oflc
Latest
Ubisoft's 'Bloody Good Time' rated in Australia
The Australian OFLC ratings board has granted a rating to an Ubisoft game called Bloody Good Time -- a game that has yet to be quite announced, though Ubisoft already has a site for it. According to the blurb on the incomplete site, "Bloody Good Time is a game regrouping ambitious teen actors ready to kill for fame! Selected by a weird B-movie director looking for the best shot, they will do anything to get the lead role." How did this make it through the rating process in Australia, exactly? A German USK rating further specifies this game as an Xbox Live Arcade release -- essentially leaving only release date and graphical styles as open questions. Well, that and the issue of whether you control the murderous teen actors, in which case it's a multiplayer shooter, or the director, in which case it's something really interesting.
Australia's Atkinson thinks gamers are scarier than biker gangs
Australian Attorney General Michael Atkinson, also known as "that one guy responsible for preventing an R18+ rating from being adopted in the country," recently had some (unsurprisingly) inflammatory things to say about gaming enthusiasts during an interview with Good Game. "About two o' clock in the morning I got a threatening note from a gamer shoved under my door," Atkinson claimed. "I feel that my family and I are more at risk from gamers than we are from the outlaw motorcycle gangs who also hate me ... the outlaw motorcycle gangs haven't been hanging around my doorstep at 2 a.m.. A gamer has." Well, yeah. We wish we could argue with that logic, but we just can't. It's rock solid. Except -- wait. Maybe the outlaw motorcycle gangs don't have the time to wait by your door at 2 a.m. because they're too busy perpetrating violent crimes and distributing meth? No, no -- that's just crazy talk. [Via GoNintendo]
More retailers sign on in support of R18+ rating in Australia
Most businesses enjoy exchanging goods and services for fungible assets, so it's not too shocking that Australian retailers are pulling for the nation to adopt an R18+ rating, which would cut down on the number of games the OFLC is forced to outright ban. Two retailers, GAME and Gametraders, recently spoke to GameSpot about their support of the new rating, and explained they'd be willing to adhere to surprisingly strict protocols in order to sell mature titles. Both parties agreed to keep R18+ games in a special section of the store, which would be restricted to youngsters. Also, they stated they would package mature games in blank cases, so as not to offend the delicate sensibilities of nearby shoppers. That sounds a lot like that certain section of your local Blockbuster Video. You know, the one that only creeps go into? And occasionally, you see one of your old math teachers coming out of? And then you're forced into an awkward conversation with them while they desperately attempt to hide their naughty acquisition? [Via GamePolitics]
Australian Christian Lobby argues against R18+ rating
[Image credit] We've been following this story for quite some time now. Australia is currently debating a new R18+ rating, which would allow more mature games to be released in the country uncensored. The established maximum rating of MA 15+ has been a pain for both the gamers and those producing the games. Now there's a paper that citizens can weigh in on and retailer EB Games is the latest to support the new, more mature classification. Caught up? Good. In addition to the roadblock of the Australian Attorney General, it would seem the R18+ rating now has another hurdle to overcome: The Australian Christian Lobby and its head, Jim Wallace. In an interview with GameSpot, Wallace equates violent video games to his time spent in the SAS, comparing soldiers' use of simulation exercises and routines as a way to break their "natural reluctance" to kill an enemy. By making these games more lifelike, he thinks the average citizen will be less hesitant to perform these violent acts outside the confines of their television screens and computer monitors, something he says isn't "in the individual's interest, and it's not in the community's interest." Wallace also had some choice words for the ongoing public feedback phase of the proposed R18+ rating. He says "the only people who are going to be into this are the games people" -- y'know, the people affected by all of this. [Via Game Politics]
EB Games endorses R18+ rating in Australia
Australia isn't just dangerous because of its abundance of deadly, poisonous wildlife, it's also not a great place to live if you're an adult gamer. See, the country's maximum rating for video games has long been MA 15+, meaning that a mature game must either be censored down to what the country deems is suitable for a 15 year old individual or outright banned from release in the country. This forces many gamers to navigate the seedy streets and back alleys of the importing scene. Nasty stuff, believe us. But, there's hope. A new rating of R18+ has been a hot topic as of late. Recently, the government has been receptive to a change in the legislature, despite South Australian attorney general Michael Atkinson's vehement disapproval. The public is able to weigh in on the proposed change right now, but retailer EB Games has also decided to join the fight for more mature titles. And like anyone else trying to get something done on the internet, it's started a petition. The "Grow Up Australia & EB Games" petition pretty much mirrors the same form found on the Aussie government's site here, so if you're a bloke or sheila who has already voiced your opinions on the government site, there's no need to fill out this new EB Games questionnaire. If not, get on it. The deadline is February 28. [Via IGN]
'Mr. Driller: Drill Till You Drop' classified for multiple platforms
Australia's OFLC, perpetual announcer of unannounced games, has outed a new entry in the Mr. Driller series from Namco Bandai. Entitled Mr. Driller: Drill Till You Drop, the game has been classified as a "multi platform" title. Though there's not much official information beyond the name, it's probably a safe bet that it will involve Mr. Driller himself and, most likely, drilling. We're also betting it will include plenty of frustration, especially upon losing the game when THERE'S ANOTHER OXYGEN CAPSULE RIGHT &*%$ING THERE.
