The BBFC, the regulators which rate videogames in the UK, has rejected Manhunt 2 by Rockstar from sale anywhere in the UK. Both the PS2 and Nintendo Wii versions are affected by this decision.

"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," revealed David Cooke, director of the BBFC.

"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," he continued.

They considered the sequel to be much more bleak than the original Manhunt, which eventually was given an 18 rating in 2003.

"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," added Cooke.

"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 last game to be banned by the BBFC was Carmageddon in 1997. Publisher Rockstar has the right to appeal against the BBFC's decision. Rockstar as yet was unavailable for comment.

UPDATE: Britain is not the only game to ban Manhunt 2- the Irish Film Censors Office, which also handles rating for video games in Ireland, has decided to reject the game for legal sale in that country. According to the IFCO, "IFCO recognizes that in certain films, DVDs and video games, strong graphic violence may be a justifiable element within the overall context of the work. However, in the case of Manhunt 2, IFCO believes that there is no such context, and the level of gross, unrelenting and gratuitous violence is unacceptable."

I have a feeling that some people on this forum will not be happy to hear that.

Oh well, just import it from America. No big deal.

Manhunt 2 also just got an "Adults Only" rating by the ESRB. It has not been a good day for these guys. I'm SURE they will appeal the rating. It will be impossible to sell the game if it is AO.

I swear manhunt 1 was banned in the UK a while back aswell. Something about videogames like this causing violence.
Oh yeah, of course they do.