue to work with the ESRB to ensure that future games have appropriate content and context for children. The uniqueness of Nintendo's Wii gives game raters a new challenge when it comes to first-player shooter games. We take the ESRB's decision about Manhunt 2 as a positive step in addressing this new challenge.

What is also interesting about the article is that it is published by Daemon Hatfield, who once again insinuated that the Wii version is the offending member. I find it pretty interesting how IGN seem divided amongst console favouritism. Aren’t they supposed to just provide the facts while we assert our own opinion?

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Pro-G were also allowed to sample Manhunt 2 a few weeks back but they were invited to come along to the Rockstar Games London studios in order to get a preview of the game. They have roughly the same information as both Games Radar and Gamespot but they have expended on a few of the details. They had this to say about the Nintendo Wii build of Manhunt 2:

Sneaking up behind a guard, with perhaps a syringe or shard of glass, holding down the A button brings up a gesture on screen, which when copied triggers a basic execution. After the event is triggered more movement commands appear on screen, which must be mimicked quickly. What is fantastic here is the correlation between your own movements and the horrific acts on screen, but of course it is that correlation that has caused so much controversy. Smashing a brick down into the head of your adversary? Then swing down your hand just as you would. Sawing through the neck of a foe with a rusty blade? Better get that Wii-mote slicing back and forth.

Visually, Manhunt 2 on the Wii far outshines the nevertheless well-realised PS2 version, with dynamic blood splatters and more detailed settings adding to an overall shine and sharpness that is just about missing on the Sony console.It also appears that Manhunt 2 could prove the Wii's worth as a 'serious' games machine, and it will definitely make you look at those chunky controllers in a way you didn't think possible.

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Games Radar have posted another new hands-on-preview although it was written 2 weeks ago they have just posted and it reveals some new details and clears up some of information that we were not sure of. It looks like they had a similar experience to what Gamespot had as it would appear they got to sample both the Playstation 2 and the Nintendo Wii versions of the game, here is some of what they had to say taken from various sections of the article:

For a moment we freeze. An onscreen prompt urges us to thrust the Wiimote backwards and forwards, and so cut a man's head in half with the rusty sawblade we've just slashed across the backs of his knees. Scrapping with enemies uses a Wii Boxing setup - punch with either hand to punch, defend by lifting your arms.

Take a cudgel to your foe, for instance, and you'll be blatting the Wiimote down like an axe blow, lunging it forwards or swinging it like, well, a cudgel. Or leap from an elevated position - using the new jumping attack - by thrusting both Wiimote and nunchuk upwards. Then it's a task of looping a wire around their throat with another lift of the two controllers and sawing at their jugular by moving the handsets vigorously backwards and forwards. Actions are carefully matched to the motions on screen, and you end up acting out each murder you commit.

It's the Wii version, however, where Manhunt 2 excels. A brilliant non-violent example sees you holding the controllers totally still while enemies search the shadows - on PS2 this is a random button-hitting exercise - and your direct involvement with each execution creates a far more challenging, risk/reward tension. Rockstar's gorefest is an excellent example of how to employ Wii's intriguing control system to chilling effect.

Another preview giving the nod to the Nintendo Wii version of the game, looks like the random button presses are not part of the Wii build, i know many people had a problem with those on screen prompts. Thoughts?

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Computer and Videogames have posted an article where they claim to have been told by an anonymous source that Rockstar do intend to appeal the decision made by the BBFC:

A source who wished to remain anonymous told CVG that the firm will indeed appeal against the decision and that the company believes the game could be released in around six weeks' time. Whether this means in its current form, or a toned down, edited version is unclear.

God willing the game will be out soon enough, and as the creators intended. I kind of wish that the BBFC would rig a house up like Big Brother and allow everyone to actually see them playing the game and not just watching select parts of it or basing it on the merits of the first game or holding prejudice towards Rockstar as is likely the case. Everyone got their fingers crossed? Good.

JoyStiq have posted an article titled ‘The Political Game: Winners & losers in Manhunt 2 meltdown’ which is written by Dennis McCauley, the Political Editor for the Entertainment Consumers Association where he expressed his point of view on the recent happenings of the Manhunt 2 fiasco.

