“Manhunt 2:” Most Violent Game Yet?

Critics Say New Video Game Is Too Realistic; Players Must Torture, Kill

(CBS)  Just in time for Halloween comes one of the scariest video games ever seen.

The objective: a mental patient tries to escape from a bizarre insane asylum using everything from a sickle to rip out a character’s skull to a club to attack a police officer, CBS News science and technology correspondent Daniel Sieberg reports.

As Scott Steinberg, a video game reviewer and author, demonstrated for CBS News, the experience is even more intense when it's played on Nintendo’s Wii, which gets players to act out the violence.

“We’re going to lure them into the open and then chop them up,” Steinberg explained while playing.

"The Wii has motion-sensing controls, and therefore to stab you're gonna mimic a stabbing motion, to swing a sledgehammer or a shovel you would do the same. Unfortunately it's probably not something you would want to have your kids get much practice on," Steinberg said.

That has parents' groups outraged, worried it will be played by teens and younger children.

"It is some of the most horrific, senselessly violent stuff you've ever seen," James Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Media, said.

CBS News invited Dr. Christopher Lucas, a child psychiatrist at New York University, to watch the game being played.

Sieberg asked him if this is a cause for worry for parents.

“I think we don't know at the moment, but I think this is the sort of game that is most likely to have an effect,” he said. “Games that actually have players act out things in a physical way, are more likely to have one.”

Researchers have not found a direct scientific link between playing violent video games and carrying out those acts in real life. But some studies have shown children who play certain video games become more aggressive and could become desensitized to violence.

The entertainment software rating board has rated "Manhunt 2" "M" for “mature,” meaning no one under 17 should be allowed to play or buy it. It’s made by the same company - Rockstar Games - that created the controversial and popular “Grand Theft Auto” titles.

What surprised industy watchers is that Nintendo, maker of the Wii, has allowed "Manhunt 2" to be played on its system. Nintendo has been known for its kid-friendly games, but now it will have an edgier reputation that may be good for business.

In a statement, Nintendo told CBS News: “Just as with movies, television, and books, different video games appeal to - and are appropriate for - different audiences."

Sieberg took "Manhunt 2" to a local gaming center and let three 20-something-year-old gamers get their hands on it. They enjoy playing, but even these hard-core gamers recoiled at the violent imagery.

“The game looks like they made it like this just to make it controversial, just to bring something up, because there's no reason for the amount of, the level of violence in the game,” said Jackie Waldman.

“This definitely takes the cake as probably the most violent thing I’ve played,” another player, Chris DeMaida, said.

[bugbah]

I have a 17 yr old son, and he knows the difference between video games and REAL life. All these parent groups need not blame the video games and movies and rap music for children gone bad. If you instill good moral values in your child then what is everyone worried about. My teenager loves "grand theft auto" but because he is a well rounded individual he knows you can''t run people over with a car and expect it to be o.k. Put the blame where it needs to be: BAD PARENTING!!!

[niko1415]

I am hoping, that people do not group all gamers as "people who only play violent video game" or "people who play video games become violent murders". I mean, I have read a couple of studies regarding violent video games and the mind of a human being. Except when you read it in detail, there are two problems:

1.) No female subjects are included in the test (stereotyping that only males play video games, which is complete bs)
2.) ONLY violent video games are played (as if video games are the only video games out there, and the most popular, which is also bs)

What people, especially adults, need to do is to get involved in their children''s activities, not JUST monitoring what they are playing, but also tell them that what is allowable in the game world, is not allowable in the video game world. Do not get government involved in this family matter, because it is just going to complicate things, and our current government needs every bit of attention on OTHER important matters, such as how to finally finish the Iraq mess, or try to fix our economy.

[flappyfolley]

'' ...

you''re a girl

don''t go, you know what will happen to you

you know what can happen to you while we''re out here

y''all brought the army into this

if you didn''t do it, why are you so scared

you''re threatening to read me my rights

you''re threatening to give me a fair trial

... ''

[bwessels]

The apologists are out in force. Yes, violent TV and movies are wrong -- two wrongs do not make a right. Ever heard that one?

