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Manhunt 2 Ready For Release, Politicians Angered
After much hemming and hawing, Take-Two appears to have secured an 'M' rating for Manhunt 2 from the ESRB. The title is now due in stores around Halloween. The reversal of fortunes for the much-maligned title has prompted a number of conspiracy theories and outright outrage from groups 'fighting' videogame violence. Well-known commentator on the subject and California State Senator Leland Yee is demanding more transparency from the ESRB as a result of this decision. From GamePolitics' coverage: "Parents can't trust a rating system that doesn't even disclose how they come to a particular rating. The ESRB and Rockstar should end this game of secrecy by immediately unveiling what content has been changed to grant the new rating and what correspondence occurred between the ESRB and Rockstar to come to this conclusion. Unfortunately, history shows that we must be quite skeptical of these two entities."
As a parent, if you're so unsure of whether the game is appropriate, here's a simple fucking solution: DON'T BUY IT.
Or, DO buy it, and... shocking insight coming up next... PLAY IT YOURSELF FOR A WHILE to see what it's like. If it turns out to be a poor choice, don't let little Johnny play it.
"Oh, but now I'm out $60," you whine. Shove a sock in it and suck it up, loser. This is the way it goes: different people have different tastes. There is a rating system which tries to codify this. It ain't going to be perfect for everyone. You might buy a "teen" game and find out it's too risque for your tastes. Tough shit. Try to return it. Company won't take it back? Cry me a river why don't you.
There's a simple solution to all your suffering. Take the game machine and chuck it out the window until little Johnny turns 18. Then kindly place a tennis ball in your mouth and shut the fuck up.