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It seems Italy is now launching a campaign against Manhunt 2 with the Italian Communications Minister Paolo Gentiloni attempting to prevent the game from being sold in Italy:

Cruel and sadistic, with a squalid environment and a continuous, insistent encouragement to violence and murder.

The Associated Press has posted a video report where they talk to David Cooke of the BBFC regarding their refusal to rate Manhunt 2. What is apparent in the video is that the BBFC and those that appose Manhunt and Rockstar Games have never actually sat at length with the game as evident by them continually focusing the kills in the game. To those that have played the game the kills are there just as a means to warrant the tension and validate the situation. What they need to do is all sit in a room on their own and play the game themselves, not in a room full of people where they immediately lose perspective of half of what the game is about.

GamePolitics has posted word that Jason Della Rocca, the executive director of IGDA, dropped them an e-mail to say that he will be interviewed by reporter Chris Jansing on MSNBC’s Dayside program at noon (Eastern U.S) today. He hinted that Manhunt 2 may be a subject of discussion:

Who knows if they touch on all the other fun topics [i.e., Manhunt 2] as well…

If anyone has the means of getting footage of the show online, or would like to send in details of what is said please get in contact with us.

Source(s): The Age , AP Video , GamePolitics

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Gamespot have posted a new hands-on-preview of Manhunt 2. They seem to have had the opportunity to sit down and play both the Wii and PlayStation 2 builds of the game and curiously enough decide to cover both in the same preview despite it being different demos that they played.

New information revealed includes details of a level named ‘Sexual Deviants’ which is a fetish club, they say the club is a two-part level, with the upper half acting as the front of the club, while downstairs is more Hostelesque. They also suggest that Daniel may have been a sandwich short of a picnic prior to ever having a run-in with ‘The Project’.

They mirror previous previews by saying the Wii version had a obvious visuals advantage:

The Wii game obviously had the edge in visuals, with a sharper overall look and solid frame rate.

They end by saying that there is nothing in the game (that they can see) that would require it falling under such scrutiny as it has done and praise Rockstar:

Hopefully Rockstar can figure something out and keep the game's dark vision intact.

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Take Two have officially announced that they are temporarily suspending Manhunt 2, which isn't a surprise, but they did say that they will continue stand behind the game so it might not be getting scrapped after all, here is the statement released:

Take-Two Interactive Software has temporarily suspended plans to distribute Manhunt 2 for the Wii or PlayStation platforms while it reviews its options with regard to the recent decisions made by the British Board of Film Classification and Entertainment Software Rating Board. We continue to stand behind this extraordinary game. We believe in freedom of creative expression, as well as responsible marketing, both of which are essential to our business of making great entertainment.

Take Two have said in a previous statement that "we are determined to bring the title to market regardless of criticism". Hopefully we hear some more good news soon. Italy had previously announced that they were going to reject the game from their distributors before the announcement i guess everyone can stop attacking Rockstar now.

Source: GameSpot

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Gamespot have a full interview up on the subject of Manhunt 2, with Vince Desiderio, director of the Postal series who is no stranger to controversy Postal 2 was banned in New Zealand and even declared illegal to own it was also refused classification in Australia. Here is what he had to say regarding Manhunt 2's recent troubles:

GameSpot: What's your general take on the Manhunt 2 situation?

Vince Desi: My main concern is for our industry, the game industry itself. Whether I or any other developer or gamer likes, loves, or hates Manhunt 2 is not the issue. The real issue is we as an industry allow ourselves to be set up. I'm a big fan of the ESRB, I think in general they do a great job. The dilemma is that while we are supposedly a free society (who knows about the UK), the fact is government, hypocritical politicians, and the media dictate directly and indirectly who wins and loses, or who gets to play, so to speak. Does Hillary really have a clue?

GS: If Manhunt 2 were a PC-only game, do you think the rating would have been the same?

VD: Again, in a perfect world I would say yes. That said, I'm not sure it would get the same rating if it was submitted at a different time or if a different individual scored it.

GS: Do you think there's a conflict of interest in having the Entertainment Software Association--a trade group intended to operate in the best interests of its members--also run the ESRB, which can hand down ratings effectively banning console games from sale in the US?

