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AICN Games: Monki's Weekly Wrap-Up! Doritos! Mario! Manhunt 2 ramblings and Nicole Kidman!
Greetings humans, Monki here with your steaming pile of gaming news.
I honestly believe that Tim League and Harry Knowles are trying to kill me. This is the last week at the Alamo Drafthouse down here in Austin and I've been to one of two huge events to finish the poor girl off. Last night was the Half-Ass-a-Thon where my world was rocked by Stardust and my back was destroyed by the Drafthouse chair that was made of pure evil. Wednesday Tim is going to try to kill us all by dropping 50,000 watts of subwoofer power onto the movie Earthquake. He is going to literally bring the roof down, and somehow it's going to end up on my head. Oh well, maybe death will stop the pain in my back that has developed from painting the treehouse and evil Drafthouse chair.
All that being said, its a poor excuse for the tardiness of the column, but I apologize. It has been a hectic week in the treehouse and I've just now calmed down enough to talk about Manhunt 2 and the ESRB fiasco on a somewhat rational level. I hope...we'll get to that later.
I've got a good stockpile of things coming up for you to gaze at over the next few weeks. I've just received a review of Odin Sphere for the PS2, I've got a music column that I'm putting the finishing touches on, the Army of Two contest winners coming up and a possible new contest in the making, so keep your eyes open.
Enough blabber...I've got a whole section for that further on...away we go...oh and GO SEE STARDUST, damn fine movie.
Press Releases of the Week!
The first bit up is a reminder that the new Grand Theft Auto 4 trailer is coming out this Thursday at noon. (Not sure of that is PST or EST, so check between noon on the East coast to noon on the West coast.)
I received a reminder with a pretty sweet looking piece of art to go along with it. I'm not sure if this is the style they will be going for on the box (if they do the collage of images like they have before) but I really dig it. It's a bit more detailed than the previous style...anyway, check it out.
For what it's worth, the new trailer is called "Looking for that Special Someone." So hopefully this means that there will be ponies available to ride in-game and you can dress them up with hats and ribbons.
Up next is a contest that Doritos is putting on with the XBox Live Arcade. Basically, you design a Doritos-inspired game and they give you a bunch of prizes if you win. Doritos and gamers...kinda go together like peanut butter and women. (And I mean that in a good way.)
Plano, TX (June 21, 2007) - The Doritos brand announced today that it is once again putting Doritos fans in control by partnering with Xbox 360 to let fans design the first-ever consumer-created Xbox LIVE Arcade game. Together, the two brands are challenging people in the United States to think of an idea that takes the spirit of the Doritos tortilla chips brand and brings it to life on the Xbox 360. Five finalists will get to work side-by-side with Xbox LIVE Arcade development teams to build playable versions of their game concept which will be available online at www.snackstrongproductions.com. In addition, each finalist will also receive a prize package for their creativity, valued at over $6,000. In late October and early November, visitors to the site will have a chance to play working versions of the five finalists' games and vote for the one game concept they want to see developed for release.
Consumer votes will determine the winning game concept, announced in November 2007, to be developed by Xbox 360. Once released in summer 2008, fans everywhere will be able to download and play the first-ever consumer-created Xbox LIVE Arcade game for free.
Doritos-inspired video game ideas can be submitted at www.snackstrongproductions.com between June 21 and July 29, 2007. Submissions must describe an original idea for a Doritos-inspired video game in no more than 500 words along with any other original elements or components gamers would like to have considered as part of their entry, to help describe, depict or illustrate the original idea. Beginning today, additional details about the creative challenge are available at www.snackstrongproductions.com.
"Doritos fans continue to tell us how excited they are to be part of, and personalize, what is important to them," explains Ann Mukherjee, vice president, marketing, Frito-Lay. "Similar to past Doritos programs that put consumers in control, we hope Unlock Xbox gives people a chance to express their own creativity, this time in the innovative world of gaming."
Giving video game fans and Doritos chip-lovers everywhere even more reason to get in the game, between August 20 and November 18, 2007, visitors to www.snackstrongproductions.com will have a chance to instantly win great prizes including Xbox 360 consoles, Xbox Live Gold subscriptions and more with two consecutive online promotions. Promotion details, including rules, will be available on www.snackstrongproductions.com during the respective promotion periods.
