Manhunt
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Rockstar: We 'emphatically disagree' with UK's Manhunt 2 ban
Rockstar has issued a statement in response to the BBFC's earlier decision to reject Manhunt 2 for classification and thus prohibit it from being sold in the UK. "We are disappointed with the recent decision by the British Board of Film Classification to refuse classification of Manhunt 2, said the Grand Theft Auto creator. "While we respect the authority of the classification board and will abide by the rules, we emphatically disagree with this particular decision."Rockstar goes on to defend Manhunt 2 by pointing out that its subject matter is no different than that of "other mainstream entertainment choices for adult consumers," noting that "adult consumers who would play this game fully understand that it is fictional interactive entertainment and nothing more." A rational defense, no doubt, but perhaps one better suited to a world where only "adult consumers" would be in a position to play the game. ELSPA earlier declared that the ban "demonstrates that we have a games ratings system in the UK that is effective," when it really seems to imply the opposite. Had game ratings been truly effective, the BBFC could have simply slapped the appropriate rating on the box and trusted adults and parents to judge the game's content accordingly. In the real world, however, the sloppy enforcement of ratings and general apathy towards content descriptors have prompted the certification body to add an extra barrier of entry, underlining a clear lack of faith in the effectiveness of its own warning labels. The ratings system should be powerful and heeded enough to handle any video game, no matter how violent it may be.
Manhunt 2 banned by UK ratings board
Rockstar Games' Manhunt 2 is now illegal to supply, according to the British Board of Film Classification due to its extreme violent content. David Cooke, the BBFC's director, said that they were unable to suggest changes that would make the game sufficient for release. "There is sustained and cumulative casual sadism in the way in which these killings are committed, and encouraged, in the game," he said.Paul Jackson of the Entertainment & Leisure Software Publishers Association said that this decision "demonstrates that we have a games ratings system in the UK that is effective." To editorialize a bit, we couldn't disagree more; ratings systems are designed to prevent censorship by ensuring that material goes to the proper age groups only.
Rockstar's Manhunt 2 rejected by UK ratings board
It is the duty of the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) to classify or rate any films or video games before they are released in the UK -- if they are indeed deemed fit for release. After spending some time strangling strangers and stabbing psychopaths in Rockstar's Manhunt 2, it seems the BBFC are none too pleased by the game's content, rejecting it for certification entirely. This means that Manhunt 2 may not be legally supplied anywhere in the UK.MCV quotes the BBFC's director David Cooke as saying, "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." With the game already filled with all manner of cuts, slashes and eviscerations, the BBFC could simply not see a way around the game's "unremitting bleakness and callousness of tone" and its "sustained and cumulative casual sadism." With Rockstar being no stranger to controversy, we half expect those quotes to show up on the back of the box. Then again, publisher Take-Two is unlikely to let an entire country of wallets just slip from its grasp, so there may yet be an appeal or a round of strict censorship. The Wii, PS2 and PSP game is still en route to America though and it shouldn't be long before we all learn whether UK gamers have been robbed... or rescued.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]%Gallery-3533%
Manhunt 2 rejected in UK
The hotly anticipated Manhunt 2 may not see release in the UK, due to its rejection from the BBFC ratings board. David Cooke, Director of the BBFC said: "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.""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."The Video Recordings Act allows game distributors to appeal the decision, which we're certain Rockstar will want to take advantage of. This is a monumental decision in the games industry; the last video game to be refused a classification was Carmageddon in 1997 (which was later overturned by an appeal).%Gallery-3966%[Via press release]
Jack Thompson and Take-Two have secret meeting
GamePolitics is reporting that Take-Two Chairman Strauss Zelnick and Jack Thompson recently had a rendezvous in New York. There are very few details on what actually occurred at the meeting. All that GP knows is Zelnick asked for the meeting and Thompson acknowledged that it occurred. If you're just joining us, let's just say that Take-Two and Thompson have history.Was Zelnick trying to bury the hatchet? Did he try to pay Jack off? Or were they conspiring to create their next brilliant marketing scheme to sell millions of extra copies of Manhunt 2 and GTA IV? Only their waiter and maybe the bartender at The Palm, Sardi's, and later in the evening, Splash, know for sure. GP thinks Zelnick was getting a feel for "'Take Two's most abiding critic' ... who has vowed to bring the company down." All we can hope is that one of the guys was wearing a wire, because that's one conversation we'd really like to hear with no real lawyers present.