A 19-year old advertises on Craigslist for a nanny, and then kills her. Or maybe his buddy did, because he thought "it would be funny." I wonder where he got that idea. Popular culture is a sewer, but that''s okay, because we can yell at "bad parents" to leave us alone and let us enjoy our fantasy psychopath appetites. Apparently you are a "bad parent" if you do not throw out all your TV sets and stop walking through stores.

How many of you video game murderers have kids? And if you do, do you watch them 24/7/365? Can you guarantee they never, ever see CSI? Or are you a "bad parent" too?

[phimuskapsi-2009]

PART II:

Parents need to step up and be more involved in their children''s lives. My parents wouldn''t let me play Doom when I was 9 or 10 or so and for good reason, they didn''t want me exposed to violent images. Stop- blaming the world for "exposing" your kids to child molesters, violent media, or offensive media/people, you have control over what they experience, and sure they will go against you some times but for the most part if you teach your kids between right and wrong they will get the point.

What''s really funny is that this "horrible" video game is being showcased on broadcast news, which anyone can watch, so by complaining that kids can play it and then playing it on the tv and showing clips of some of the violence is just as bad isn''t it?

[phimuskapsi-2009]

PART I:

Ah this...again. Manhunt is a violent video game sure, and it''s basically a murder simulator, fine. But here''s the rub...this is a piece of media, it''s no different from sitting down to watch Saw or Hostel which are far more visceral because you are watching real people get brutalized, at least this game the graphics aren''t "photo-realistic" or how bout CBS''s famous CSI, where you see people murdered, gaping wounds, blood, etc. Now this show is broadcast at a time when kids can watch in fact I know of several kids that watch this.

As for Gramma''s question about a gamer who plays this and why, here''s why:

I play it because it''s a game and it''s a fun game. It''s fun because it''s fun to play a challenging game. Manhunt is all about murder (in fact the first one you are making snuff films *against your will*). The violence is fun in the way watching Boxing or UFC is exciting, you get to be evil for a little bit in a fantasy land. I''d rather see someone play this and act out violent acts in a a fantasy land than some psycho getting an AR-15 and killing everyone at their office or school.

People who imitate "art" in any sense, in violence, robbery or whatever are idiots. They were already pre-disposed to violence if they end up going through with a decision to hurt someone. A video game will not cause someone to react negatively in society just as movies, music or tv shows don''t really have a massive effect.

[shoujoboy-2009]

This isn''t my type of game really but I encourage its existance purely out of enjoyment of watching people get worked up. If your kid goes out and kills someone with a sledgehammer it isn''t the video games fault... IT''S YOURS! You fail as a parent and you should be incarcerated for it. Video games are entertainment and anyone with half a brain knows that. I don''t expect to slash at someone with a sword and do 1000 damage and then wait for them to take a turn. I don''t expect to carjack someone and then be greeted by Samuel L. Jackson. I don''t expect to die and then respawn 10 seconds later.

Quit blaming the video games. Stupid people are stupid people and stupid parents are stupid parents. If you don''t want to play the game, don''t play it. It''s just that easy.

[dragonmouse-2009]

I have the PERFECT solution.

I''m not going to buy it because I think it''s a bit too violent for my child. ANDDDD...IF my child says he wants it...I''m going to use the NO word. It''s really EASY...

IF there are some adults or older teens that really want this game and they have the $40-50 in their pockets to go get it...Enjoy.

In general I think a lot of these video games release stress...Unfortunately there are a handful of "warped wierdos" that take things seriously and act out OUTSIDE of the game. But game, movie, news story...it doesn''t matter these "warped wierdos" are gonna do what they''re gonna do or they''ll make their OWN music.

[vermonter52]

I don''t try to understand why people like games where they can beat up or kill someone. I do understand that video games offer some kind of challenge and are some peoples way of unwinding doing something non sensible. but in my opinion a waste of life''s time. But I have seen many of these people who play the games ALLOW their children to play them, join in with them or leave them laying around so they can play them. That part I cannot understand is completely responsible in the mental health of their kids. I do believe these games affect young kids mental health.
Some adults never learn the true meaning of being responsible for their kids mental health. Violent TV shows are not interactive but should be monitored as well. It is a sad world for our children who are now in an electronic world of communications and interaction. No one talks anymore - just email, games and TV.