"We are always looking for new ways to connect with fans and give them unique opportunities for expressing their creativity that only Xbox 360 and our partners can deliver," said Mike Fischer, General Manager, US Marketing, Xbox 360. "With millions of gamers already engaging in Xbox LIVE fan forums and communities, we extend an invitation to them to jump in with their ideas for a fun, new Xbox LIVE Arcade game."
The "Unlock Xbox" campaign is the evolution of the Doritos brand allowing consumers to be in control. Earlier this year, the Doritos brand aired two consumer-created commercials during Super Bowl XL as part of the Doritos "Crash the Super Bowl" challenge. These two ads kicked-off the first-ever consumer-created Doritos brand television ad campaign, in which all five of the Doritos "Crash the Super Bowl" finalists' ads aired on national television. Following Doritos Crash the Super Bowl," the brand launched the Doritos Fight for the Flavor" campaign to let Doritos fans vote to determine which of two new flavors survives on store shelves and which one gets pulled. Recently, the brand launched the Doritos X-13D Flavor Experiment," where consumers have a chance to name the new mysterious flavor of Doritos tortilla chips by entering their ideas at www.snackstrongproductions.com.
I got an email explaining the $6,000 prize-pack as well:
Five finalists will win a $6,000 prize-pack including:
- 42" plasma television, a Limited Edition Xbox 360 Elite Console
- One copy of every Xbox 360 title published by Microsoft during 2007 (10 total)
- 2000 MSN Points
- One year Xbox Live Gold Pass
- Home entertainment system including a 5.1 Dolby Surround Sound System and a pro-gaming chair.
Before anyone starts bitching about the contest, think of it this way, even if you don't do anything, next Summer you can get a FREE XBox Live arcade game and with it, 200 FREE gamerpoints for your gamerscore. Did I mention FREE? Or you could submit an entry and possibly win a crapload of prizes. I'll make a deal to, if an AICN reader submits and wins, I'll give you a lifetime supply of high-fives to go along with your new 42" plasma.
Up next is a heads up for a DVD that hits the market today. (Tuesday the 26th) Super Mario Brothers 3 is being released. You'd probably remember it best from the Koopa Kids! Ahhhh the memories.
When it premiered as part of NBC’s Saturday morning lineup in the Fall of 1990, The Adventures Of Super Mario Bros. 3 helped catapult the record-breaking game (over 17 million units to date) on which it was based into video game history. Now, Mario is back with his pals on The Adventures Of Super Mario Bros 3: The Complete Series! For the first time ever on DVD, The Adventures Of Super Mario Bros 3: The Complete Series 3-DVD box set contains the complete series (26 full episodes), plus a bonus disc full of great Mario extras arriving on DVD June 26, 2007 from Shout! Factory. The DVD set is priced for everyone to own at $29.99.
After sending the infamous King Koopa into the Banishment Zone, the heroic plumbers, Mario and Luigi, finally made it home to Brooklyn. But just when the Mushroom People thought they were safe, Koopa escaped and brought with him seven of the most vile creatures the world had ever known: the Koopa Kids! Now only the Super Mario Bros. can rid the Mushroom Kingdom of Koopa and his deviant minions...or can they?
BONUS DISC INCLUDES:
- Interactive The Adventures Of Super Mario Bros. 3 Writers Bible
- Learn the backstory of The Adventures Of Super Mario Bros. 3!
- Meet the Marios & Koopas!
- Visit the worlds!
- View the artwork from concept to final!
- Hear the original music!
Check out the trailer, it's like going back in time. To a good time.
Pretty Images of the Week!
The more I see on the Transformers game, the more I'm anxious to play it. Check out the opening cinematic.
Is it really possible to punch someone in mid air while you are both falling? Does gravity really allow for that? Hmmmm...
Up next is a new Stranglehold video that includes Chow Yun-Fat in a tracksuit laughing maniacally...and more doves.
MORE DOVES! MORE DOVES!
Last up is a new trailer for the Bee Movie Game. Enjoy MOVIE VOICE GUY!
Everyone loves movie voice guy!
As a quick heads up, I usually get between 3 and 5 trailers a week that I throw on my YouTube account, so if you want to get a sneak at some of these before they hit my column you can subscribe to my account by going here and clicking on the subscribe button. Joy.
Monki's Seven Most Important Stories of the Week!
N'Gai Croal and Stephen Totilo got to check out Manhunt 2 for the Wii. Those lucky bastards. It's like seeing a movie that won't get released in its intended form.
There is a guy in NYC who is in line for the iPhone already. And he gave his phone number away on a website...that won't come back to haunt him I'm sure.
Speaking of which, the Jesus Phone launches on Friday. Steve Jobs owns my soul. And yours. God I want one of these.
Briefly last week video games were put under the microscope as possibly being an 'official' addiction. Then logic stepped in and put a stop to all that talk.
The Internet is Serious Business. I absolutely love doing that to people...ask Merrick.
New York is about to donate a couple million to the games industry. If you don't want your tax money going to the ESA, go ahead and contact your Governor. Or just let the ESA collect another paycheck.
The ESRB is attempting to become the dominant monkey. Or angry school marm...
We Know What's Good for You of the Week!
Ugg.
It began here.
...and ended here.
I have a feeling that we're heading down a very very bad path.
Read this really quickly. Okay...someone is missing the point.
"Hopefully Take-Two has learned from its Manhunt 2 experience and will undertake preventive measures to ensure its future games, including Grand Theft Auto IV, are appropriate for families and gamers."
Pardon my French, but WHAT THE FUCK? GTA4 is NOT MEANT for FAMILIES. Gran-papa isn't supposed to sit on the couch while little Billy runs around boning hookers and running down gangsters. You would think with the decades that video games have been around would come some sort of increased knowledge on the subject. Obviously that is giving way too much credit to the general public.
I read somewhere that the average gamer is in their mid 20s. Mid 20s...by that point you should be out on your own and not need Mommy to come wipe your ass after you take a crap. Why do people still not understand that ADULTS PLAY VIDEO GAMES.
One of my new games writers, Pipking, sent in a brief editorial on the issue.
Nintendo responded to the ESRB's rating of AO for Manhunt 2 with a resounding "Pass." Sony, too - neither wants an Adult's Only game on their consoles.
Rockstar has delayed the game from it's slated July 10th release date. They have to compromise. They've got no choice.
It's not like DVD and it's "rating free" zone. If they don't edit the objectionable material to the point of M - you know, take it from 18+ all the way, way back to 17+ - they face a big loss on their investment. It would be something if they could still sell online, but no - this isn't about point of purchase. Nintendo will not license AO games as a matter of course. Rockstar is being denied access to the primary market they developed the game for.
I understand caution. Nintendo is riding on a fuckton of goodwill. An AO game on a family console doesn't fit the happy-white-fun paradigm. Jack Thompson has predictably splooged all over it the first chance he got. I hope his stock has gone down since the Virginia Tech fiasco, but I don't think it's gone down that much. And really, it's what he's been waiting for - a game that requires you to mimic the actions of a murderer. It spins itself.
Of course, you could make the same argument about toy guns, which we give to kids a lot younger than 17.
That's all Manhunt 2 on the Wii is - a new toy gun. An agent of pretend.
That's what all videogames are. Make-believe. Not real.
I don't understand what's so hard to get. If the Wiimote-nunchuck makes you think of using a garrote, chances are Manhunt 2 would have been nothing more that practice for you anyway. There are some people that are just...lost. Wrong. Troubled. If it's not one thing that sets them off, it'll be another, eventually. I don't think it's possible for a toy, or a book, or a film, to turn people into monsters. I don't believe in that kind of magic.
Censorship is an ugly word. I got a call a few weeks ago from the "Dove Foundation". They asked me a few demographic questions, and whether or not it was important to me for families to have 'safe' programming on television and in the cinemas. Before I could respond, she said very explicitly that they were NOT a censorship organization, but rather a group of Concerned Parents who were interested only in increased promotion of family fare.
So I said yes, they could call me back with more info.
I had a hunch. When I got another call I asked a few questions. It was all too easy to get the representative preaching on the End to Filth. I told him I did not support censorship, and I do not appreciate being lied to by his phone-monkeys. I don't remember who hung up first.
A lot of people want to tell you what's good for you. What's best for you. What you shouldn't see. What shouldn't exist. But no one wants to admit it, because censorship is an ugly word.
The AO rating is censorship in action. No one will sell it. No one will publish it. AO is ESRB for "Return To Sender". It’s a total sham. It has nothing to do with telling people what to expect and everything to do with controlling access.
