21st Dec, 2007

So, the BBFC has decided to take the Manhunt 2 debacle a step further. You might remember that last week the game’s UK ban was finally overturned by the Video Appeals Commission. Cue much rejoicing and popping of corks all round at Rockstar. But now things are different. Rather than accepting the decision, the BBFC has decided to take the matter to the High Court for a judicial review.

Many already feel that the previous double-rejection of Manhunt 2, even after cuts were made, was merely a heavy-handed and inconsistently thought-out delaying of the inevitable on The Board’s part, and it’s no secret that in the gaming community alone a lot of respect has been lost. A continued and escalated attempt to get the re-cut Manhunt 2 banned at this stage could well be construed as a stubborn move too far. But if the BBFC does manage to overturn the VAC’s ruling against it, Manhunt 2’s chances of a UK realease could be disembowelled forever.

But assuming all goes well for Rockstar, and the review goes its way, will Manhunt 2’s release really matter any more? Is it not too late for it to even be relevent at this stage? Well, yes and no. Read on and we’ll give the whole messy situation a thorough, and hopefully final, dissection.