VD: I think there is a need for both organizations, but I agree I would prefer them to be independent, and I truly believe it would be more helpful to our industry. Clearly it would improve their credibility. RWS has always supported both groups, regardless of how we've been scapegoated in the industry. I do believe by us taking a long-term view we are finally seeing an upside; more and more people are seeing Postal for what it was always intended--a game with mature humor.

You can check out what else he has to say over at Gamespot.

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Kotaku has posted a Q&A with the president of the ESRB, Patricia Vance. In the Q&A she addresses issued related to Manhunt 2 and the difference between the various ratings.

Patricia Vance:

Obviously, Manhunt 2 is a different product from the original Manhunt. The raters evaluated the submission for Manhunt 2 and determined that the AO rating was the appropriate rating assignment. Per our statement from 6/20, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.

By her labelling it ‘inappropriate’ to comment further I hope this is indication that Rockstar has appealed the rating. I have a feeling this has quite a ways to go before it is all said and done.

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Destructoid continue their attempt to get to the bottom of the BBFC Manhunt 2 issue with the posting of the article ‘BBFC responds to Destructoid editor - part 2’. In the article Destructoid’s David Houghton speaks too Sue Clark, the Press and Media Enquiries Officer for the BBFC. While nothing new is really revealed it does offer insight into the mindset or reasoning’s for why they made the decisions they have made.

The article ends with David saying he hopes to get in touch with the Director General of ELSPA, Paul Jackson, regarding his reaction to the decision made by the BBFC.

I would also like to add that I solute Destructoid for taking a stance on the issue, great work fellas!

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Jack Thompson has sent an email out to Kotaku gloating about the decisions made by the BBFC and ESRB:

This is all absolutely delicious. I warned Take-Two months ago that there would be huge problems if it went ahead with Manhunt 2. Who was right about that kiddies?

Secondly, the BBC and the world are now laughing at Take-Two Chairman Strauss Zelnick for his idiotic statement yesterday that Manhunt 2 is "a fine piece of art." Find the BBC story on that!

Right, and Jack the Ripper was his generation's Rembrandt. Please.

Take-Two has been hemorrhaging cash over the last few financial quarters, and this must makes it worse. I love it.

If you all would stop and think about this for a minute, this development is a HUGE benefit to the video game industry. It fits nicely with their argument that the ESRB ratings are real and actually mean something.

Responsible people within the industry, even Doug Lowenstein, have been saying for quite sometime that Take-Two had become a problem for the entire industry because it was painting a bullseye on the back of the whole industry and making it more difficult for the industry to get US politicians off its back.

Now the ESRB does something that indicates is might be trustworthy, and you nitwits go bonkers because of that development.

Grow up and smell the hot coffee. This is the best thing that could have happened to the industry. The isolation and ostracism of Take-Two by the industry was long overdue.

Now that it has come, rejoice.

Jack Thompson, Attorney, and you're not

Will who ever is watering Thompson’s massive head please stop, if his cranium continues to grow at this rate I worry that the world axis may drastically alter under the pressure.

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Reuters has run a piece titled ‘Maker of banned video game calls "Manhunt 2" art’ in which they speak to the Interactive Chairman of Take-Two Interactive, Strauss Zelnick. In the article Mr. Zelnick is quoted as choosing to stand behind Rockstar and Manhunt 2, citing the game as ‘a fine piece of art’. The full quote is as follows:

The Rockstar team has come up with a game that fits squarely within the horror genre and was intended to do so.

It brings a unique, formerly unheard of cinematic quality to interactive entertainment, and is also a fine piece of art.

GamePolitcs has also run an article where they suggest a PC version of Manhunt 2 may be the way to go. Also keep in mind that the last game Rockstar released on the PC was Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

Some of the big U.S online retailers started changing the Manhunt 2 release date too August and September, these are likely safeguards in the event that Rockstar do choose to delay the game. I would wait on word from Rockstar on the issue before jumping to conclusions here. I would say the same for U.K retailers that have removed the game listing from their websites.

A few of you have emailed in asking about game pre-orders and what the status with them would be, retailers still listing the game will likely continue to take pre-orders for the game until they are given official word from Rockstar, should the retailer drop the game and or it’s pre-orders I imagine they would get in touch with you.

I would also like to address the issue of emailing the BBFC and ESRB. If you decide to contact the BBFC or the ESRB I would advise that you do so sensibly and don’t email them with insults or threats, if you genuinely feel like you want to express yourself to them then get in touch with them via the following means, BBFC – ESRB.

