Manhunt 2 Set Free

Rockstar's game is OKed for release in the UK.

It was in June last year that the British Board of Film Classification started its campaign against Rockstar's violent new Wii and PlayStation 2 sequel Manhunt 2. The two organizations have clashed repeatedly over the past nine months, but it all came to nought this week.

On Friday, the BBFC said that the Video Appeals Committee, which had heard Rockstar's appeal earlier this year, has reaffirmed its position to uphold the appeal on the game.

This means that the game will be granted a rating and has been okayed for release in the UK.

"We twice rejected Manhunt 2, and then pursued a judicial review challenge, because we considered, after exceptionally thorough examination, that it posed a real potential harm risk," the BBFC's David Cooke said in a statement.

He said that the BBFC has "no alternative but to issue an 18 certificate to the game."

For its part, Rockstar has sworn that it will be responsible in promoting the 18-rated game in the UK.

"Rockstar Games is committed to making great interactive entertainment, while also marketing our products responsibly and supporting an effective rating system," reads a statement, reprinted by MCV.

Manhunt 2, sequel to the much-maligned 2003 Rockstar game. had been due last autumn already. The game was rejected by the BBFC and ratings boards around the world. In the US, the game was reworked and received an M-rating.

The game was released in the US in October, earning mostly middling reviews from critics.

Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo