Manhunt 2 Cleared for North American Release
By Tom Ivan Print | Send to a friend | Email the editor
Rockstar Games announced Friday that controversial title Manhunt 2 has been granted an M for Mature rating in North America, clearing the way for an October release.

ImageIn June, publisher Take-Two suspended the release of the horror title when the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) issued it with an AO (Adults Only) rating. Manhunt 2 will now be released in North America on October 31 for Sony’s PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable and Nintendo’s Wii.



Manhunt 2 was granted an M for Mature (ages 17+) rating only following the submission to the ratings board of what Take-Two termed a “modified” version of the game.



"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 was also denied a rating by the BBFC (British Board of Film Classification), a decision which means the game cannot currently be released in the UK. Rockstar is in the process of attempting to overturn the decision by appeal.



The horror game is the debut title from the newly formed Rockstar London studio, which is developing the game in conjunction with series creator Rockstar North.