But it's not just the ESRB's fault. They are certainly culpable, by way of having a 'rating' that functions as a ban - they are not ignorant of the consequences AO carries.
And the companies are guilty of saying, "Gaming has a content ceiling." It's a big flashing sign that definitively states Games Are NOT For Everyone, And MOSTLY For Kids. The industry is outpacing the rules for it. We need room for games to experiment with inappropriate content. Not entirely 'freely', but enough so that experiments like this can reach the adult market and consumers can decide for themselves.
Parents are guilty of being too unconcerned about what their children are exposed to until it's too late. In a lawsuit-happy culture, it is too easy to blame someone else and get paid for your irresponsibility.
I believe in restrictions, but not eradications. I don't think kids should be let anywhere near Manhunt 2, but that requires parents, retail outlets, the ESRB and the government to think about games seriously, which is a lot more work than just banning outright.
"That's all Manhunt 2 on the Wii is - a new toy gun. An agent of pretend." Exactly.
The video games industry has grown up...it is just time for the world around it to grow up as well.
There probably isn't a lot that can be done with Manhunt 2. It will be edited down to a "friendlier" form and will eventually get released. I just wish I could have seen the original vision of the developers...oh well, maybe some day when the new GTA 5: Adventures in Unicornland and Puppyville hits, I just won't care anymore.
The Final Minute with Monki!!
That does it for this week. I'm so tired. I got about two hours of sleep yesterday after Half-Ass, I've got to finish painting the treehouse before the new floors are installed, and tomorrow night is the final night at the Drafthouse, and then the iPhone hits on Friday. What a freakin' week.
Kraken sent me this track from Sarcastic Gamer:
Click to listen...
It's funny because it's true.
To close I want to share a video of a beautiful woman with a beautiful handheld device.
Hope that helps wash the taste of Manhunt 2 off of your palette. MMmmm...I'd challenge her to a Sudoku-off anytime.
Alright kids, I'm going to pass out now and dream of myself surrounded by Claire Danes, Nicole Kidman and Lacey Chabert as we all play Super Smash Bros. together...or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turltes...or Wii Sports. (Claire likes tennis but Lacey prefers bowling.)
Until next time, back up the tree I go!
-Monki
Lacey...drop me an email!
We Know What's Good for You of the Week!
"Hopefully Take-Two has learned from its Manhunt 2 experience and will undertake preventive measures to ensure its future games, including Grand Theft Auto IV, are appropriate for families and gamers."
Nintendo responded to the ESRB's rating of AO for Manhunt 2 with a resounding "Pass." Sony, too - neither wants an Adult's Only game on their consoles.
Rockstar has delayed the game from it's slated July 10th release date. They have to compromise. They've got no choice.
It's not like DVD and it's "rating free" zone. If they don't edit the objectionable material to the point of M - you know, take it from 18+ all the way, way back to 17+ - they face a big loss on their investment. It would be something if they could still sell online, but no - this isn't about point of purchase. Nintendo will not license AO games as a matter of course. Rockstar is being denied access to the primary market they developed the game for.
I understand caution. Nintendo is riding on a fuckton of goodwill. An AO game on a family console doesn't fit the happy-white-fun paradigm. Jack Thompson has predictably splooged all over it the first chance he got. I hope his stock has gone down since the Virginia Tech fiasco, but I don't think it's gone down that much. And really, it's what he's been waiting for - a game that requires you to mimic the actions of a murderer. It spins itself.
Of course, you could make the same argument about toy guns, which we give to kids a lot younger than 17.
That's all Manhunt 2 on the Wii is - a new toy gun. An agent of pretend.
That's what all videogames are. Make-believe. Not real.
I don't understand what's so hard to get. If the Wiimote-nunchuck makes you think of using a garrote, chances are Manhunt 2 would have been nothing more that practice for you anyway. There are some people that are just...lost. Wrong. Troubled. If it's not one thing that sets them off, it'll be another, eventually. I don't think it's possible for a toy, or a book, or a film, to turn people into monsters. I don't believe in that kind of magic.
Censorship is an ugly word. I got a call a few weeks ago from the "Dove Foundation". They asked me a few demographic questions, and whether or not it was important to me for families to have 'safe' programming on television and in the cinemas. Before I could respond, she said very explicitly that they were NOT a censorship organization, but rather a group of Concerned Parents who were interested only in increased promotion of family fare.
