Manhunt 2

Despite picking up an AO rating so far, Rockstar’s Manhunt 2 hopes to be what its predecessor was not and bring in more sales beyond the diehard fans of the first version. The game is so violent that it has been banned in the UK. However, for the most part, the animated characters in a video game do not instil the same level of fear, anxiety, or empathy that is common in films of the same genre.

In this release, you will take control of Daniel Lamb, a mentally unstable prisoner who attempts to escape from the Dixmor Asylum. Using the surroundings as cover, you move Daniel through obstacles, killing guards in his path and piecing together the puzzle of why he was jailed. The executions are more gruesome than in the original game.

The film received an AO rating and there is a great debate on what defines a game as an AO. Some speculate that it is due to the horrific executions that Daniel performs as well as some other mature themes that occur throughout the adventure, if you can call it that. Others simply feel that there are pressures to be stricter with the rating system. With an AO rating, this game might not make it to the store shelves as it will not be accepted by any of the three top console producers. This may ultimately force Rockstar to make some changes, albeit costly ones, to gain a lesser rating. However, this would give Manhunt 2 a chance to shine with gamers, assuming the muted action remains appealing.