Manhunt 2 Banned In UK And Ireland June 20, 2007
READ MORE Consoles , Games , PS3 , Wii
The UK and Ireland have – separately - banned the violent Manhunt 2 games for the PS2 and Wii consoles. The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) claimed the game’s focus on stalking and brutality would involve a range of “unjustifiable harm risks, to both adults and minors”.
As to be expected, the OTT anti-violent game lobby in the US is also calling for its head, so to speak. Developed by Rockstar, Manhunt 2 joins its stable of other controversy magnets, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Canus Canem Edit [a.k.a Bully].
The original Manhunt got an ‘18’ certificate in 2003. By the way, the last game to be banned in the UK was Carmageddon in 1997, which got shown the door for rewarding drivers points for running over pedestrians. Seems like small potatoes these days.
“Rejecting a work is a very serious action and one which we do not take lightly,” said David Cooke, Director of the BBFC. “Where possible we try to consider cuts or, in the case of games, modifications which remove the material which contravenes the Board’s published Guidelines. In the case of Manhunt 2 this has not been possible. Manhunt 2 is distinguishable from recent high-end video games by its unremitting bleakness and callousness of tone in an overall game context which constantly encourages visceral killing with exceptionally little alleviation or distancing. There is sustained and cumulative casual sadism in the way in which these killings are committed, and encouraged, in the game.”
Rockstar has just released this statement:
“We are disappointed with the recent decision by the British Board of Film Classification to refuse classification of Manhunt 2. While we respect the authority of the classification board and will abide by the rules, we emphatically disagree with this particular decision.”
Manhunt 2 is an entertainment experience for fans of psychological thrillers and horror. The subject matter of this game is in line with other mainstream entertainment choices for adult consumers.”
The big issue for the authorities and uber-violent games is that kids/teens get hold of them, regardless of controls. The question is whether it’s right to ban adults from whatever kind of gaming entertainment they like? Let me know which way your axe swings.-Martin Lynch
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iPhone Battery Gets Recharged June 20, 2007
READ MORE Apple , Gadgets , Gizmodo UK , Mobile Devices , Mobile phones , Smartphones , iPhone
Alongside the high price, the battery life on the forthcoming iPhone has been nothing to write home about. However, just 9 days before the US launch, Apple has addressed the problem by boosting battery life to 8-hours talk-time, up from the under-whelming 5 hours previously stated.
This is a smart move by Apple since a phone that keeps running out of juice, no matter how stylish, is just deadweight in your pocket.
So here’s what’s changed since the original specs were released: stand-by time [not previously stated] is now 250 hours or 10 days, music playback has been bumped from 16 to 24 hours, video playback from 5 to 7 hours and Internet access from 5 to 6 hours. Considering the news that 7 million Brits want an iPhone already, based on pretty much fashion reasons alone, regular, level-headed phone users might now be a little more interested too.
The company has also announced that the entire top surface of the phone, including the 3.5-inch display has been upgraded from plastic to “optical-quality glass”.
This should improve image quality and make it more scratch-resistant – unlike certain other Apple products.-Martin Lynch
Lara Croft Swings Onto Xbox Live June 20, 2007
READ MORE Consoles , Entertainment , Games , Online , Software , Xbox
Xbox 360 owners are about to be the first to get the new Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Anniversary game as downloadable episodes from Xbox Live.
Anyone that owns the Tomb Raider: Legend game for the 360 will be able to download the new offering in four episodes. The game will later arrive as a full game for retail purchase. This is the first time that a full retail game has been chopped up as a download and is something that could become more popular if this proves a success.
Of course, anyone that remembers the old RPG – Siege of Avalon – will be familiar with downloadable game chapters.
Episodes 1 and 2 of the new game will blast off in September with 3 and 4 in the months after that. The episodes will cost 2,400 Microsoft Points for all four.-Martin Lynch
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DIY Ping Pong Ball Gun in 30 Seconds June 20, 2007
READ MORE Entertainment
Ping Pong Gun - video powered by Metacafe
This is a friendly warning to all Gizmodo employees. You will never feel safe while on the job ever again. Why is that? Because while you watch this video on how to quickly make a very effective ping pong ball gun, one of us is already finishing ours and is hiding around the corner. Good luck, and keep your senses sharp.– Benjamin Longo
DIY Ping Pong Gun [Random Good Stuff]
Human-Powered Forklift June 20, 2007
READ MORE Gadgets
Condolences to you if your company is too cheap to afford a real forklift and forces you to use this human powered one. As if pedaling the thing bike style wasn't insulting enough, you have to actually use your arms to lift up to 30kg—and then start pedaling to wherever the hell it is you're moving the thing to.
A definite workout, yes, but it's definitely not cool when your manager switches your pay over into the maintenance budget. Oh, you crazy Japanese! – Jason Chen
Nikkei [via Plastic Bamboo]
Chair Backpack Turns You Into a Pink Ninja Turtle June 20, 2007
READ MORE Gadgets
This French-designed chair, called "Wear Your Seat," is a semi-rigid foam cushion that molds to your back. You might dismiss it as a wacky design prototype, but have a little vision: Hot Pink Backspins, dude.
Up close photo:
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Editor and Contributor | Martin Lynch
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