Q Games working on '3D Space Tank' for Nintendo
Australia's OFLC has rated 3D Space Tank, which is apparently a new title for Nintendo by PixelJunk studio Q Games. Siliconera found the listing, but, beyond a generic name (which has never stopped the studio before), details are scarce. The studio has been producing games for DSiWare, but there's no clear indication at this time what platform this latest game is for. We've contacted Q Games for any details that it would like to share, hopefully the answer will be crisp and clear, not just a bunch of pixel junk. Update: Q Games is deferring to Nintendo.
OFLC posts rating for Perfect Dark on XBLA
The Australian Office of Film and Literature Classification has posted a rating on its website for the long-awaited XBLA port of Rare's Perfect Dark, which would hint that a release is just around the corner. (Major Nelson did say that it would drop "this winter.") The OFLC gave the shooter an MA 15+ for "strong violence," the toughest rating they hand out for video games. If a release is imminent, now might be the perfect time to play through the 360 prequel, Perfect Dark Zero, and get further acquainted with Joanna Dark before you can revisit her debut adventure in high resolution.
Dracula X rated by OFLC
[Castlevania Dungeon] No, the world's most famous vampire wasn't judged unsuitable for families. Rather, it's a long-awaited hint of a localized Virtual Console release for Dracula X: Rondo of Blood. The legendary PC Engine Castlevania game came out in Japan in April 2008, but never made it to the Virtual Console elsewhere. Now, the Australian OFLC ratings board has classified the game, listing Nintendo as the publisher. The impact of this development may be dulled somewhat by the game's availability in both original and remade form on the PSP Dracula X Chronicles disc, but we would enjoy the opportunity to play this game without first purchasing another system, and then unlocking the game somewhere in its remake. [Via GoNintendo]
Sega: Aliens vs. Predator reclassified in Australia without edits
Sega has announced its victory in the fight over whether or not Australians will get to (legally) play Aliens vs. Predator. According to a statement given to Kotaku, Sega has successfully appealed the OFLC's decision to refuse classification to the FPS and has secured the game a rating of MA-15+, which has yet to be reflected in the OFLC database. "We are particularly proud that the game will be released in its original entirety, with no content altered or removed whatsoever," Sega Australia general manager Darren Macbeth told Kotaku. "This is a big win for Australian gamers. We applaud the Classification Review Board on making a decision that clearly considers the context of the game, and is in line with the modern expectations of reasonable Australians". We now urge our Australian friends not to do anything that might appear even the least bit inspired by this game. If you see a ravenous, monstrous alien, let it go unblasted.
Australia releases R18+ discussion paper, requests public feedback
The Australian government has finally released the R18+ discussion paper and is requesting comment on whether the adult classification should be made available for video games. For those just joining us, Aussie video game classification caps at MA15+, meaning any game unsuitable for a 15-year-old can't be sold in the region. Submissions stating why the government should allow an R18+ rating for games is due by February 28, 2010. The government spells out quite plainly that any change in the classification policy "must be unanimously agreed [upon] by Commonwealth, State and Territory Censorship Ministers." [Thanks Simon and everyone else who sent this in]
Australian Attorney General offers insight into Aliens vs. Predator classification refusal
We've heard from Australian Attorney General Michael Atkinson in the past on why he thinks certain games shouldn't be available to Australian consumers. And when he was asked recently by ABC why the upcoming Aliens vs. Predator was refused classification in his country (read: banned), he echoed previous sentiments on the interactivity of games having a stronger affect on people than other mediums. "I accept that 98 percent, 99 percent of gamers will tell the difference between fantasy and reality, but the 1 to 2 percent could go on to be motivated by these games to commit horrible acts of violence," Atkinson said. When the subject of AvP comes up, though, Atkinson put on his game reviewer cap and offered, "You don't need to be playing a game in which you impale, decapitate and dismember people." So, what're you thinking, Mr. Atkinson -- 5.0/10 maybe? 4.7/10? We're all ears. [Via GamesIndustry.biz]
OFLC suggests Western release for Ninety-Nine Nights 2
Konami appears to be daring enough to localize Ninety-Nine Nights 2 -- which, we suppose, isn't too much of a surprise since it showed the courage to publish the sequel to the mediocre action title in the first place. While Konami hasn't said anything official, an OFLC rating has appeared for N32, outing at least a tentative plan to publish the game in Australia. Speculation: Konami's not going to localize the game just for Australia. Whether the announcement is good news or not depends on your faith in Feelplus (for whom this is the first action game) to deliver a better Dynasty Warriors-type game than Phantagram did. %Gallery-71570%
Aussies gather in Brisbane to promote R18+ rating
A "rally" in Brisbane, Australia in support of an R18+ rating for video games attracted approximately 50 people -- so maybe more along the lines of a "gathering," then. But let's not dwell on the meager turnout, let's focus on the intent and message, which GamePolitics reports was uploaded to YouTube (1, 2, 3, 4). Speaking at the event were Nicolas Suzor of Electronic Frontiers Australia and Ethan Watson of Treat Us Like Adults. Thankfully, it appears nobody was doing cosplay, a tactic that a previous rally considered implementing. The first priority of the groups is to have Commonwealth Minister of Home Affairs, Brendan O'Connor, release the R18+ discussion paper that the "censorship ministers" have been slow to make public. Yes, a report on censorship is being censored. South Australian Attorney General Michael Atkinson had previously tried a political maneuver to bury the report and put the debate on an R18+ rating on indefinite hold. [Via GamePolitics] [Image: Andrew Wade]
CrimeCraft's 'drug use' prevents Australian classification
Vogster's freeish-to-play MMO, CrimeCraft, has been effectively banned from Australia. The beleaguered publisher's online title won't make it to the country in its current form due to "drug use related to incentives or rewards." The same complaint was aimed at Fallout 3 last year.Gamespot UK reports the Australian Classification Board's main objection was to the use of "boosts," the drugs used in the game. The board declared there was "insufficient delineation between the 'fictional drugs' available in game and real-world proscribed drugs." On the bright side, Vogster can thank Australia's lack of a mature classification for video games -- and Attorney General Michael Atkinson's opposition to an R18+ rating -- for getting the game some press.%Gallery-48843%
OFLC rating reveals Q-Games' Reflect Missile, Nintendo publishing
Q-Games and Nintendo had a recent partnership in the release of Digidrive, but it doesn't seem like they're letting their relationship cool off any time soon. According to a new OFLC rating, Q-Games is developing -- and Nintendo is publishing -- a game called Reflect Missile. No platform was announced, but the safe money's on either a DSiWare or WiiWare release. Now, let's get to determining exactly what a "Reflect Missile" is. Is is just, like, a really shiny missile, in which one might see themselves? Or is "Reflect Missile" a command in weird, broken English? For instance, "Captain Douglass, reflect [that] missile?" Or is the command being issued directly to the missile itself -- "Reflect, Missile!" The possibilities are as endless as they are nonsensical. [Via GamerBytes]
After Burner Climax rated by OFLC and Korean board, possibly coming to PSN
Though it might lose some of its magic without the full chair-and-tinted-window-equipped arcade cabinet, we're still pretty pumped about the possibility of getting our hands on a port of Sega's classic flight combat sim, After Burner. According to the OFLC and the Korean Game Rating Board, it's only a matter of time before our wish is fulfilled -- GamerBytes recently noticed that both groups have rated Sega's After Burner Climax for home console distribution. According to the Korean board, the rating was applied for by Sony, leading some to believe the title's planned launch platform is the PSN. However, considering the multi-platform release of Outrun Online Arcade, we wouldn't be surprised if Sega decided to share the aerial dogfighting love with the 360 as well. We've contacted the hedgehog-loving developer to find out exactly what its plans are for the title.
Video: Censored Left 4 Dead 2 right 4 classification
Footage allegedly taken from Australia's censored version of Left 4 Dead 2 has made its way online ... and we feel it's inadequately preparing citizens down under for the future! Though the game will get Aussies used to facing down a charging zombie horde, it does nothing to desensitize them to the revolting gore that inevitably follows.The censored version lacks exploding heads, dismemberment (courtesy of the new melee weapons) and burning corpses. Sadly, for those of us who have built up a considerable hatred for the undead scourge threatening our civilization, the fallen undead just fade into the ether. Check out the full video after the break and pray for Australia's survival when the zombie apocalypse comes.[Via Destructoid]
Aussie Borderlands fixed, requires another Steam download
GamesonNet reports that the uncensored version of Borderlands is now available for Australian Steam users. 2K Games is asking all users who preloaded the game to delete the previous content and re-download the eight gigglebyte title. That should fix the issue of Aussie Steam users receiving the "low violence" version of the game, a laughable mistake after the OFLC granted the "high violence" edition entry into the country.Forum users are commenting that there are alternative fixes available out there, but let's all just agree that re-downloading the game is probably the safest and most "official" way of handling the issue. Of course, redownloading 8GB is not going to make Aussies who have a download limit from their ISP happy.[Via Big Download]
Aussie Steam users get low-violence Borderlands by accident, fix incoming
Oops! Australia has become so synonymous with censorship that even distributors are starting to get confused. Despite the unedited version of Borderlands passing the OFLC's ratings board successfully, it turns out that a "low-violence" version was accidentally uploaded for Aussies on Steam. 2K Games Australia is apparently working on getting the correct version onto Steam before the game launches in a few days. This does not affect the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the game, which will be presented in what can only be described as "full violence" mode. Now, with luck, Australia will have the exact opposite problem with Left 4 Dead 2's launch. [Via Big Download]