Florida Attorney General concerned about Manhunt 2 on Wii
Bill McCollum is his name and concern for violent games is his, um ... game. At least, that's what we're hearing, as his concerns over the Wii port of Rockstar's second installment in the "murder simulator" franchise were made clear during an interview (has not aired as of yet) with Fox News reporter Orlando Salinas. His beef? The motion controls, as it's a safe bet the game will demand players perform the stabbing and slashing motions. The on-air interview was slated to run last night, but was pulled in favor of airing it closer to the Manhunt 2 July release date.%Gallery-3148%[Via Joystiq]
Manhunt 2 on Wii a concern for Florida Attorney General
Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum, in an un-aired interview with Fox News reporter Orlando Salinas, is concerned over the release of the Rockstar's Manhunt 2 for the Wii. McCollum is apparently concerned over the motion controls, which are expected to simulate general movements of a murderous nature. GamePolitics has the details, but at this point it looks like a lot of posturing and not too many actions words like: investigate, interrogate and, our favorite, sue.The Fox News report was originally expected to air last night, but is now being slated closer to Manhunt 2's July release. Fox News also spoke with Jack Thompson, who sent a letter to McCollum and Florida Governor Charlie Crist about the game. A portion of the letter says, "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 ... [it] utilizes hand-held motion capture devices... It is a training device."Here's where it gets good. According to GamePolitics sources, McCollum will not be focusing on the PS2 or PSP version ... only the Wii. One source says, "That's where they're kicking up their heels." At this point, neither McCollum, nor Gov. Crist have made any official statements on the game. Thompson asked that Manhunt 2 be declared a public nuisance, which also tried and failed to do in 2006 with Bully. We can already imagine the headline if this escalates: Nintendo Wiimote waggles into court over Manhunt 2.
New Manhunt 2 trailer adds more chills
Manhunt 2 is clearly an M rated game. The best way to think of it is as the interactive version of Hostel, or one of those hardcore horror flicks. It either appeals to your sensibilities or it doesn't, but that's the gamer's choice, and parents should have the sense to not let their little ones near it -- sadly, we know that's not going to happen. Anyway, the PS2 and PSP versions will be fine and dandy, but using the Wiimote in this game is what's really going to get us to give it a shot. There is going to be some perverse pleasure about playing this game on the Wii for many, many, reasons. The most obvious being that the Wii's control possibilities could be conceived of as being an interactive murder simulator, and then there's the amazing fact that Nintendo let it happen. But it's all up to the responsiveness of the controls that will determine the sick pleasure factor.The latest trailer gives some more details to the Manchurian Candidate (infected and/or brainwashed) type of character you'll be playing in the sequel, a very different character from the straight-up anti-hero convict in the original. We're going to go with this being part of Rockstar's continuing trend of hiding behind the context of an issue, while maintaining the content. Bully satirically touched numerous lines without crossing them and Manhunt 2 looks to be just as violent as the first, but if the character is a "good guy" discovering his past, trapped in a "bad guy" body, the context absolves the content. But seriously, we're just looking forward to stabbing, slashing, cracking open and shooting some bad guys with the Wiimote. Unleash the fury, Mitch ... unleash the fury! But keep it away from the kids or anybody else who doesn't realize that it's just a game.
Becoming the perfect weapon in Manhunt 2
For our late-night readers, get a taste of Rockstar's upcoming Manhunt 2. We don't know much about the game except that it will be crazy. And there will be lots and lots of killing. We're not sure what system is shown in the trailer (Wii, PS2 or PSP), but we're confident that all three versions of this title will look pretty much the same.The ominous narrator at the end reminds us that the title is not yet rated ... but we're going to take a gander and assume it'll get an Mature rating.