So I said yes, they could call me back with more info.
I had a hunch. When I got another call I asked a few questions. It was all too easy to get the representative preaching on the End to Filth. I told him I did not support censorship, and I do not appreciate being lied to by his phone-monkeys. I don't remember who hung up first.
A lot of people want to tell you what's good for you. What's best for you. What you shouldn't see. What shouldn't exist. But no one wants to admit it, because censorship is an ugly word.
The AO rating is censorship in action. No one will sell it. No one will publish it. AO is ESRB for "Return To Sender". It’s a total sham. It has nothing to do with telling people what to expect and everything to do with controlling access.
But it's not just the ESRB's fault. They are certainly culpable, by way of having a 'rating' that functions as a ban - they are not ignorant of the consequences AO carries.
And the companies are guilty of saying, "Gaming has a content ceiling." It's a big flashing sign that definitively states Games Are NOT For Everyone, And MOSTLY For Kids. The industry is outpacing the rules for it. We need room for games to experiment with inappropriate content. Not entirely 'freely', but enough so that experiments like this can reach the adult market and consumers can decide for themselves.
Parents are guilty of being too unconcerned about what their children are exposed to until it's too late. In a lawsuit-happy culture, it is too easy to blame someone else and get paid for your irresponsibility.
I believe in restrictions, but not eradications. I don't think kids should be let anywhere near Manhunt 2, but that requires parents, retail outlets, the ESRB and the government to think about games seriously, which is a lot more work than just banning outright.
The Final Minute with Monki!!
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...........FIRST!!!!
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Although I hate wrestling.
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"There are some people that are just...lost. Wrong. Troubled."
How stupid can you be to believe something that ignorant? Fucking moron. -
I heard Manhunt 1 was a lot more violent and worse, and the few people who have seen the finished version of part 2 have come back disappointed it wasnt more violent like they heard. So if it gets watered down anymore then they might as well call it Super Mario Bros presents Manhunt 2. http://tinyurl.com/pv8do
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...Britain didn't ban Clockwork Orange at all, Kubrick did. He was worried himself after a tramp was killed in an apparent "Copy-cat" incident the BBFC has nowt to do with it. I'm well pissed off about Manhunt 2 being banned - I was looking forward to it. It looks sweet. Hahahaha; I hate the censors and lobbying Bible-Belt twits, and the BBFC. Recently they've totally loosened up their censorious ways, but it looks like we're going back to the good old days of video nasties etc. Probably a result of Britain's overcrowded prison system etc etc. Political factors are at work. Bunch of Arse.:-(
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That's it, it was really good this time.
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Jun 26, 2007 11:07:59 AM CDT
Transformer trailer nearly had me peeing my pants
by howaboutanicecupofgofuckyourself
tasty
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Why is that statement ignorant? (I am pipking, btw). Dialogue with me.
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BRING IT ON
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Britain is actually a lot more lenient now, censorshipwise. Very few films if any, are edited for content, unlike in the states where a film is edited to avoid an NC17 rating, where in Britain the 18 certificate is not frowned upon, film's have a lot more options, Episode 2 would have went out a 12A certificate, which is along the lines of PG13, but the DISTRIBUTER, not the BBFC edited it to get a PG on the suggestion of the BBFC. The BBFC do not force edits on films anymore, those days are long gone, they offer a certificate and give the releasing company the option. That is why most DVD's that are advertised as "to shocking for the cinemas!!" in the states are the versions which play in theatres over here.
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Really. Adults should be able to play what they want.
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If they can sell the unrated version of a DVD at Blockbuster or Target or wherever then they should be able to sell this Manhunt 2 game in two versions. One edited and the other unedited. That would end it right there. But the fact that people can "pretend" to be a murderer scares people too much.
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You seemed to be as implying that people are just born that way, and seem to ignore that a game such as this COULD induce violence.
