Manhunt 2 Prevails in Struggle for UK Release

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Rockstar North's Manhunt 2 (PS2, Wii) will finally be released in the UK following a long legal battle to keep the game off of retail shelves, Gamasutra reports.

The UK Video Appeals Committee upheld its rejection of an appeal filed by the British Board of Film Classification, which was passed by the British High Court earlier this year. In a majority decision of four to three, the VAC has ignored the High Court's judgment and granted Rockstar's appeal.

With no legal recourse, the BBFC has confirmed that it will issue the game an 18 and over age rating, allowing Manhunt 2 to be sold in the UK.

"We twice rejected Manhunt 2...however, the Video Appeals Committee has again exercised its independent scrutiny," said BBFC director David Cooke. "It is now clear, in the light of this decision, and our legal advice, that we have no alternative but to issue an '18' certificate to the game."

BBFC's assignment of a rating brings an end to nearly nine months of legal turmoil over Manhunt 2, which was denied rating by the committee last June and barred from sale in the UK. Rockstar successfully appealed to the Video Appeals Committee late last year, forcing the BBFC to assign a rating to the game.

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From The Chatty
  • reply
    March 14, 2008 8:02 PM

    I wasn't actually that interested in the sequel; the first 'satisfied' me for the style of gameplay.

    But in light of the sheer chaos surrounding the game in terms of release and legality I'd feel somehow traitorous to not acquire it sooner or later, now.

    Once again, negative hype will positively impact sales, at least in this indivual's experience.

    ... Also, Army of Two's bloody melee takedowns have really stoked my appetite for flank-and-grab melee.

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