Murder sim to Wendy's with Jack Thompson
Previously, we showed off Wendy's new Wii-based toys, part of their kid's meal and, as GamePolitics shows us, this is the last thing we would have seen coming. Turns out Jack Thompson doesn't like Wendy's working with Nintendo because Manhunt 2 will be distributed on the Wii console. Thompson says, "A dear friend of mine worked for Wendy's and with Dave Thomas closely for years. From that I know that Dave Thomas never would have tolerated the use of Wendy's good name to promote Nintendo's Wii, not with this game available on the Wii platform."Here's your six-degrees of murder simulation: Manhunt 2 is what Thompson calls a "murder simulator" Manhunt 2 will appear on the Wii (among other systems) Wendy's is promoting the Wii, therefore; Wendy's is promoting Manhunt 2, which promotes murder, and; Bacon is in the Wendy's burger Bacon is last name of actor Kevin Bacon (oops, forgot what we were doing here) Thompson is not suing Wendy's, nor Nintendo -- he's merely making it known that Kevin Bacon is connected to a "murder simulator." What won't he think up next?
Manhunt 2: new screens & first look
Rockstar's Manhunt was a game you either enjoyed, or hated. But have you really "experienced" Manhunt? Playing with the lights out in an empty apartment intensifies the experience tenfold (as a certain PSP Fanboy contributor would attest). Well boys and girls, Manhunt 2 is on the way and looking markedly better, with sharper textures, an all new plot line, stealthier character moves and more intelligent AI. We can't wait for the sequel, but we do often question Rockstar's love for flowing newspapers. Do they not have any trashcans laying around? Nevertheless, feast your looking balls on these new screens and prepare for round 2.
Take Two and Thompson settle before trial
Word comes that Jack Thompson and Take Two have settled before going to trial in Florida. This comes after news that Thompson would sue the publisher to put a dent in sales of its upcoming games Grand Theft Auto IV and Manhunt 2. The settlement reached by both parties has stipulations, preventing Thompson from: Suing Take Two or its subsidiaries in an attempt to threaten or block sales of any game Communicating with anyone at Take Two, or its business partners, that the company has committed any wrongdoing by selling its games. Thompson can criticize games from the company and may still act as legal counsel in any upcoming lawsuits. Making any contact with Take Two through any party that is not their attorney Game Politics has a copy of the settlement, so if you want to give it a read, go right ahead (link opens a .pdf file).
PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 15
PSP Fanboy offers the latest and greatest movie and game trailers, formatted for the PSP in this new weekly feature. Check it out every Saturday. PSP owners can download files wirelessly via m.pspfanboy.com.Instructions: Save all movie and thumbnail files to the VIDEO folder. These high resolution 480x272 videos require firmware 3.30 or above. (Note: OE custom firmware will also play these videos.) Manhunt 2Download MP4 (6.8MB) | Download JPG The following videos are featured after the break: Blue Dragon, Gene Simmons - Guitar Hero II Tournament, God of War II: Mythology, Guitar Hero II [360]
New Manhunt 2 trailer grabs the web by the throat
We do so love the smell of violence in the morning, and the new Manhunt 2 trailer definitely offers a sweet taste of what's to come. But what this trailer really does is get us excited about the story. Jack Thompson may want you to think Manhunt 2 is nothing but a murder simulator, but this trailer tells a different tale. The collection of disjointed images is jarring and loose, like broken memories plucked from nightmares, and we can't wait to see some of these full scenes play out on screen. Hit the jump to see for yourself.
Manhunt 2 gets experimental in new trailer
Rockstar's latest, Manhunt 2, is striking three platforms: PSP, PS2 and Wii. While a true next-gen version would provide a greater deal of visual flair, this new trailer shows that style still goes a long way in visual storytelling. This "experiment" trailer certainly has us quite intrigued--this could be the moodiest portable adventure yet. For some PSP-formatted downloads, check out the game's newly updated official website.
