Hellfire Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 Old Boy is a stylistic mess. Totally overrated Watch your words boy!
... Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 The whole film glorifies them. You talk like a fully paid up member of the P.C brigade. I'm the one defending the film and I'm the member of the PC brigade? That joke was almost funny. Only someone who doesn't know who Oliver Stone is would say the film glorifies violence and/or killers.
conzer16 Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 The game has officially been suspended by Rockstar while they re-evaluate their options. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/a62286/rockstar-officially-suspends-manhunt-2.html
Goron_3 Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 The game has officially been suspended by Rockstar while they re-evaluate their options. http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/a62286/rockstar-officially-suspends-manhunt-2.html That's a good idea i think. I think with persuasion they can get it released because it's stupid to ban it. I wanna rip a guy testicles out
Cookyman Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 BBFC appeal By now everybody in the world has probably heard about the Manhunt 2 ban. The BBFC has refused to rate it in the UK and the game's been given an Adults Only rating in the US, meaning Sony and Nintendo won't go anywhere near it. Of its decision the BBFC said, "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." Basically you don't do anything apart from killing people all the time. Rockstar then came back with, "Manhunt 2 is an entertainment experience for fans of psychological thrillers and horror. The subject matter of this game is in line with other mainstream entertainment choices for adult consumers." The BBFC has given Rockstar six weeks to appeal against the decision. Rockstar has yet to publicly say if it will go ahead and appeal or sit back and accept the BBFC's decision. A source who wished to remain anonymous told CVG that the firm will indeed appeal against the decision and that the company believes the game could be released in around six weeks' time. Whether this means in its current form, or a toned down, edited version is unclear. When contacted a Rockstar spokesperson simply told us that the company "is considering all its options". We're sure we'll be hearing more on the ban in the weeks to come. Take two shares drop Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. shares dipped Friday, a day after the company decided to suspend sales of its "Manhunt 2" game, which has already been banned in two countries. The game was blocked in Ireland and the U.K., and faces a ban in Italy, as well. Now it may never reach any stores, although the company said it stood behind the game and was considering its options. The game, which involves an amnesiac scientist going on a killing spree, is being criticized for its violence and brutality. "Manhunt 2," which was due out in July, had a preliminary "Adults Only" rating in the U.S. That would have restricted sales to customers 18 and older, although the company would have been able to appeal and make changes that may have lowered the rating. The game was to be sold on systems from Nintendo (other-otc: NTDOY.PK - news - people ) and Sony Corp. (nyse: SNE - news - people ), but they do not manufacture games with that rating, and many retail outlets will not sell them. Kaufman Bros. analyst Todd Mitchell expected Take-Two would make $28 million from "Manhunt 2" over the next two quarters. "As a result of Take-Two's decision to pull this title, we are lowering our fiscal 2007 revenue estimate to $1.19 billion from $1.23 billion and our fiscal 2007 (earnings per share) estimate from 10 cents to (a loss of) 5 cents. Mitchell reiterated a "Hold" rating and $18 price target. Nollenberger Capital Partners analyst Todd Greenwald said "Manhunt 2" was not an important title for the company, but wondered if its reputation - built on games like "Bully" and the controversial "Grand Theft Auto" series - was partly responsible for the bans. "It does seem that Take-Two is being a little bit unfairly singled out ... because of their history of provocative games," he said. "They're being burned by their past."
Zechs Merquise Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 The whole film glorifies them. You talk like a fully paid up member of the P.C brigade. Too right it does, the whole film tries to make them look 'cool' and 'edgy'. They are a couple of degenerate killers who are made into heroes.
Ashley Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 Manhunt 2 is art apparently: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/a62180/take-two-manhunt-2-is-a-fine-piece-of-art.html As twisted as it sounds, murder can be art. Because lets face it, if it wasn't why would there be so much photography and work on it (outside of professionally for the police). Similarly games are art forms, so yes Manhunt 2 is art. Art can be controversial but anything you create is art. But art is subjective.
