We Have The First AO (Adult Only) Game Rating

_Fox_ · 20 Jun 2007, 02:26 PM

Manhunt 2 Rated AO?!
Is a Nintendo console delivering the first Adults Only console game ever?
by Daemon Hatfield

June 19, 2007 - We're all expecting the upcoming Manhunt 2 to be pretty gruesome. The original was one of the most violent games ever, but even that avoided the dreaded "Adults Only" rating from the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB). As violent as it was, it was deemed appropriate for "Mature" audiences. In fact, ever since the ESRB established the current rating system there has never been an AO-rated game on consoles…until now?

According to GamePolitics, Take-Two, which owns publisher Rockstar, has revealed Manhunt 2's rating, and it looks like it is the first console game to ever receive an AO label (not counting Grand Theft Auto San Andreas, also from Rockstar, which was retroactively rated AO for a short time when the Hot Coffee scandal erupted).

"The ESRB has issued an initial rating of AO (Adults Only) for Manhunt 2," Take-Two said. "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."

There is an appeal process through which Take-Two can challenge the rating. An AO sticker on a game box is considered the kiss of death, as the biggest retailers, such as Wal-Mart, will refuse to carry such titles. Earlier today it was announced that Manhunt 2 will be banned in the UK due to its intensely violent content.

As of this writing, neither Take-Two nor Rockstar could be reached for comment.

Well think it will bring out more AO games.

Exo · 20 Jun 2007, 02:31 PM

I don't think it matters to them. I bet it sells 10 times more with that rating.

STICK · 20 Jun 2007, 03:19 PM

I'm curious how the game compares to Gears of War, which is pretty fuckin' gruesome in its own right. I mean, you can snipe mofo's heads off, blow 'em to bits, chainsaw the absolute hell out of 'em and so on...

SC · 20 Jun 2007, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STICK

I'm curious how the game compares to Gears of War, which is pretty fuckin' gruesome in its own right. I mean, you can snipe mofo's heads off, blow 'em to bits, chainsaw the absolute hell out of 'em and so on...

Well it's the content of which the violence is in this game...like I've HEARD you can rape people and rip off balls and stuff like that.

I know the balls part is true, don't know about raping people.

The Glue · 20 Jun 2007, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STICK

I'm curious how the game compares to Gears of War, which is pretty fuckin' gruesome in its own right. I mean, you can snipe mofo's heads off, blow 'em to bits, chainsaw the absolute hell out of 'em and so on...

Not really...I mean, yeah...I'm sure you can do all of that...but Manhunt was just vicious and raw.

Killing people with broken bottles, plastic bags, whatever is at hand.

The kill if done properly triggered a cutscene that went into graphic detail depicting the target's death. Graphic detail. Upclose and personal. Moneyshot.

It's basically a snuff video game, and the rating is most likely based on the fact that the violence in it isn't so much gory as it is simply deplorable.

If you want to know more, click here

I never bought the original...and to kill time while I wait for next year's tax refund I'll probably end up getting it, as I hear that as perverse and disturbing as it is, it's also just a gloriously good game...I might buy the sequel, depending on which console I invest in...

And way to go to the UK for censoring something that's already rated AO. That's so France of you, d00d.

Late.

_Fox_ · 20 Jun 2007, 09:38 PM

The first game is amazing, the story line is great, the gameplay is good but needed work and hopefully its fixed, you will have a lot of fun with it if you haven't played it, but you will also get very frustrated if you don't be patient with it.

Mr. Submission · 20 Jun 2007, 09:45 PM

This isn't the first AO game, there have been others. But Manhunt is great, it's a lot like a horror film in terms of the tension that is delievered. Top notch game, II would be awesome.

STICK · 20 Jun 2007, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Glue

Not really...I mean, yeah...I'm sure you can do all of that...but Manhunt was just vicious and raw.

Killing people with broken bottles, plastic bags, whatever is at hand.

The kill if done properly triggered a cutscene that went into graphic detail depicting the target's death. Graphic detail. Upclose and personal. Moneyshot.

It's basically a snuff video game, and the rating is most likely based on the fact that the violence in it isn't so much gory as it is simply deplorable.

If you want to know more, click here

I never bought the original...and to kill time while I wait for next year's tax refund I'll probably end up getting it, as I hear that as perverse and disturbing as it is, it's also just a gloriously good game...I might buy the sequel, depending on which console I invest in...

And way to go to the UK for censoring something that's already rated AO. That's so France of you, d00d.

Late.

I see. Thanks

Also, Manhunt II isn't being released on PS3 or Xbox 360, just the Wii, PS2 and PSP...well at least according to wikipedia.

Also, it isn't banned in the UK. It's illegal to sell, but not illegal to own.

The Glue · 20 Jun 2007, 11:16 PM

Yeah, I heard it was coming out as one of the "Final" games for PS2...along with SVR08, Merceneries 2 and an alleged Star Wars game...

Goddamn...dragging out the end of PS2...it's like Sony's got their own version of the LOTR trilogy...

Late.

STICK · 20 Jun 2007, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Glue

Yeah, I heard it was coming out as one of the "Final" games for PS2...along with SVR08, Merceneries 2 and an alleged Star Wars game...

Goddamn...dragging out the end of PS2...it's like Sony's got their own version of the LOTR trilogy...

Late.

They're milking it for every penny that's for sure.

I can't say I blame them though...

PS2 installed userbase = 120 million+
PS3 installed userbase = 3 million+

Which console do you think will sell more copies of games? Even Boston should be able to answer that correctly

SC · 21 Jun 2007, 03:09 AM

This game is pretty much never gonna see the light of day unless they repeal or change the content.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com....php?id=166333

The Glue · 21 Jun 2007, 11:49 PM

That's a bunch of fucking bullshit. Facilitating censorship = teh suck.

