Article
4 July 2008
Manhunt 2 classified as objectionable
The computer game Manhunt 2 was classified on 12 June 2008 by the Office of Film and Literature Classification as objectionable due to the manner in which it depicts and deals with matters of sex, horror, cruelty and violence. This classification means that it is illegal to import, sell, supply or possess this game in New Zealand. To read the full written decision click the link below.
Manhunt 2 (PDF, v7.0, 221kb)
Please note that the content in this decision may not be suitable for younger readers.
Background
Manhunt 2 is the sequel to the computer game Manhunt, produced by Take 2 Interactive. The original game was classified as objectionable by the Office in December 2003 due to the manner in which it dealt with and depicted horror, crime, cruelty and violence.
Manhunt 2 follows the story of Dr Daniel Lamb who has had another personality imprinted into his mind as part of a weapons research project. Things go wrong and Daniel is thrown into an asylum. The second personality, Leo, is designed to be a cold and deadly assassin. Leo has a firm hold on Daniel’s mind, and Daniel must complete various missions in order to conquer him. To complete these missions the player has no choice but to kill everyone he or she meets in ever more brutal and gory ways using an assortment of weapons which include baseball bats, plastic bags, shards of glass and a circular saw.
Submission and classification of Manhunt 2
Manhunt 2 was not submitted by the game’s producers. A pirated copy of the game was seized by Customs, and submitted for classification under section 13(1)(a) of the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993.
The game was examined under the criteria set out in the Act and was classified as Objectionable. In its classification decision the Office noted that the game is constructed around fatality moves which involve vicious and bloody action, with a more gory death resulting in a higher score.
This classification means that it is an offence to import, sell, distribute, supply or possess this game. The penalty for doing so is, in the case of an individual, a fine not exceeding $10,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 10 years, and in the case of a body corporate a fine not exceeding $200,000.
Classification decision
The Office’s written decision on Manhunt 2 outlines the classification process and the reasons for classifying the game as Objectionable. Click the link below to read the decision.
Manhunt 2 (PDF, v7.0, 221kb)
Please note that the content in this decision may not be suitable for younger readers.