Ever since hearing about Rockstar’s Manhunt 2 earlier this year, the gamers in all of us have been curious as to what could have shocked the ESRB so much that they gave the original version an “Adults Only” rating.  While most of us will never have the pleasure of playing that uncut version (unless we import it from the Netherlands or find it on a P2P program), we can take solace in knowing that the still ultra-violent “Mature” rated version will be in stores tomorrow. 

Before the scheduled release date last summer, Rockstar was forced to hold off and rework some gaming aspects in order to please the ESRB and England’s BBFC.  They were particularly concerned with the realistic executions the gamer conducted throughout the whole game, including one where a hunter’s testicles were removed with a pair of pliers.  Thus, Rockstar removed that scene and changed the way executions are viewed.  The screen now becomes somewhat blurry with movement so you cannot see exactly what is going on.

What bothers me is that adults are not allowed to purchase the unedited version of the game on any format anywhere.  Shouldn’t a 25 year old such as myself be able to decide if he wants to give this game a try?  Isn’t this taking censorship a little too far?  I understand that this is definitely not for children to play/view/be around whatsoever, but why can’t there be two versions available to the of-age public?  Isn’t there a way Rockstar could offer the unrated game online where the player must verify age somehow (and not through a stupid drop down option like most sites)?  It’s times like these in our society that really piss me off.

Will I still purchase the game?  Most likely.  But I’ll pay for it while shaking my fist!

To see an example of an execution in the edited version, check out the video after the jump.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=608wqyk0Kbc[/youtube]