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I thought Manhunt 1 was sort of shit. Manhunt 2 was always going to be in trouble after those kids blamed the first game for their killings. I like the fact that an 18 certificate is almost a good thing in the UK. I do not want to watch family films, or play games that are aimed at the pre-teen market. If I want to see sex, drugs and violence then I should be able to- and if a film/ game is 18 then I should expect to see this. I do hate the BBFC though, despite recent signs of leniency, but I am glad they exist as the thought of seeing children in the audience for proper 18 films makes me want to slap the shitty parent that took them
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Unfortunately every game that ends up on a console has to go through the company that owns that console. Therefore Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft are the gatekeepers for their respective systems. If they say no AO titles then that is it...same goes with unrated games. Just won't happen.
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And frankly I can believe and agree that Manhunt deserves an AO rating... It's a game made for adults... therefore it makes sense that it gets an AO. If you want to blame anyone, blame stores who refuse to carry it or Nintendo and Sony for not allowing it on their system. And frankly I could understand... AO games and other AO movies and material isn't family friendly stuff and doesn't sell well in your local supermarket. Why would they carry it? There are however certain places and online that will cater to you. Nintendo is a family oriented company since long before the Wii, the majority of people are family players on the Wii, and Nintendo wants to keep its sales up without any controversy butting in and fuckign all that up. Sony has no excuse, but with the whole Resistence and Church of England violence thing I doubt they'd want to get into that territory anytime soon. If Rockstar waters down the game to M then it should be fine.And on another note, even if this sequel is supposedly less violent than its predecessor, the fact that the Wiimote lets you more physically simulate the act of killing is enough to push it over the top. I'm not saying to ban the game, but even that's gotta disturb you just a little...
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WE CANT PLAY ADULT RATED GAMES BUT RATED FUCKING R MOVIES WITH CUSSING TITS ASS DICK BLOOD HEADS GETTING BLOWN UP AND GUTS EVERYWHERE CAN BE RELEASED AND ADVERSTIED ALL OVER TV AND RELEASED IN THEATERS. FUCK THIS SHIT.
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Jun 26, 2007 1:43:49 PM CDT
AND DONT FUCKING TRY TO CONTROL WHAT I PLAY
by supercowbell 4 cant stop the cowbell
IF IM BUYING YOUR FUCKING SYSTEMS FAGS. IM SO PISSED RIGHT NOW.
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It's stupid to compare them. In films the actions of the viewer are passive and the director controls what you see, often cutting away at the right moment and leaving stuff up to your imagination. In games you the player are active in such roles and control the camera to see whatever you want to see however much you want to see it. They're completely separate things and can't be rated the same way. If a film went all out and showed you every freaking thing in digusting detail and hardcore sex that pushes the limits of the rating... guess what? It gets an AO or NC-17... theatres will refuse to play it and yes some films are even banned! There are still games with violence and dismemberment(Mortal Kombat) and ones with nudity and sex (God of War, GTA:San Andreas) that pull off these things and manage to keep an M rating. No reason Manhunt couldn't meet the same standards, btu then of course the game will have to be toned down. If you don't want that and you want all the visceral uncensored glory, then the game will no doubt be one that deserves an AO. So blaming the ESRB or making comparisons to films is pointless, the game deserves it rating and I doubt anyone will disagree on that. What you are arguing for is to give it a pass so it can be sold widely... you might as well argue to make porno rated R so it can be sold in major retailers. Won't happen. If you want the game petition Nintendo and Sony and Microsoft too as they're also taking that stance on similar content and ask for the game to be allowed on their system. Then pick it up online or from a suitable games vendor. Don't expect it in Toys 'R' Us.
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between being 17 and 18 years old? Because that's what we're talking about here. The game has been outright banned in Ireland, and I can't remember the last time a game was banned here. Why doesn't Halo get banned? Because you're killing aliens?
Well in that case people, don't let your kids dress up as aliens for Halloween because some guy might think it's ok to shoot your kid because he looks alien.
It is absolutely ridiculous...there is no link between video games and real life violence...these stuck up PTA bitches who probably spent their own younger years getting stoned and fucking everything that moved want a world of bunnies and flowers.
In fact, I would suggest that having violent video games is a good thing because it would give those with aggressive tendencies to take out that aggression on virtual characters instead of real people.
If Manhunt 2 is banned (or receives AO rating) then everything has to be banned...the works of Shakespeare have to be banned...afterall Romeo and Juliet supports underage sex (Juliet was 14) and suicide, and it's violent as well.
The new Die Hard pussied out and went for a lower rating...well it sti.ll has to be banned because it might encourage people to become cyber terrorists or shave their head and start shooting bad guys.
