[UPDATE] A statement from Take-Two Interactive (found at GamePolitics) has confirmed the hack. The publisher reiterated that they fully complied with the ESRB. The statement follows below.
Multiple edits were made to revise Manhunt 2 for its M-rated version.
Hackers apparently have altered one of those edits to produce an illegally modified version of the game that can only be played on an unauthorized, modified PlayStation Portable handheld system.
All of the game material, and especially these specific edits, was submitted to and reviewed by the ESRB in accordance with requirements regarding disclosure that were enacted two years ago and any contrary suggestion is inaccurate and irresponsible.
Take-Two Chairman Strauss Zelnick said, "I stand behind the game and the ESRB ratings process. It is unfortunately the case that no one in the entertainment software industry is immune from hacking. We hope that consumers will not engage in hacking or download illegally modified copies of our games. We encourage them to enjoy our games as they are meant to be played. We would also like to emphasize that Manhunt 2 is intended for an audience aged 17 and above."
@Joe80,I wasn't either, but I have been trying to keep track of this whole thing. It affects all of us since there is talk of including gamers in the rating system.
@pilias_simber, I was interested in this after seeing the preview for it last night. I upbidded it from o upto 1. Thanks for posting this, I was not home to see it this evening when it aired.
This website lists down the steps to play the uncensored version of Manhunt 2. Although this is on the PSP, the fact that the uncensored version is still shipped with the game still remains. Will this turn out to be another Hot Coffee incident?
Any reason this was downbid? I'm not seeing a double post. I think this is pretty relevant to sales since getting major coverage like this has got to be fueling the hype that will make people want this game despite poor reviews.
ast night's coverage of the recently released Manhunt 2 on CBS News is now online for anyone who missed it. It's a fairly straightforward look at the game, featuring a focus on the ultra-violent content, the ESRB's rating and plenty of gameplay from writer Scott Steinberg.
A slight step-down from the previous iteration with the shoddy enemy AI, lower difficulty, and the censorship.
"[A]s a whole, Manhunt 2 isn't the tour de force title that will grab your attention and keep you there like the first one did."
The reviewer laments about the worse-looking graphics compared to the previous iteration, generic characters and locations, unskippable cut-scenes, and a control system that doesn't advance the series at all.
"Really, the game warrants a 4 because it's technically playable and, despite its best efforts, probably won't plunge the industry into a period of navel-gazing and political sanction. Everything else about it is largely forgettable."
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Sheesh, can take-two do anything right? I thought 'new management' would have put a stop to this stuff.