Kurtle Squad Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 Some of you are saying that gta is worse. Well considering what ign have said and what i played of the first it really isn't..NO way Being able to kill people for the fun of it VS. Killing for survival And yet the BBFC let all these gross films* come out WTF?!!? (Which will affect people way more seeing as though they're actually realistic) I still don't get why they don't just slap an 18 on it...because it's suitable for 18s and no one else surely? It surely can't be worse than Saw III etc etc. The only reason it's 'banned' in America is because AO's usually involve dirty sex and such, so Nintendo & Sony don't want such things on their consoles...but now it's been given America's 18 it's 'banned'? Has anyone considered that they might have actually banned it for a reason? In the BBFC's press release on the matter they state that, "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." The original Manhunt was about revenge and being pushed towards violence to survive — the player was a victim. From what I've heard about the sequel the game is far more amoral and gratuitous, painting the player as a sadistic murderer. If the game was designed to be controversial for controversiality's sake, then the BBFC is well within its right to put down a ban. Having said that, I wouldn't be surprised if an appeal is negotiated and suddenly Manhunt 2 has a lot more public interest behind it. 1. There are loads of films with that kinda thing in 2. It is about survival again Check out this! The BBFC has stated that there was no political influence in the decision to ban Rockstar's Manhunt 2 from sale in the UK, GamesIndustry.biz is reporting. The original Manhunt caused a media frenzy following release when it was unfairly linked by the press to the murder of teenager Stefan Pakeerah. The UK games industry was forced to defend itself at the time from various media outlets, with ELSPA's director general Roger Bennett coming face-to-face with Pakeerah's parents on national TV - while publisher Rockstar remained characteristically aloof. Advertisement However, the BBFC's Sue Clark has told GamesIndustry.biz that past incidents have not influenced the decision to deny the sequel to UK consumers. "That had nothing to do with this decision, absolutely not," said Clark. "We are independent of government and independent of the industry and we reached this decision based on our guidelines and our concerns and not on any other basis at all," she said. Recent research by the BBFC showed that negative press surrounding controversial games actually encourages sales. A UK ban of Manhunt 2 would not be able to stop dedicated consumers importing copies on release. "We've rejected this game so you can't buy it legally in the UK," added Clark. "We have to make a decision. If we feel it's not appropriate for classification then we have to make that decision - we can't classify it and hope nobody notices it." The BBFC has recently supported the release of a number of violent videogames despite the titles attracting controversy, including Rockstar's Canis Canem Edit and Capcom's Dead Rising. So if they're independant from the Govt. and the Industry, then the Industry should ignore them, and so should us, as we live under the Govt? Anyway, I feel I should clarify that I'm not writing the game off, it's simply that based on current evidence is does seem to be a lot more gratuitous than the first game. Clearly the BBFC — who have seen far more of the game than ourselves — seem to think so. So have IGN, and that guy on BBC Breakfastwho said it doesnt deserve a ban... Altough Im not in favour of the ban, Im not in favour of the game Hopefully this will go towards teaching Rockstar a lesson, be it that they arent untouchable and cant get away with whatever the hell they like Go release some murderers and paedophiles or something and give them lots of treats. The game looks pants anyway. At least now its banned, we wont get derranged kids killing toddlers or anyone else for that matter. Well seeing as though their parents would be irresponsible, causing irrisponsible kids...who would most likely live somewhere near olthers that are irresponsible; it's pretty likely it'd be scum that'd be killed....maybe the kids parents?...Which would be nothing but good in my eyes. (There is NO proof linking videogames to murder) If it's true there are sections of genital mutilation etc, then no wonder it got banned. You dont get to see it in all it's gorey detail (I don't think) you know...
Cookyman Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 Manhunt 2 ban locator on Google Maps Never mind being under fire, Rockstar has had to endure a media carpet bombing this week and now the publisher/developer has announced the postponement of Manhunt 2 's release while it considers how best to proceed in the light of the decisions made by the BBFC and ESRB. We're sure there are plenty more twists in the tale to come, though... To help keep you up to date with the story as it continues to unfold, we've created a Manhunt 2 ban locator - using the delightful medium of Google Maps - which charts the current state of the game around the world. Where has Manhunt 2 been officially banned? Which countries are willing to peddle Rockstar's wares? What have the critics said about the game? Simply click here or on the image below and take a tour of the Manhunt 2 hotspots. We'll be updating the Manhunt 2 ban locator as and when more countries inevitably jump on the banned-wagon and decide that they know what's best for their dimwitted citizens. Heres the Link: GamesRadar's Manhunt 2 ban locator
conzer16 Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 France and Norway have banned it also?? I though the US had rated in AO rather than ban it outright??
thirtynine. Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 France and Norway have banned it also?? I though the US had rated in AO rather than ban it outright?? Surley it matters not what with ninty and sony refusing to let it be released as an AO title.
conzer16 Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 But in essence it hasn't been banned. There is a difference between banned outright and rated AO.
blender Posted June 22, 2007 Posted June 22, 2007 But in essence it hasn't been banned. There is a difference between banned outright and rated AO. not in practice unless take two try and release it unlicenced... e.g. like freeloader. ( This would require take two to hack the wii which is not done yet) Having played far cry wii, I value my nintendo seal of quality.
