Every so often, a video game comes along that absolutely wows gamers. Unfortunately, some of those video games will also have parent groups and video game rating organizations fuming mad. Such is the case with the latest release (still yet to be released) title from Take Two Interactive. Manhunt  2 places the gamer in the role of some unsuspecting dude who has to fight his way through an insane asylum  full of chemical crazed psychotic inmates (a very typical occurrence if you ask me, happened to me last week). And of course, such a setting requires, nay demands an new level of digitally interactive violence. And it's this violence that has gotten Manhunt 2 into some hot water with the ESRB and its equivalent organizations around the world.

The level of violence is such that it could not garner a rating in Britain, baring it from sale both in England and Ireland. Subsequently, Take Two Interactive has postponed the release of that title, much to the cries of eager gamers about the globe.

“Take-Two Interactive Software has temporarily suspended plans to distribute Manhunt 2 for the Wii or PlayStation platforms while it reviews its options with regard to the recent decisions made by the BBFC and ESRB,” said a Take-Two representative in a prepared statement.“We continue to stand behind this extraordinary game. We believe in freedom of creative expression, as well as responsible marketing, both of which are essential to our business of making great entertainment.”

It's quite akin to the resulting onslaught of controversy that RockStar Games suffered when the 'Hot Coffee' mod was discovered. That one little game hack (witch require that the game be hacked to access) near instantly dropped RockStar into a pot full of hot coffee (pardon the pun). But it's occasions like these that only serve to complicate the sales and marketing aspects of video games and their respective publishers/developers. On the flip side of the coin, such a controversy will obviously have many a gamer drooling over Manhunt 2, and eagerly awaiting any release date. If the title is release in the near distant future, it's certain that this complication of excessive violence will probably boost sales. I mean, who wouldn't want to slice the throat of crush the skull of some digital crazy out to get ya.

Sure, a Take Two company chairman has referred to Manhunt 2 as being a "work of art". But, every company in the world is subject to trades and practices acts, which do entail safety and ratings regulations. And companies do have to cater to the public masses. If Manhunt 2 is deemed too violent for retail sale, there may come the possibility of on-line sales only (I'll take two) for those consumers who are deemed old enough. But if it's real violence you crave, look no further than Hollywood. Better access, fewer regulations, and much more realistic.