Manhunt 2 is looking to break many records, but at this rate, none will be sale related. This is the first time a console title gas been given an AO rating upon initial review by the ESRB. The AO rating is considered to be murder by rating as no major chains will carry the product, and no console manufacturer will allow a title with this rating to be released.

From Wikipedia:

The BBFC has refused to certify the PlayStation 2 and Wii editions of Manhunt 2, meaning that it will not be legal to sell in the UK (however it will be legal to own), unless Rockstar makes the necessary changes and resubmits it, or successfully wins an appeal.

The Irish Film Censor’s Office announced that the game would also not be available for sale in Ireland. This is the first time a video game has been banned in Ireland.

The game has received the Adults Only rating from the ESRB, effectively removing it from retail, as most chains do not carry AO-rated games, and it has been Nintendo and Sony’s policy not to accept third party AO games. Rockstar is expected to appeal this decision. Both Sony and Nintendo have announced that they are officially refusing to allow the game’s release on their systems in its current state.

Although the ultimate result of this is not yet known, I surely hope that Rockstar is able to edit the content on this game fast enough to meet the desired release date. I know that they plan to appeal the rating with the ESRB as they intended that this game be released as M rather than AO, but due to the increasing pressure from people or parties such as Jack Thompson (I do not like this man), the likliness of this rating being changed in the game’s current state is not likely.