Manhunt 2 details confirmed
When Rockstar went ahead and announced Manhunt 2 for the Wii, we couldn't believe such a game would be gracing the system. Not because of the violence such a game possesses, but because of the speculation regarding players acting out the kills with the Wiimote. Shortly after, the website launched and gave us a small glimpse at what the game could offer. And, of course, it wouldn't be a Rockstar game if Jack Thompson didn't try to get it pulled from shelves.Now that Take Two has said they want to focus more on the Wii, we're excited for all the things to come. And, we're excited about Manhunt 2, so when CVG revealed details on the game's story, we found ourselves even more excited. Have we said we're excited?As you may well know, the game focuses on two characters: Daniel Lamb and Leo Kasper. Lamb, a doctor, escapes with Kasper, a patient in a mental asylum, after a science experiment goes horribly wrong. They're then chased by The Pickman Project, who want to hide the results of the incident. Also, the environment will be more interactive, allowing the player to take out enemies with toilets (nice) and exposed electronics (we're assuming loose wiring and whatnot).See also: Manhunt 2 boxart revealed?
Wii Warm Up: Take-Two's Nintendo priority
Take-Two Interactive has been in the news a lot lately. We've seen everything from trailers for GTA IV and the company's very public floundering, but it's the latest that's of particular note to Nintendo fans: Take-Two has stated, quite firmly, that they are committed to producing games for Nintendo.Great! Welcome aboard the good ship Nintendo, where we welcome third party developers. But what will you bring us? Chairman Strauss Zelnick keeps stressing Grand Theft Auto -- even to calling it the company's "James Bond," but will we see a GTA on the Wii? We want specifics! Manhunt 2 isn't enough. If we can't get an original new gen game of our own, what about a port of Rockstar's Table Tennis? That's one port we might not complain about. Anything else you'd like to see Take-Two turn out?
Manhunt 2's crazy story revealed
Occasionally, game details slip out of Gamestop's website, like drool from a bulldog's mouth. This is such an occasion. Visiting Gamestop's Manhunt 2 page reveals story details on the mysterious Manhunt 2. What do PSP gamer's have to look forward to in this macabre title? Let's have the game description itself tell us. "An experiment at a secret research facility has gone catastrophically wrong. Daniel Lamb and Leo Kasper are the only surviving subjects. The Pickman Project will stop at nothing to hunt them down and stop the truth from getting out. Demented screams echo around the dank asylum that has caged you for the last six years. You open your eyes. A white-coated body slumps to the floor through your shaking hands. A bloody syringe slips from your arm. Waves of confusion and paranoia crash over you. You have no idea who you are or how you got here. The door to your cell is open. One choice. One chance. They took your life. Time to take it back." Pickman Project? I wonder if Miyamoto is behind this. [Via Kotaku]
GameStop shows us Manhunt 2 boxart?
GameStop is hardly the most reputable source for gaming news, but the boxart they're showing off for Manhunt 2 looks the part. Not the usual placeholder image fare they usually employ (black image with the game logo, y'know that kind of deal?), the image (which is too the right, if you hadn't noticed) looks the part and presents the style of Manhunt, if you ask us.Anyone else want to offer their critique on this proposed boxart? Good lookin' or bad taste in your mouth? Chime in and tell us what you think!
Jack Thompson's further Florida Bar issues
The day of reckoning for Jack Thompson approaches ever so slowly -- looks like somebody needs a luck dragon. Separately from another disciplinary hearing brought by the Florida Bar based on issues of misconduct, Thompson could be in trouble with the Florida Bar again over complaints filed by the judge from last year's Bully suit. The Florida Supreme Court has assigned a Miami judge for trial and if the complaints by the judge are upheld Thompson would face professional sanctions.The complaints brought by Judge Ronald Friedman were based on Thompson's conduct during the Bully trial. The Bar believes Thompson lashed out against Friedman during the trial making statements with "a reckless disregard as to [their] truth." The Bar points to statements made in the 15-page complaint which include gems from Thompson like, "Here's a tip, Judge, I don't practice law. I save lives from reckless jurists like you." And about the game Bully, Thompson says to Friedman, "You missed the gay sex ... I'm sure the voters are going to love that. Go ahead, Judge. File your bar complaint. Make my day."It's no secret at this point the Thompson's grip on reality is slipping. It seems the Florida Bar is looking to shut him down before he embarrasses the profession further. There is no word yet how this will affect Thompson's lawsuit to stop Manhunt 2 and Grand Theft Auto IV from hitting store shelves.