E-mailing Rockstar at this point probably isn’t the best move; the guys are no doubt swamped right now. I know a lot of you want to express your support too them but by being on this site and continuing to support Manhunt 2 and Rockstar is probably the best way to go about that and the least intrusive on them at the present time.

Source(s): Washington Post, GamePolitics

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Destructoid have an interesting article up with a decent response from the BBFC I know alot of people on the forums have been sending them emails about the Manhunt ban and getting nothing back but a few lines saying too read their press release. Destructoid have the answers as to how the game was tested and then refused classification interestingly enough they say that the BBFC had access to various cheats and even god modes to test the game they also say the BBFC didn't actually finish the game but played a significant part of it. Here is the response to a letter sent by Jim Sterling who works for Destructoid.com:

The BBFC has considerable experience in classifying games, and we employ several highly knowledgeable and experienced gamers as examiners. Although it was not possible to play the game in its entirety, a significant sample of MANHUNT 2 was played and examined by a number of our examiners, both gamers and non-gamers, before a classification decision was made. We also have access to various cheats and 'God' modes, provided by the company, to enhance greater access to all parts of the game. All our classification decisions are made in line with our published guidelines. These guidelines are available on our main website - http://www.bbfc.co.uk - under the section entitled 'downloads'.

If you receive anything interesting back in a response from either the BBFC or the ESRB why don't you shoot us an email by clicking here.

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According to reports the rating for Manhunt 2 in Australia isn't far off from being announced, we all know what will happen in terms of the rating. In the past GTA 3 has been banned as well as the very first Manhunt but that was after a year of sales before that they had rated the game MA15+ no chance of that happening this time though so what can we expect the rating to be? It will likely be the same as the UK with it being refused classification but we will see what happens, in the report on game politics they had this to say:

We don’t want to preempt the decision of the Office of Film and Literature Classification Review Board but it is looking very doubtful” [a source] said.

The original Manhunt was released for Playstation 2 in Australia in 2003, receiving a MA15+ classification for Medium-level animated violence. It sold 18,000 copies on PS2 and Xbox.

Looks like it's expected to be refused classification i am sure everywhere else in the world will start to follow suit shortly, anyway hopefully this can clarify some things for interested people and people from Australia.

Source: Game Politics

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Gamespot have posted an article regarding Sony and Nintendo’s stance on releasing AO games on their systems. The following is their comments:

Sony’s response:

It's currently our policy not to allow the playback of AO-rated content on our systems.

Nintendo's response:

Games made for Nintendo systems enjoy a broad variety of styles, genres and ratings.

These are some of the reasons our Wii and Nintendo DS systems appeal to such a broad range of people. But as with books, television and movies, different content is meant for different audiences. That's why the ESRB provides ratings to help consumers understand the content of a game before they purchase it. As stated on Nintendo.com, Nintendo does not allow any AO-rated content on its systems.

In effect this means that the game is not permitted for sale on either platform should it be rated AO, so what is the point of the rating if no one supports it? This is a sad state of affairs if you ask me, isn’t the purpose of the ratings boards to offer the consumer the option of knowing what they are buying rather than dictating to them what they can and cannot buy. No one is going to buy Manhunt 2 thinking it is Mario 128, so what is the issue here? I personally think they are out to make a statement rather than basing it on the actual game merit.

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The bad news for Manhunt fans now extends beyond Britain, with the ESRB issuing Manhunt 2 with an AO (adults only) rating in America. In effect what this does is limit the games release considerably with certain retailers refusing to sell AO titles.

Take Two Interactive had the following to say about the AO rating:

The ESRB has issued an initial rating of AO (Adults Only) for Manhunt 2.

We believe the process of rating videogames is to help people make informed entertainment choices and not to limit them.

Manhunt 2 was created for mature audiences and we strongly believe it should receive an M (Mature) rating, aligning it with similar content created in other forms of media. We are exploring our options with regard to the rating of Manhunt 2.

Furthermore Joystiq is reporting that rental services GameFly and Blockbuster won’t be carrying Manhunt 2 or any game that carries an AO rating.

Back in the UK Total Video Games contacted the BBFC for clarification as to why Manhunt 2 was refused classification and the response was:

... game was rejected individually on both platforms because of content.