Mary Poppins has to be banned because it supports obesity in children (a spoon full of sugar...)
Alice in Wonderland...for obvious drug related reasons.
Pokemon supports hunting, Sonic the Hedgehog supports jumping on TVs and breaking them, Mario supports eating Magic Mushrooms, Tetris supports communism...
Where's the line...if Manhunt is censored or banned then it has to apply to everything else as well.
And regarding Manhunt 2...only the Wii version has the physical simulation aspect so why are the other console versions suffering too?
As for Nintendo...I don't buy the whole kid-friendly excuse. They spent the entire life of the gamecube trying to convince people that it wasnt just for kids, with games like Resident Evil.
Will we never get a Star Wars lightsaber game on the Wii then becuase it would involve trying to simulate fighting and killing with a sword?
I have no interest in Manhunt whatsoever, but this issue goes far beyond a single game.
If kids are going to be playing the game, lock up the parents and shut down stores who sell the game to someone who's underage. Off-licences and bars get fined or shut down when they sell drink to those who are underage, so make it the same for video games and movies. -
Jun 26, 2007 2:04:57 PM CDT
THE COMPARISON TO FILMS IS FINE!
by supercowbell 4 cant stop the cowbell
did you see the rambo preview?
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everyone knows adults play on PC... so i think Rockstar is clearly pandering to the teen crowd with a violent game on the kid/teen system that hype will dictate "they have to play". then if their parents even know wtf the game is... they are screwed either way, kids damn them for not providing it, society damns them if they do. its stranger yet that the latest consoles cost so much sweet moolah that its a crime... after all, consoles are toy systems for kids, right? every other PC game coming out is "dumbed down" so it can port to the stupid consoles. i would love to have a Wii and Tiger Woods, other than that i hate consoles, thanks.
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Gamers as stated in the article are not just kids, I know more adult gamers than kid gamers with Xbox360's and PS3's (not to mention Wii's). Why do you generalize that adults only play on PC's...I'm close to 40 and play the Wii and PS2 much more frequently than I use my PC for gaming (and I am not in the minority amongst the gamers I know). There is a petition on-line to get Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo to lift the ban on AO content on their respective consoles located at:
http://www.petitiononline.com/4manhunt/petition.html
mind you the petition is to have Manhunt2 playable on the PS2 and Wii with the AO rating intact, I could care less about the game...but about the right to choose what is and is not acceptable to me I care a great deal. -
...hard cock. 40 YEARS OLD last week?! Christ...
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The first one sucked ass. I'd rather have another Killzone game.
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I'm not going to argue that exposure to simulated violence won't push someone over the edge - but I don't think it 'creates' violent tendencies. It may inspire someone already close to the edge to go all the way... but the same can (and has been) said of film - do we need our content censored to account for the few crazies who can't handle it? Because the crazies can't really handle anything, by way of their being crazy.I don't think human monsters are always born - but there a few - there are a lot of steps to becoming a psychopath, and I don't believe any of them have to do with videogames - or film, or books, or music - as a determining factor.
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at least that's what the Discovery Channel said on their gaming show. I hope GTA4 is violent as all fuck! Screw censorship! (and screw Nicole Kidman, too! Me first!)
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And sorry for being so rude.
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the average game player is 29 and the average buyer is 36.
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So what's the difference between 17 and 18 years old? Okay let's reduce the rating and make the game for 17 year olds too... oh wait... what's the difference between a 17 year old and a 16 year old? Just a year right? Oh wait, so if they can then how about 15 years old? What's the difference between a 21 year old and a 20 year old? Or even 19 for that matter since we're pandering that far? Let's give them a liquor licence... What's the youngest age of girl I can have sex with? What if she's a year or a year and a half lower than the acceptable legal age, okay give me 2, I'd like to get it down to 12 depending on your country's laws. You see where I'm going? Cut-offs have to start somewhere! And I'm not vying for teh game to get banned, however I'd say it does certainly deserve an AO rating. And frankly some shit ought to be banned. I'm not saying its manhunt... but if I made a game called nigger-hunt and still made the playable character a guy who's disturbed by what he's doing but is forced to do it anyway I bet we're entering whole new territory here, huh? What about hentai sex simulation games... There's those and I can be daring and make a playground child stalking game. There's adult entertainment, and then there's just the borderline ridiculous... Some shit just shouldn't be encouraged even if it is an imaginary world catering to certain adults. Again I'm not saying this is true about Manhunt... but let's be a bit more considering about the situation without resorting to some false idea that all censorship is bad.
