It was inevitable, but after two months of tweaking and possibly watering down, Manhunt 2 has recieved a Mature rating from the ESRB. It is not yet known precisely what Rockstar have done to the game in order to recieve the "M" rating, however the decision comes after a 'modified' version of the game was re-submitted to the ESRB. With a little bit of luck, the British Board of Film Classification will wise-up and follow suit. Rockstar are expected to attend a hearing regarding the BBFC's decision to ban the game in the UK in the next couple of months, so stick with us for news on that.

"This announcement follows the submission of a modified version of Manhunt 2 to the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), who has now rated the title "M" for Mature for ages 17 and older.

In June, Take-Two was compelled to suspend the release of the horror title when the ESRB issued an AO (Adults Only) rating.

"Manhunt 2 is important to us, and we're glad it can finally be appreciated as a gaming experience," said Sam Houser, founder and executive producer of Rockstar Games. "We love the horror genre. Manhunt 2 is a powerful piece of interactive story telling that is a unique video game experience. We think horror fans will love it."

"Manhunt 2 is an extraordinary game, and we eagerly anticipate its release in North America," added Strauss Zelnick, Chairman of Take-Two.

Manhunt 2 is the debut title from the newly formed Rockstar London studio, which is developing the game in conjunction with series creator Rockstar North. Early previews of Manhunt 2 have consistently praised the game's original design and creative use of narrative, tone, and atmosphere to evoke an experience many consider unmatched in video games. The Wii version is being developed by Rockstar Toronto."

It also looks like Rockstar are going to be eager to show off some 'Responsible Marketing' in light of this fiasco:

"Video games rated Mature are for consumers ages 17 and older and are not intended for children. Along with the Mature rating, the ESRB also assigned the following content descriptors to Manhunt 2: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content and Use of Drugs."

Source: Take 2 Interactive