For further justification as to the Wii build not being the reasoning for Manhunt 2 being refused classification check out the BBFC website for information on the PS2 build, although be warned some of the titles give away game information such as cut scene and level titles, so if you are avoiding spoilers give this a pass.

Sue Clark from the BBFC went on to inform GamesIndustry.biz that past incidents have not influenced their decision to refuse classification of Manhunt 2 to UK consumers:

We are independent of government and independent of the industry and we reached this decision based on our guidelines and our concerns.

The director general of ELSPA goes on to appload the BBFC for their decision:

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

For those of you that don’t know ESPLA is basically the European equivalent to the ESA.

GamePolitics spoke to Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter who tracks the video game sector about all things Manhunt 2. Pachter had the folowing to say:

I had estimated [Manhunt 2 would generate] around $25 million in revenues for this quarter, plus around $15 million in reorders. It’s not clear to me whether Take-Two will:

1) ship the game as is;
2) re-cut the game and try to have the UK ban/US AO rating lifted;
3) cancel the game.

It seems that since most of the cost is “sunk cost” [i.e., not recoverable], alternative 3 is unlikely. The trade-off between 1 and 2 is lower sales with option 1 and higher sales and higher costs (more development and some incremental marketing) for option 2. Without knowing what they plan, I’d say it probably costs around half of the potential revenues, but that’s just a guess.

His thoughts regarding the possibility of Manhunt 3:

As for impact on the [Manhunt] franchise, it seems that the violence level is sufficiently offensive to warrant a UK ban and a US AO rating. That can’t be good for the longevity of the franchise.

Keep in mind that these are the opinion of an analyst rather than those of fact.

So in summary the game has been refused classification in the UK and Ireland and issued with an Adult Only rating in America. Also note that Rockstar/Take-Two have the right to appeal these decisions, fingers crossed that they do and are succesful.

All the usual places have been covering the Manhunt 2 ratings fiasco, you can check out what everyone is saying by checking out the following articles:

BBFC Rejects Manhunt 2
Rockstar Responds to Manhunt Rating
The Other Adult Only Games
Pachter Watch: T2's Costly Manhunt Problems
ELSPA Response to BBFC Decision
ELSPA Boss Backs Manhunt 2 Ban
It's Official: Manhunt 2 Rated Adults Only by ESRB
Manhunt 2 Rated Adults Only
Manhunt 2 Rated ‘Adult Only’ in the States
Wii Not Behind BBFC's Manhunt 2 Decision
BBFC say no to Manhunt 2
Why was Manhunt 2 banned?
Manhunt 2 rated by ESRB in US
Rockstar respond to Manhunt rejection
Rockstar Responds to Manhunt 2 Furore in UK
Manhunt 2 Rated AO?!
Manhunt 2 banned in UK
Manhunt 2 receives AO rating
Rockstar 'disappointed' by UK ban
BBFC denies political pressure
ELSPA praises UK ratings system after Manhunt 2 banning
Manhunt 2 banned in UK
No political influence over Manhunt ban, states BBFC
ELSPA "surprised" by language BBFC used to explain Manhunt ban
Manhunt 2 banned from sale in UK
Manhunt 2 rated Adults Only in US
Rockstar "disappointed" at Manhunt 2 ban
ELSPA praises ratings system following Manhunt 2 ban
Manhunt 2 denied UK release
Pachter: Manhunt 2 Troubles Will Cost T2 Millions of $$$
Vaz Lauds Manhunt 2 Decision, Says PS3 Hit Resistance: Fall of Man Should Be Banned Too
Ireland Jumps onto Manhunt 2 Ban Wagon
BBFC Denies Playing Politics in Manhunt 2 Ban
ELSPA Boss is Okay With British Manhunt 2 Ban
It’s Official: Manhunt 2 Rated Adults Only by ESRB
MORE Bad News for Rockstar: Wii-mote Control Prompts Demand That Manhunt 2 Be Adults-Only in North America
Manhunt 2 Banned in Britain
Censors ban video game for its 'casual sadism'
Manhunt 2 Already Banned in the UK
ESRB Rates Manhunt 2 Adults Only
Manhunt 2: The entire saga
GameFly, Blockbuster won't carry Manhunt 2 with AO rating

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I have some more bad news for UK Manhunt fans, following the recent news that Manhunt 2 was delayed for an entire week, Manhunt 2 has now been refused classification in the UK by the BBFC. Here is the statement given:

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.

