Manhunt 2 excuses in early

Rockstar has pre-empted the headline writers by pointing out that Manhunt 2 is clearly an adult game destined for an 18+ rating from classification bodies.

It's very much a case of "what's the all the fuss (going to be) about?" over in the publisher's world, where it's keen to choke the vigour out of any lingering controversy with a plastic bag of sense.

"Manhunt 2 is a chilling and compelling drama and is only appropriate for people who are old enough to play it," a spokesperson told UK trade mag MCV.

"We are aware that in direct contradication to all available evidence, certain individuals continue to link the original Manhunt title to the Warren Leblanc case in 2004.

"The transcript of the court case makes it quite clear what really happened. At sentencing the Judge, defence, prosecution and Leicester police all emphasised that Manhunt played no part in the case."

Adding that it respects people who disagree with it, the publisher concluded that it would submit the game to appropriate bodies, expects it to get an 18 rating, and hopes that'll be fine with everyone.

For more on Manhunt 2, check out the launch announcement and trailer - and join in the debate about how one might use the Wiimote and nunchuck to sneak up on people and go "boo".