And as for Rambo? Did you read what I outlined about the difference between film and games in terms of who controls what and how much you see cowbell? If even Rambo begins taking things too far... guess what? -
that the crowd Sony and others believe are playing their console were 30+, they would not have an issue putting out an AO title. i never said only kids game, 30 years is the average age for a gamer (yes, the Atari 2600 generation), so dont try saying otherwise douche bags. what i am saying is that PC is more for adults as a gaming platform than any console game. PC you are not gonna see publishers cock block a game because its AO, lol. now look whats happened? GTA4 is doomed...
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You can also legally engage in consensual sex in some countries before you can legally buy pornographic material. Lets face it folks the world is fucked up. If AO means XXX, then so be it, but by all rights the creators of the game should still have the right to produce and sell said title. Regardless of rating it's just about how and it could be online purchase only with age verifying consent form or something. Thank god this game had killing in it and not sex because fuck is worse than kill. We kill lots of shit in graphic detail in mainstream movies but we dont fuck too clearly.
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I can't stop. I don't see a score for you yet, Monki...
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Haven't picked it up yet zombie...but I dare you to beat my score on Trogdor in Guitar Hero 2.
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Where is it already?
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I'm dying to hear how it plays. The videos of seen so far look fantastic but I'm afraid of how good the gameplay really is for it.
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Rock Star never made Manhunt 2 for adults! What grown up would want to play a game which general premise is to go around killing people! For sure back when we were all spotting teenagers, we use to get our kicks from pulling off violent moves on Killer Instinct and Mortgage Kombat on the snes or Mega drive, but now we can actually get our end away we don't need to pretend to kill! Fact is, Rockstars target market for this game are kids! Now I am totally against banning any thing of artistic merit, but you have to ask why produce a game of this nature! Games, films, books, music don't kill anyone! If this was the case then Japans( Home of video games) homicide numbers would be off the chart and no one will be left alive to produce games anyway! So don't pass the buck on violence of the world on these forms of entertainment, but do ask why make it in the first place! " Blame Canada, before someone thinks about blaming us!"
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......you should never agree to participate in a survey if you feel the questions aren't presented in an unbiased light. The truth is the Dove Foundation is probably one of these groups that will ask seemingly innocuous questions like, "Do you agree that videogames rated AO should not be allowed to be sold in places where children could buy them?" Well, of course you don't. Nobody does. They will then turn around and present their "findings" as "89% surveyed agree that Manhunt 2 should be removed from store shelves." There's no question that nearly every survey is designed to favor one side or the other, but a parent's group surveying you on video game usage is dangerously bad for anybody that wants the freedom to choose.
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On the point about Nintendo and Sony refusing to publish AO games, i couldn't agree more. On this costing Rockstar and Take Two tons of cash, I don't think so...I'm willing to bet what was submitted to the ESRB was submitted expecting an AO...they've already made the M rated version but need a bit of time to finish...it's called hype, game can now be delayed for further polish and no one blames Rockstar...they release the game as intended with an M rating, it sells incredibly well for a piece of crap because of the AO hype...end of story. I do not know dfor a fact this is what they did, but I'd put money on it being the case. I'm still bothered by the gov't and corporations telling me what is/is not acceptable for personal entertainment.
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http://tinyurl.com/yt838p
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I, personally, don't think video games create killers, and I think it's just easy to blame those as causes for massacres. Yes, there are correlations and connections, but it just makes sense that someone interested in actually killing people, would play a game that resembles it. I highly doubt that playing the game entirely created this idea to them. That being said, I do think this AO thing is partly hype, as it has me interested in a game that I wouldn't have given a second glance before. And I guess it makes sense that Sony and Nintendo want to cover themselves, but it's still pretty ridiculous. It is pretty much agreed upon that gamers are adults, and when you see how many games revolve around killing things, and hoe POPULAR these games are, for one to go a little further, and then get completely shunned does seem a little unreasonable.
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oh wait that did happen. spoiler alert!
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Where in the Hell is Snake Plissken?
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