Rockstar have already replied to the statement and had this to say regarding being refused classification:

We are disappointed with the recent decision by the British Board of Film Classification to refuse classification of Manhunt 2. While we respect the authority of the classification board and will abide by the rules, we emphatically disagree with this particular decision.

Manhunt 2 is an entertainment experience for fans of psychological thrillers and horror. The subject matter of this game is in line with other mainstream entertainment choices for adult consumers.

We respect those who have different opinions about the horror genre and video games as a whole, but we hope they will also consider the opinions of the adult gamers for whom this product is intended. We believe all products should be rated to allow the public to make informed choices about the media and art they wish to consume. The stories in modern video games are as diverse as the stories in books, film and television. The adult consumers who would play this game fully understand that it is fictional interactive entertainment and nothing more.

I think that is a fair statement from Rockstar, kids wouldn't be allowed access to the game and responsible adults should know it is fictional entertainment. As it stands they are saying this is the first game to be refused classification in the UK in a decade and that Rockstar have 6 weeks to submit an appeal which i am sure they will do. Hopefully the decision will be overturned like they did with the game Carmageddon which was refused for a week before it was allowed to be released.

Keith Vaz has released a statement on the news as well as Stefan Pakeerah's mother, both of which were campaigning for it to be banned back when the game was first announced, they had this to say:

Keith Vaz: This is an excellent decision by the BBFC, showing that game publishers cannot expect to get interactive games where players take the part of killers engaged in 'casual sadism' and murder.

Stefan Pakeerah mother: Manhunt represents a genre of games that are not, in my view and the views of many other people, fit for public consumption. We have been campaigning against these games for a long time and the BBFC made the right decision. Why don't these companies invest their energies into creating material that is helpful to society?

As if this whole situation isn't bad enough, there is call from the Center for a Commercial-Free Childhood for the game to be rated Adults Only in the US most stores in the US don't carry any AO games so this would be bad news all the same but at least it would be released. GamePolitics are also saying that Rockstar have been informed on the rating that Manhunt 2 has been given in the US. Head over to Game Politics for more on the situation and some statements made by The CCFC.

Source(s): Guardian Online, Game Politics

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Some of you wanted more information about the Manhunt 2 review in NGamer, so for those interested here is how it breaks down:

Graphics - 9 Detailed environments, high quality animation. Disturbingly convincing at times. Audio - 9 Atmospheric effects and music. Creepy footsteps and meaty splatterings. Lovely. Gameplay - 9 Solid and compelling. The action ties in perfectly with the psychological horror of the story. Innovation - 8 Uses the Wii controllers to satisfying effect. Mercifully uncomplicated to play. Summary As dark a game as we've ever played, Manhunt 2 is a brilliantly constructed piece of fanservice for horror enthusiasts and a masterclass in stealthy nastiness. Overall: 92

The magazine also has half dozen new images, some showing Daniel drenched in blood, some new characters and an all new environmental execution, an iron maiden.

Those in the UK can pick the magazine up in stores from this coming Wednesday.

Earlier this month I mentioned that the Official PlayStation 2 Magazine UK would have the exclusive first review of Manhunt 2. Subscribers have now received the July issue, and as it turns out this is no longer the case. They now say the review will appear in the August issue, issue number 88 which goes on sale mid July.

I was also wondering if anyone attended the Download Festival last weekend? If so and you managed to get some images of the Manhunt 2 banners surrounding the main stage please feel free to submit them to us for use in the image gallery.

I should also re-clarify the Manhunt 2 release dates, the game has been delayed in the whole of Europe not just the UK (as first suspected) and will be released on the 13th of July. The game is still on target for a July 10th North America release.

Later this week we will be setting up a competition where you can win some Manhunt 2 items, so make sure to check back for that.

Big thanks goes out to Silvia (aka Ninty) for hooking me up with the NGamer information!

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Subscribers to UK Nintendo Magazine NGamer received their magazine today and it features a six page review for Manhunt 2. They awarded the game 92%.

Issue 12 of NGamer hits store shelves on Wednesday June 20th.