Cookyman Posted June 23, 2007 Posted June 23, 2007 Link - bostonherald.com Analysts say ’Manhunt 2’ suspension could boost interest, won’t harm company bottom line By Associated Press Friday, June 22, 2007 - Updated: 03:59 PM EST The decision by Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. to suspend distribution of the violent video game "Manhunt 2" could actually end up boosting demand from curious gamers, industry analysts said Friday. Analysts do not believe the move will harm the company’s long-term bottom line. And if the game ever sees the light of day, the current controversy could give the title "a lot more exposure that would actually benefit game sales in the long run," said Colin Sebastian, senior research analyst at Lazard Capital Markets. "Manhunt 2," initially slated for a July release on Nintendo Co.’s Wii and Sony Corp.’s PlayStation 2, depicts the escape of an amnesiac scientist and a psychotic killer from an asylum and their subsequent epic killing spree. Following bans by Britain and Ireland, as well as a ratings flap in the United States, Take-Two said late Thursday it was reviewing its options. "We believe in freedom of creative expression, as well as responsible marketing, both of which are essential to our business of making great entertainment," the company said. The game received a preliminary "Adults Only" rating in the United States from the industry’s self-governed ratings body, the Entertainment Software Rating Board, restricting sales to customers 18 and older. More importantly, such titles aren’t stocked by large retailers such as Wal-Mart Stores Inc., and all three console makers - Microsoft Corp., Nintendo and Sony - do not allow "AO" games on their systems. Take-Two still could appeal the rating or craft a toned-down version that meets the less-stringent "Mature" rating for players 17 and older. It’s a move anticipated by analysts, but no indication was given on the fate of the title as of Friday. Telephone messages left with a Take-Two company spokesman were not returned, and a spokesman for its Rockstar Games division, which created "Manhunt 2," declined comment. "It’s free publicity," Sebastian said. "Consumer backlash is a risk but at the end of the day if it’s rated ’M’ the retailers will take it." Added Rick Munarriz, a senior analyst with The Motely Fool: "If anything, with this suspension there’s going to be a demand for it because of the controversy." Investors also seemed unfazed as Take-Two shares rose 21 cents, or 1 percent, to $20.82 in trading Friday. Take-Two and Rockstar still have a marquee franchise on tap for a fall release. "Grand Theft Auto IV," the latest in a series of urban crime games, should prove to be the real money maker when it is released on the PlayStation 3 and Microsoft’s Xbox 360 in October. Previous versions have been top-sellers, and Sebastian said any financial hit from "Manhunt 2" would be more than offset by the new "GTA" game. "Relative to Grand Theft Auto it’s a lot less significant," Sebastian said of "Manhunt 2." ”Grand Theft Auto is the key driver. This is a second-tier title." The previous game in the series, "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas," was at the center of a ratings controversy two years ago that sparked a Congressional inquiry. Rockstar was forced to replace its first edition of "San Andreas" after a hacker discovered a password-protected game inside it that involved a sexual encounter. This year has already been a turbulent one for Take-Two, which recently underwent a shareholder coup that ousted its chief executive and nearly all of its board. The company said earlier this month that layoffs were likely as part of a restructuring effort designed to cut costs by about $25 million a year by 2008. Specific numbers haven’t been released. Take-Two has about 2,100 employees. It’s not clear what effect the "San Andreas" controversy had on sales, as the title had already been available for months by the time the hack was discovered. In 2004, the year it was released, "San Andreas" was the top seller with more than 5.1 million copies sold in the U.S., according to market analyst NPD Group. Controversies like "Manhunt 2" are to be expected for a company with a reputation for publishing edgy content, said Munarriz, the analyst. "You have a company that’s always lived in the gray area," he said. "These games are controversial and that’s part of the allure."
thirtynine. Posted June 23, 2007 Posted June 23, 2007 not in practice unless take two try and release it unlicenced... e.g. like freeloader. ( This would require take two to hack the wii which is not done yet) Having played far cry wii, I value my nintendo seal of quality. Not going to happn tho..
Emasher Posted June 23, 2007 Posted June 23, 2007 apparently nintendo and sony have refused to lisense the game on their consoles there will be no legal release of the game whatsoever
Aalborg Posted June 23, 2007 Posted June 23, 2007 our stupid cultural minister here in denmark for once wasnt stupid.. he will not try to ban this game (would be a breach of our law) he will just point out not to sell it to people under 18.. way to go Brian.. now give us the game Rockstar..
Zechs Merquise Posted June 23, 2007 Posted June 23, 2007 apparently nintendo and sony have refused to lisense the game on their consoles there will be no legal release of the game whatsoever This will not harm Rockstar or the game in question. Rockstar knew what they were doing when they made this. All their games court controversy, and each time they do so they realise they must up the bar for the next game. They will have expected this reception and I wouldn't be surprised if they had a cut version or tweaked version waiting in thw wings to fly out and sell by the bucket load. There is also no reason why they can't sell the banned version on PC in America and coutries where it is not banned.
Zechs Merquise Posted June 23, 2007 Posted June 23, 2007 lol, very true, the AO rating may well be justified. it's certainly an 18+ game.
Gaijin von Snikbah Posted June 24, 2007 Posted June 24, 2007 So it might have been the sexscenes then?
Noodleman Posted June 24, 2007 Posted June 24, 2007 Cant be arsed to read the whole thread but I assume its been mentioned that the media shit storm is almost exactly like what happened when the Daily Mail caught wind of GTA3. It will get released eventualy and when it does millions of 15 year olds will buy it.
... Posted June 24, 2007 Posted June 24, 2007 That NGamer review is actually very tasty. I usually trust their reviews, since the days of N64 Mag.
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