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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.
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]
PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 22
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.)New for PSP: Get selected videos delivered automatically to your PSP via our new RSS feed. The Darkness [PS3, 360]Download MP4 (6.54MB) | Download JPG The following videos are featured after the break: Manhunt 2, Rise: Blood Hunter, Evening, and the feature length film "Night of the Living Dead."
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.
Manhunt 2 wallpapers bring the violence to your desktop
If you happen to use your computer near someone who fancies themselves a Jack Thompson-alike, then boy have we got something for you: freakalicious Manhunt 2 wallpapers to dress up that desktop. There's nothing like a giant glaring eyeball of death to get you through the workday. Our spiffy new galleries balk at anything over 800px wide, so you'll have to hit the source for the bigger, better versions. To make up for it, we added some screenshots as well. Enjoy!%Gallery-3148%
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.
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]
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'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]
Jack Thompson responds biblically to Take-Two
Last weekend we reported that Jack Thompson plans to sue Take-Two over concerns about the release of Manhunt 2 and Grand Theft Auto IV. A few days ago Take-Two countered saying that Thompson was simply bringing another nuisance suit to the courts. Thus, the circle of Jack Thompson life continues. We could attempt to ignore Jack Thompson the same way the Associated Press attempted to ignore Paris Hilton, but then we couldn't tell you about Jack's latest email to the press (full text after the break).Thompson begins by saying that he has been "praying" for Take-Two to sue him and that this "misstep would enable [him] to destroy Take-Two" and his "prayers are finally answered." He then goes on to quote scripture. He closes with, "Amen, and Praise be to God Almighty, maker of Heaven, Earth, and yes, the maker even video games." This is a whole new level for Jack Thompson. Get ready to experience Thompson v2.0.
Jack Thompson suing Take-Two -- 2007 Edition
Sisyphus ain't got nothin' on Jack Thompson. The infamous anti-games lawyer, who former ESA head Doug Lowenstein said should be ignored by the gaming press, is suing Take-Two Interactive to prevent the sale of Manhunt 2 and Grand Theft Auto IV. Thompson plans to file suit the week of March 19 and he is looking to "prevent the sale of two hyperviolent video games set to be released this year and sold to anyone under 17 years of age." Which reads like two objectives.In the following paragraph, the clarification is that the games shouldn't be sold to anyone under 17 because both games will be rated "mature." According to the ESRB website, neither game has been rated at this time. Not to mention that even if they are rated M, they shouldn't be sold to anyone under 17 anyway. At this stage we know little to nothing about either game, Grand Theft Auto IV's trailer hasn't even been released yet. For all we know it could be sunshine and lollipops. This lawsuit is a bit premature and could simply be viewed as Thompson trying to get another advanced copy of a Rockstar game. Don't give in Take-Two, we expect him to wait for the game just like everyone else. Thompson says he is going forward with the lawsuit because he "still has his testicles, both literally and figuratively" despite Take-Two's efforts to have him disbarred.Get the full Jack Thompson treatment with the release after the break.
Ball ripping action in Manhunt 2?
The first Manhunt received some mixed reactions and with good reason, it was vile and disgusting and showcased the worst about humanity, making the gamer feel dirty just playing it. That's precisely why I enjoyed Manhunt since that was the aim and I can't say I've ever felt the way Manhunt made me feel before or since. Lucky for me Manhunt 2 is coming to PSP. Some may wonder if Rockstar is going to tone the violence down in the sequel since they've gotten so much negative attention and legal issues lately. I think the fact that the main character can rip off a victim's testicles with pliers should answer that question. In addition to that, players can also stab someone in the eye with a syringe, push someones face into a live fuse or if you're time restrained, shoot them. There are also finally some story details. Manhunt 2 has a new main character, Dr. Daniel Lamb who is a scientist locked in an asylum called The Project. They use the asylum to test a top secret drug that Lamb was working on and was to be used as a weapon. Lamb breaks out of the asylum and goes on the run with a psychotic inmate named Leo Kasper. Mr. Kasper teaches Lamb how to use violence to his advantage. Other than the name Lamb sounding brutally cliche, Manhunt 2 sounds promising to fans of the first game. [Via Games Radar]
Mail from Rockstar terrifies blogger
I received a mysterious letter in the mail today. As the lead blogger of PSP Fanboy, it's not unusual for game companies to try to contact me through the post. But, I was puzzled ... no, scared about what could be from the "Dixmor Hospital for the Criminally Insane." Questions started buzzing in my head: How did they get my address? Did I accidentally leak it on the Internet? I was terrified that some creepy Internet-stalker-fan had somehow illegally referred me to a mental institute. And trust me, I keep on telling the voices that I don't need to go to one!
Manhunt 2 trailer online! [Update 1]
It's only been a few hours since Manhunt 2 was announced for PSP, but there is already a trailer online. It seems like the game has a different main character and the story is quite unclear from the trailer, but then again, what Rockstar Games teaser trailer ever really gives away too much? Either way, I can't help but be psyched by what is shown. Check out the official Manhunt 2 site to see the trailer now. [Update 1: Changed link to official site]
The Manhunt (2) is on
Rockstar is sending some more love to the PSP is this year. Manhunt 2, the sequel to the ultra-violent Manhunt, will be appearing on the PS2, PSP and Wii (O RLY?). The original sparked a great deal of controversy, and I expect the sequel to do the same."With Manhunt 2 we have tried to create a game that stays close to the original concept of chilling suspense and stealth, whilst pushing the game design and storytelling forward," said Sam Houser, founder and executive producer of Rockstar Games. "We are also excited to have our newest development team, Rockstar London, working on the title alongside our two established UK studios, Rockstar North and Leeds."[Via IGN]
