I read with concern today a review of the apparent leaked Manhunt 2 BETA which I was sent to via an e-mail link. It doesn't interest me for the actual review of the game - in fact most of the information we have heard before, it's just a clarification of it - but rather that the author states he picked the game up from a gaming store near where he lives:
I was pleasantly surprised in finding copies Manhunt 2 for the PS2 in the local gaming stores. Upon closer inspection, the version available now is of the PAL variety, meaning its the European version. In anticipation that this is the said leaked Unrated version, I grabbed a copy. Here is my take on the game, without any story spoilers.
My main concern here is that Rockstar have already made it clear this game was not intentionally leaked, and sharing or downloading it is obviously illegal. If Rockstar are yet to distribute the game, and there is a leaked BETA of it floating around the internet one could be lead to believe that these stores have downloaded the game, taken the necessary steps into placing it onto DVD's, making them some way playable on the PlayStation 2 without a mod chip and charging for the game which is not legal for them to do so as they themselves have not purchased the game for re-distribution. Now the article does not mention if he had to purchase the game or even if it played on a unmodified PlayStation 2, however this is to be expected - they are a game store after all they wouldn't be giving away something they could make some money off for free.
I'm going to attempt to get some more information from the source of the article on what exactly happened, until then keep your eyes out in case any gaming stores in your vicinity are trying to sell these illegal versions also, if so be sure let us know about it.
The article on this can be found here.
The question on everyone's lips this week is "What did Rockstar change to move Manhunt 2 from AO to M?". Well in the latest review by IGN they reveal all, the game hasn't change majorly at all in fact:
In the M-rated version, Rockstar has added both an extreme blur effect and in most cases darkened the graphics so that it is nearly impossible to make any sense of what is going on.
GameRadar has you cover from their on:
With the exception of the removal of the infamous testicle/vertebrae displacement, we're told all of these executions will be intact come late October... albeit somewhat altered. Now, upon entering the execution scenes, there's a newly added visual layer of weirdness. Everything goes all Christmasy, as if through a dark red and green filter, with pulsating motion blurs of blinding white. You still get an idea of the mayhem occurring on screen, but it's far less obvious and over the top as before. At best, the ambiguity enhances the disturbingly macabre motif. At worst, it makes watching the exhilaratingly barbaric execution scenes a little like trying catch a glimpse of a scrambled, late-night tit on a HBO.
So as you can see, apart from the obvious remove all the testicle removal scene and the new 'visual layer' to prevent direct viewing of executions the game hasn't been changed dramaticaly. However word is from GameSpot that Toronto has added to the dialog between Leo and Danny, whether this is just for the Wii version or not is unknown as of yet (as Toronto is working on the Wii version only):
This time around, the developers at Rockstar Toronto have added more dialogue between Danny and Leo, but the core mechanics are still the same.
More information as it becomes avaliable on the modification of the game. But so far, it looks as though the game will be just as good, if not better then before.
An astonishing new survey carried out by EEDAR shows that M-rated games get higher review scores than many other games. This surprises many people but can it also mean that people are now becoming smarter and recognising the game industry for what it really has to offer? Maybe not but we like to think so.
So this begs the question, will Manhunt 2 be successful according to this survey? We assure you that it will!
CVG has posted quite an interesting article on whether or not Manhunt 2 is damaging the gaming industry. Elite creator David Braben told CVG that violent games like Manhunt are destroying the reputation of the industry as a whole long-term.
“There have been a few games that have strange ratings like Gears of War (18). That does not make sense to me. Why is it not a 15? Okay, there are some slightly gruesome bodies hanging up in the first section of the game, but this is no more than you’d expect in a 15 film like Alien Vs Predator or The Terminator films.”
“This means that when a more genuine 18 comes along, parents assume it is no worse than Gears of War, and is perhaps why Manhunt 2 was banned, as they felt they could not give it the same rating as Gears.”
“While Manhunt 2 might have brought short term gain to Rockstar, it damages the reputation of the industry as a whole, long term. We do need a strong, consistent rating system, where 18 really means 18, and is enforced, and then it may be more acceptable to make such games, or to bring in an additional rating (as in the US) of Adults Only - which are only sold in very restricted places”
Quite a few valid points there. Read the full interview here.
IGN announced in a PodCast last week that they would hopefully be reviewing Manhunt 2 this week again to compare differences from their play of the now uncut Manhunt 2 to the new modified Manhunt 2 rated 'M'. Sadly they were unable to review the game as Rockstar was unable to put anything together for them in only a week. Which is believable, Rockstar have many things going on at the moment, events to attend and games to release. IGN say they should be able to review the game in 3-4 days, which isn't long.
Thanks to ProjectManhunt for the information.
The inevitable has happened. Manhunt 2, Rockstar's latest controversial incarnation of the 2003 classic, has been leaked onto a series of connecting wires (the internet). All this comes just two and a half months after the British Film Classification Board banned the game in the UK, and it doesn't bode well for Rockstar.
The supposed 'leak' is so far looking pretty authentic. It is described as an early BETA PS2 version, meaning the big R may have a snake in their ranks.