Late.

Sinestro · 22 Jun 2007, 12:32 AM

For Christ's sake, release on the 360 and call it a day or do what they did in Punisher and make some scenes black and white.

Micky Knox · 24 Jun 2007, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SC

This game is pretty much never gonna see the light of day unless they repeal or change the content.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com....php?id=166333

of course it's gonna see the light of day you think there gonna spend that much money on a game and then not try to at least make some money off of it?

SC · 24 Jun 2007, 10:34 PM

Well they're not gonna make any money off THAT version

20 Jun 2007, 02:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
_Fox_ Together We Can! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,842 Rep Power: 703	We Have The First AO (Adult Only) Game Rating Manhunt 2 Rated AO?! Is a Nintendo console delivering the first Adults Only console game ever? by Daemon Hatfield June 19, 2007 - We're all expecting the upcoming Manhunt 2 to be pretty gruesome. The original was one of the most violent games ever, but even that avoided the dreaded "Adults Only" rating from the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB). As violent as it was, it was deemed appropriate for "Mature" audiences. In fact, ever since the ESRB established the current rating system there has never been an AO-rated game on consoles…until now? According to GamePolitics, Take-Two, which owns publisher Rockstar, has revealed Manhunt 2's rating, and it looks like it is the first console game to ever receive an AO label (not counting Grand Theft Auto San Andreas, also from Rockstar, which was retroactively rated AO for a short time when the Hot Coffee scandal erupted). "The ESRB has issued an initial rating of AO (Adults Only) for Manhunt 2," Take-Two said. "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." There is an appeal process through which Take-Two can challenge the rating. An AO sticker on a game box is considered the kiss of death, as the biggest retailers, such as Wal-Mart, will refuse to carry such titles. Earlier today it was announced that Manhunt 2 will be banned in the UK due to its intensely violent content. As of this writing, neither Take-Two nor Rockstar could be reached for comment. Well think it will bring out more AO games. __________________ The War You support pulling out, I say USE A CONDOM!!!!

20 Jun 2007, 02:31 PM	#2 (permalink)
Exo Now, even sexier! Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 16,845 Rep Power: 5826	I don't think it matters to them. I bet it sells 10 times more with that rating. __________________ Click to subscribe to the podcast feed or Download Episode 33 and give your feedback in the KPWF room. DEV INTERVIEW IS POSTED!

20 Jun 2007, 09:38 PM	#6 (permalink)
_Fox_ Together We Can! Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,842 Rep Power: 703	The first game is amazing, the story line is great, the gameplay is good but needed work and hopefully its fixed, you will have a lot of fun with it if you haven't played it, but you will also get very frustrated if you don't be patient with it. __________________ The War You support pulling out, I say USE A CONDOM!!!!

20 Jun 2007, 09:45 PM	#7 (permalink)
Mr. Submission Secret Agent Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Gold Coast, Australia Posts: 8,221 Rep Power: 809	This isn't the first AO game, there have been others. But Manhunt is great, it's a lot like a horror film in terms of the tension that is delievered. Top notch game, II would be awesome. __________________

20 Jun 2007, 11:16 PM	#9 (permalink)
The Glue Master Sergeant Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Pushing toward Visari Square... Posts: 14,508 Rep Power: 6464	Yeah, I heard it was coming out as one of the "Final" games for PS2...along with SVR08, Merceneries 2 and an alleged Star Wars game... Goddamn...dragging out the end of PS2...it's like Sony's got their own version of the LOTR trilogy... Late. __________________ People who use the words "Internet Bullies" are the most pussiest form of pussies you'll ever find. Chances are better than not that any girlfriend they've ever had cheated on them multiple times, probably right in front of them, laughing at their pitiful punk asses the whole time while they sat there and cried. If you or someone you know has been caused grief by an "Internet Bully" then you and/or that person is nothing but a little punk ass bitch, and the world would be a better, more manly place if you'd just jump off a fucking bridge already. Late.

20 Jun 2007, 03:19 PM	#3 (permalink)
STICK Psycho in my own mind... Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: PG Reppin' Posts: 28,820 Infractions: 1/0 (0) Rep Power: 7818	I'm curious how the game compares to Gears of War, which is pretty fuckin' gruesome in its own right. I mean, you can snipe mofo's heads off, blow 'em to bits, chainsaw the absolute hell out of 'em and so on...

21 Jun 2007, 03:09 AM	#11 (permalink)
SC ATWA Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 12,344 Rep Power: 780	This game is pretty much never gonna see the light of day unless they repeal or change the content. http://www.computerandvideogames.com....php?id=166333 __________________

21 Jun 2007, 11:49 PM	#12 (permalink)
The Glue Master Sergeant Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Pushing toward Visari Square... Posts: 14,508 Rep Power: 6464	That's a bunch of fucking bullshit. Facilitating censorship = teh suck. Late. __________________ People who use the words "Internet Bullies" are the most pussiest form of pussies you'll ever find. Chances are better than not that any girlfriend they've ever had cheated on them multiple times, probably right in front of them, laughing at their pitiful punk asses the whole time while they sat there and cried. If you or someone you know has been caused grief by an "Internet Bully" then you and/or that person is nothing but a little punk ass bitch, and the world would be a better, more manly place if you'd just jump off a fucking bridge already. Late.

24 Jun 2007, 10:34 PM	#15 (permalink)
SC ATWA Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 12,344 Rep Power: 780	Well they're not gonna make any money off THAT version __________________

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