Source: GoNintendo

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IGN have just posted a new article to follow up their recent one about the environments of Manhunt 2. The new article titled "Creating Fear: The Gameplay Mechanics of Manhunt 2" talks about the games brutal AI, the use of radar, shadows & lights as well as Daniel's flashbacks featured in the game. They also discussed a little about how audio will play a major part in the game, but we will need to wait for more details as they have promised an article focusing directly on it in the future.

Points to note from the article:

• Hunters will have enhanced 'brutal' AI.

• Hunters will use flashlights, spotlights and helicopter support in order to find you.

• Daniel's flashbacks can be triggered by visual cues or for no apparent reason.

• The game will again feature scripted events where by hunters can leap out when you least expect it.

They have also posted 3 new screenshots, included in which is a look at some more of the hunters. In one of them where Daniel is holding a glass shard the hunter looks surprisingly like a member of the Hoods. Thoughts?

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Now I know this isn’t directly Manhunt news but it is very cool all the same. Destructoid has posted an interview with Mike Patton (Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, Tomahawk & more!). In the interview Patton makes mention of Manhunt on two occasions:

I play mostly sports games, but am definitely drawn to the Grand Theft Auto games as well. I'd love to score the next GTA or Manhunt. I'm doing some zombie sounds for an upcoming Valve game [Left 4 Dead]. It's fun stuff!

Not sure I would necessarily prefer someone else to score Manhunt, but providing some additional work or vocal work would be cool. Seeing Patton contribute to Grand Theft Auto IV on the other hand would be nothing short of outstanding.

Thankfully I got my PSP for the road and PS3 at home. The Wii looks really fun too. Gaming helps clear my mind. Can't wait for the next GTA and Manhunt. And The Darkness, of course!

I wonder if there are any hints towards a future collaboration there? The Faith No More track 'Midlife Crisis' was featured on the Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas soundtrack and Patton was given a ‘thanks to' in the game credits, he was later in talks to contribute to Bully.

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I have some bad news for UK Manhunt fans, the game has been set back a week to Friday the 13th of July. I first noticed that places had altered the date on Tuesday but have waited on confirmation from Rockstar on the matter.

I am not sure why the game has been delayed, the BBFC rated the second trailer (released last week) an 18 certificate so the full game will undoubtedly be an 18.

No word on when the rest of Europe will receive the game, the game is presumably on target for its July 10th North America release.

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IGN has posted a developers diary of sorts titled 'Creating Fear: The Environments of Manhunt 2' where Rockstar explain some of the inspiration behind three levels from the game as well as posting concept art and three new screenshots. The levels discussed are The Asylum, S&M Club and The Honey Pot.

Article excerpt:

Manhunt 2 has gone through many transformations from inception to final game. But the core of the story - and the terror - has always been Danny Lamb's tenuous grasp on reality and his own sanity.

Hopefully this means the game will have a bunch of concept art as a bonus just like the original.

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1up have added a new preview with some words from Rockstar London's studio head Mark Washbrook, in which he says that they wanted to explore fresh themes with Manhunt 2 and describes the game as having a twisted plot, he also stated that if Daniel is seen crawling in the shadows by a hunter they will immediately pull him back out, hunters will also be able to climb and vault over objects just as Daniel can. In the preview Daniel is also said to be able to chop a hunters head clean off with an axe, here are the quotes:

We wanted to... create a new storyline that is even more dark and disturbing. We've done that through a twisted plot featuring themes of institutionalization, medical experimentation, secrecy, and the cost of personal ambition." "Environmental executions increase the interactivity within the game and allow you to take advantage of objects found throughout the area," "the changes to the A.I. have significantly ratcheted up the tension and suspense.

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GamePolitics has an article up about the Nintendo Wii version of Manhunt 2 in the article they confirmed via various sources that Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum is looking into the release of the game. They state that the reason for concern seems to be the use of the motion sensitive controller that the Wii uses. It appears it is none other than Jack Thompson who had caught Bill's attention after sending him a letter (Below) about it stating that the Wii controller was nothing but a training device when used with Manhunt 2, Jack once again has asked for the game to be declared 'a public nuisance'.