[kingjeremy77]

Video Games are mainstream media now, people need to understand this fact. Just like movies, Video Games have grown up, they appeal to all ages now. There''s always a major complaint whenever a violent Video Game is released, but it''s not the same for violent movies. Is there a chance Children will pick up this game and play it? The answer is yes and it sucks that they probably will, but they can also watch a violent movie too. Parents, I urge you to monitor what your Children are playing and watching, afterall, it''s your job to do so. Video Games are interactive whereas movies you just sit there and watch, but Children and younger people being exposed to this can''t be any worse than what they''re exposed to on everyday Television, or by what they see on DVD. People need to stop looking at Video Games as "Kids Entertainment", it grew out of that years and years ago. I''m 30 years old and I support games like Manhunt 2. I grew up with the Intellivision, Atari, Nintendo, Mario and just like I''ve grown up, the Video Game Industry has too. There''s games made for Children, Teens and Adults now. Manhunt 2 is not meant for Children or Younger Teens, but we Adult Gamers have the right to play and enjoy this game.

[sverre5-2009]

Ironically, the kind of publicity articles like this are what the game''s publisher, Rockstar benefit from. They have historically used media hype and controversy to sell games. [They''ve also created the Grand Theft Auto Series] If the aim of these articles is to lower the game''s sales and children''s desire to play them, then it is probably doing the exact opposite. Sadly, the writers of this article, like many non-gamers are uninformed. Video games have now become a mainstream form of entertainment, much different from ten or twenty years ago. Thus, like books and film, there is a broad age range that publishers can appeal to. By understanding more about the facts of the ESRB rating system, and doing research on the games themselves, parents can more accurately control what they want their children to play. I myself would never play this game, or allow my children to. But I am also against censorship. If people want to play Manhunt, so be it.

[grammawhamma]

God...you gamers must really be addicted to get a wedgie over this. I see the veins sticking out on your forehead. Just explain to me why you need this violence in your game...adrenalin rush or what? I really want to know why the violence? Please calm down if you can and explain.

[daaborion]

Continued 2:
You know what CBS? Games are becoming, if not already have, become just like movies. Get over it and move on! You want REAL news? Put posts like this on TV and talk about how much of an *** you just made yourself on television, you poor excuse for journalism.

"Next up on CBS, how our lead reporter slept with a man!... it''s not really true, in fact it''s actually her husband.. but let''s report it as something horrible just to get ratings, yea!"......that''s about the level of *** you have just shown on your program. This is why I watch Daily Show. I think it''s about time its not us, but YOUR NETWORK that gets some morals you hypocritical idiots.

[daaborion]

Continued:
You know what, you should stop complaining when you have also regulated what we can watch on TV and in movies. A kid can''t even buy this game YET YOU REFUSE TO MENTION IN YOUR ARTICLE THAT YOUR TV SHOWS SAY WORLDS LIKE *** ON FAMILY PROGRAMS!!!!! So, it''s ok to have little Jonny turn on the tube and hear about gay people all the time and hear words like ***.. but a game in which a kid that can''t even buy this game, why... becuase it''s meant for ADULTS, gets SLANDERED all the time on media because it''s soooo baaaad for him. IT''s NOT MADE FOR HIM!

You want a good moraled company like Nintendo to have a bad reputation, YOU''RE giving it to them, not us gamers. Wby can''t we have something to play that is just like a movie... so what I''m making a motion instead of a button. Let me tell you, THIS GAME IS A LOT LESS SCARIER THAN SAW III. I HATE horror films, it''s too disgusting... they have gone out of hand. But no, let''s divert your "news" away from you inappropriate tv programs and movies, just to complain about something you know nothing about.

[daaborion]

Wow CBS, you really ARE the new Fox aren''t you?

I really hope you read these comments because the gaming world is literally SICK and TIRED of this negativety all the time. You smile when you see in movies people get tortured, raped, mangled all the time. Why do you let it go? Oh, because it''s rated R. Well oh educated ones... this one is rated M. What in the world could M mean. OHHHHH thats MATURE.. which is the gaming equality for R. Seriously... have you ever played a system every week.. like a true gamer does? No. Then how in the world do you come off as being an expert at what you''re talking about.