NFO(release notes):
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Manhunt 2 (Banned Uncut)
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General Information
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Type.................: Game
Platform.............: PS2
Number of Parts......: 57 Including PARS
Image Format.........: Other (specify)
Image Created with...: CloneCD
Burn Tested..........: Yes-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Post Information
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Posted by............: Team Slonik
Posted to............: <snip>
Parts per Day........: Dont Ask
Fills Policy.........: Other (specify)
Repost Policy........: Other (specify)-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Release Notes
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Greetz to the scene. Here we have the kick ass game (Manhunt 2 Banned Uncut
Version) from Team Slonik.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Install Notes
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Extract and Burn with CloneCDNote: We believe this to be a BETA version, so no crying if it <snip> up on you.
As fans of Rockstar and in particular Manhunt we at RockstarWatch urge you to avoid such 'leaks'. They are illegal and downloading them shows a lack of respect for the time, effort and money spent by Take Two and Rockstar to have this project ready for the public, for its fans. Rockstar strive to provide an entertainment experience unlike any other, and that's not something you are going to get from a (possibly) buggy, unfinished BETA version.
Footage of the leaked introduction sequence has been posted on GameTrailers: Here. If you don't want to ruin the game before you get it, we would advise ignoring all posted spoilers and video of the game on the internet.
Just in, literally minutes ago, Rockstar has requested the videos of numerous cutscenes and game intorduction of Manhunt 2, which BETA was leaked yesterday, be removed from YouTube. Now when you follow a link to the leaked material you get the message "This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Rockstar Games". So we now know that these videos were of the real game, and this obviously wasn't a stunt by Rockstar as some game sites would have you believe. I've contacted Rockstar on some other websites containing similar media and data which should definitely be removed.
While the US is getting a remake of Manhunt 2 and seeing that it is still banned in the UK it seems that one country will be getting the orignal... the Netherlands! In a letter to parliment, Justice minster Ernst Hirsch Ballin said:
"The current law is based on principle that every adult is considered capable of decieding for himself which games he wants to play, unless it contains illegal material"
The Netherlands is in the PAL region so if any of you guys feel of importing it, give it a shot. Hopefully we can get an article up discussing the differences in the two versions and if it really was worth a ban.
It was inevitable, but after two months of tweaking and possibly watering down, Manhunt 2 has recieved a Mature rating from the ESRB. It is not yet known precisely what Rockstar have done to the game in order to recieve the "M" rating, however the decision comes after a 'modified' version of the game was re-submitted to the ESRB. With a little bit of luck, the British Board of Film Classification will wise-up and follow suit. Rockstar are expected to attend a hearing regarding the BBFC's decision to ban the game in the UK in the next couple of months, so stick with us for news on that.
"This announcement follows the submission of a modified version of Manhunt 2 to the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), who has now rated the title "M" for Mature for ages 17 and older.
In June, Take-Two was compelled to suspend the release of the horror title when the ESRB issued an AO (Adults Only) rating.
"Manhunt 2 is important to us, and we're glad it can finally be appreciated as a gaming experience," said Sam Houser, founder and executive producer of Rockstar Games. "We love the horror genre. Manhunt 2 is a powerful piece of interactive story telling that is a unique video game experience. We think horror fans will love it."
"Manhunt 2 is an extraordinary game, and we eagerly anticipate its release in North America," added Strauss Zelnick, Chairman of Take-Two.Manhunt 2 is the debut title from the newly formed Rockstar London studio, which is developing the game in conjunction with series creator Rockstar North. Early previews of Manhunt 2 have consistently praised the game's original design and creative use of narrative, tone, and atmosphere to evoke an experience many consider unmatched in video games. The Wii version is being developed by Rockstar Toronto."
It also looks like Rockstar are going to be eager to show off some 'Responsible Marketing' in light of this fiasco:
"Video games rated Mature are for consumers ages 17 and older and are not intended for children. Along with the Mature rating, the ESRB also assigned the following content descriptors to Manhunt 2: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content and Use of Drugs."
Source: Take 2 Interactive
UK Trades paper MCV said in an article today that "the publisher in danger of releasing the game long after after the intial wave of hype is over", Manhunt 2 is sadly already behind the eight ball, as it has been developed for the PlayStation 2 and PSP, which are both several years old now, plus with the PlayStation 3 already out and PSP [2] coming out in the coming months they are at risk of not receiving the consumer support they are receiving at the moment. Once the hype dies down, so does the buying market. The Nintendo Wii on the other hand is proving to be very popular, so thats on market covered no matter what. A PlayStation 3 launch would be of great help, but the game may not be compatible or currently read for such a release.
“Rockstar has taken a while to build its case, so they’ve obviously been taking stock of what the BBFC have said. They will have to work together to agree on making the right cuts. But there could be problems if the BBFC feels that the violence running throughout the game is too much – it’s not like a film where you can just cut certain scenes.”
Guess we will have to wait and see how it all pan's out as to what precautions Rockstar take to keeping the hype about the game up. There’s no doubt about it, Rockstar are great at keeping game hype up, so fingers crossed there won't be a problem.
