In 2007, Rockstar Games's stealth action game sequel Manhunt 2 got hit with an "AO" rating by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board when it was supposed to be released for various consoles. Rockstar decided to delay the game's release and edit its content. It was eventually released, to mediocre sales and reviews, with an "M" rating in the US later in 2007. In the UK, the government's ratings board tried to ban the game from being sold but that decision was finally overturned by an appeals committee in 2008.

Now get ready for the controversy to hit again as Rockstar is apparently prepping the two year old Manhunt 2 to finally be released for the PC . . and in an apparently unedited version. A post on the ESRB's latest games list shows a "Windows PC" rating of "AO" for Manhunt 2 for "Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs". There's no current listing of Manhunt 2 shipping to any retail outlets. It's possible that Rockstar will make the PC version available as an downloadable game only. Many other "AO" PC games have been released in this way in the US.

[Via Joystiq]