You say that Nintendo might be getting a "non-kiddie" reputation now. Um, what do you get your facts from 13 year old posting on forums??? Nintendo has had since the gamecube Eternal Darkness, Resident Evil, Scarface, Godfather. Oh wait, you cant say bad things about the last two... theyre based off MOVIES. Let me tell you something. You KILL PEOPLE IN THOSE GAMES JUST LIKE THE MOVIES. How is that right but this is wrong. Here''s another fun fact of the day. The first game was a LOT worse than this! Get it through your thick skulls that even games like Mario or Sonic are played mostly by gamers over the age of 25. I think us 25+ year olds have the intelligence to pick up the appropriate game for ourselves, just like we do for movies. Seriously, what is your problem

[greybeardvet]

I hate these *** video games. They are just as offensive as child pornography. I''m a long time member of ACLU and a firm believer in freedom of speech but this *** is just too unwholesome. Shame on the producers and shame on the losers that buy it.

[daaborion]

Wow CBS, you really ARE the new Fox aren''t you?

I really hope you read these comments because the gaming world is literally SICK and TIRED of this negativety all the time. You smile when you see in movies people get tortured, raped, mangled all the time. Why do you let it go? Oh, because it''s rated R. Well oh educated ones... this one is rated M. What in the world could M mean. OHHHHH thats MATURE.. which is the gaming equality for R. Seriously... have you ever played a system every week.. like a true gamer does? No. Then how in the world do you come off as being an expert at what you''re talking about.

You say that Nintendo might be getting a "non-kiddie" reputation now. Um, what do you get your facts from 13 year old posting on forums??? Nintendo has had since the gamecube Eternal Darkness, Resident Evil, Scarface, Godfather. Oh wait, you cant say bad things about the last two... theyre based off MOVIES. Let me tell you something. You KILL PEOPLE IN THOSE GAMES JUST LIKE THE MOVIES. How is that right but this is wrong. Here''s another fun fact of the day. The first game was a LOT worse than this! Get it through your thick skulls that even games like Mario or Sonic are played mostly by gamers over the age of 25. I think us 25+ year olds have the intelligence to pick up the appropriate game for ourselves, just like we do for movies. Seriously, what is your problem

[daaborion]

Wow CBS, you really ARE the new Fox aren''t you?

I really hope you read these comments because the gaming world is literally SICK and TIRED of this negativety all the time. You smile when you see in movies people get tortured, raped, mangled all the time. Why do you let it go? Oh, because it''s rated R. Well oh educated ones... this one is rated M. What in the world could M mean. OHHHHH thats MATURE.. which is the gaming equality for R. Seriously... have you ever played a system every week.. like a true gamer does? No. Then how in the world do you come off as being an expert at what you''re talking about.

You say that Nintendo might be getting a "non-kiddie" reputation now. Um, what do you get your facts from 13 year old posting on forums??? Nintendo has had since the gamecube Eternal Darkness, Resident Evil, Scarface, Godfather. Oh wait, you cant say bad things about the last two... theyre based off MOVIES. Let me tell you something. You KILL PEOPLE IN THOSE GAMES JUST LIKE THE MOVIES. How is that right but this is wrong. Here''s another fun fact of the day. The first game was a LOT worse than this! Get it through your thick skulls that even games like Mario or Sonic are played mostly by gamers over the age of 25. I think us 25+ year olds have the intelligence to pick up the appropriate game for ourselves, just like we do for movies. Seriously, what is your problem

[brianbwb-2009]

Same was said about "Doom" when it was out. I still have custom wads, and play it. I even have one where the characters are all from "Looney Tunes". It only became one of the most popular games in history, and the forerunner of "Manhunt2"

"Perverse humor" has a merit in helping us deal with extreme forms of stress and fear. These games are nothing more than "gross out humor", harmless.

Better worry about Bush, who plays such games with real human lives.

[Wookiee-1138]

Myabe when people get it through their heads that "game" =/= "for kids" we won''t have to deal with such saltatrix tonsa.