Florida retailers are scheduled to sell a very violent video game called Manhunt 2 which will be available, remarkably, for “play” on the kids-friendly Nintendo Wii gaming platform. The Wii device does not utilize traditional push button game controllers but instead utilizes hand-held motion capture devices… It is a training device.

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The July issue of the Official PlayStation Magazine UK has a one page preview on Manhunt 2. They make mention of a new level, in the level Daniel is trying to get home, only his house is surrounded by hunters. A new environmental execution reveals just what the barrel of water is for; Daniel beats the hunters head off the barrel before drowning them in the water within.

They go on to make mention of the quicker access to guns, stating that fire fights aren’t always smart due too the enemy being ‘well-trained mercenaries, making direct confrontation suicidal’.

The magazine describes the most brutal execution they have seen thus far as ‘crowbarring a face clean off’. Those worried that the PlayStation 2 gore has been toned down need not worry ‘headshots pop skulls like rotten melons’.

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The official Manhunt 2 website has a new post added to its news section:

Rockstar Games and Manhunt 2 Sponsor UK Metal Hammer Magazine’s Album of the Year Award:

Taking place in London on June 11, The Fifth Annual Metal Hammer Golden Gods awards celebrate the best in heavy metal from the last year. The Awards ceremony will be broadcast on UK MTV 2 and will feature blistering live performances from Machine Head, Lamb of God and more. For more information on the awards and to keep track of who wins what, visit www.metalhammer.co.uk.

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BradyGames have re-added the Manhunt 2 strategy guide to their website. But now it includes some information about the guide itself. As ever I have assembled all the technical details for easy viewing:

• A complete walkthrough of the entire game.
• Detailed catalog of weapons.
• In-depth listing of enemies.
• Stealth tactics for using objects in the environment to overcome enemies.
• Signature Series guide features bonus foldout and more!
• Platform: PS2, PSP and Wii

• Pages: 240.
• Available: worldwide.
• Genre: Action/Adventure
• Release date: July 02nd 2007
• Author: not yet published, but likely Tim Bogenn.
• Price: $17.99 - £11.99 (just a guess).

The original Manhunt guide was 175 pages long, so there are 65 additional pages of information in the Manhunt 2 guide then there was in the original. By comparison The Warriors guide had 176 pages, Bully 195 pages and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas guide was 272 pages, I wouldn’t say that necessarily guarantees the game to be a great deal longer but it does mean that there is either a bunch of additional information such as tactics and artwork, or the game really is a great deal longer. Either way it sounds good. Another thing to remember is this will cover 3 formats, so if it features maps there will be at least 2 variants due to the Wii having additional content and also different controls.

The original Manhunt strategy guide was a disappointment, it looked nice but it had some flawed game tactics and missing information and a severe lack of artwork. It looks as though the guys at BradyGames have taken this on board along side the good folks at Rockstar.

So who is buying the guide?

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Games Radar have added a new article detailing their impressions of the recent Manhunt 2 website updates they found the hidden audio file, which is the interview with inmate Leo Kasper, particularly interesting:

In addition to creeping us out, however, listening to the recording has led us to believe that Kasper will be a playable character. In fact, we're reckoning that you'll play both Leo and Danny at certain points throughout the game. Several times video footage pops up that resembles the murder-moments of Manhunt, but it's Kasper that's doing the offing.

According to the tape, Leo is a particularly nasty - and especially unfortunate - fellow. He's been subjected to drugs, imprisonment and a level of combat and stealth training that involved techniques so damaging he has trouble remembering anything before he was inducted into the Project, which the interrogating doctor claims is a part of a government agency. Leo's also a mass-murdering psycho, and we learn that he throttled the last person who interviewed him at Dixmor.

Computer and Videogames also has this to say regarding the updates:

Going by the recording, Kasper has a history serving a US government agent as an assassin, and eventually all the killing for cash has turned the poor chap a bit mental.

Eventually Leo turned on his employers and these days it sounds like he's busy killing off doctors in Manhunt 2's dingy asylum, which is where the opening level takes place. Kasper says Lamb is the only one who got fucked worse than him, which is why he's helping him "become a man".

The Warcry Network website also has a very interesting article up about Manhunt 2 coming to the Nintendo Wii most of it comes off the back off the IGN preview we saw last week. They conclude by saying that they think Manhunt 2 shouldn't have been made and that games like this hurt the industry.

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