Developer Rockstar Games is about to get mixed in a bundle of reception when the bloody quenched Manhunt 2 hits retail. It was suprising enough when we heard of a sequel in development, but the developer sparked our interest into higher grounds when they announced it was coming to the Wii console. So what has happened since that day? Editors and reporters started to speculate on new directions the Wii could be headed, developers realized potential and inspiration and Jack Thompson has more fire up in his ass than ever before.

Manhunt 2 is basically a bomb ready to set off myriad reactions, by the press, avid fans, parents, developers, retailers…and Jack Thompson (who could forget him?). In a gaming reinactment of the 2004 award-winning movie Crash, how will everyone react to this controversial title?

Developers

While this isn’t anything new, developers have ventured to see any motive to develop for the Wii console. Some have already stated specific reasons to turn off creating Wii games ranging from the poor online component, or the issue we seem to be jumbling about now: Nintendo’s reputation as a kiddy console. The Wiire (Wii-based website) published an editorial titled “More is Mini” which stated that developers should keen more towards casual software, such as mini games and Wii Sport-like entries. That is definitely a key factor in the Wii success, but we must not forget the other side of the ratio. If anything, Manhunt 2 is the key for getting massive support of mature titles on the Wii.

But why so? If you have never heard of the original, it’s time for you to do some serious research. Manhunt is one of the most (if not most) violent, derogative and obscene game ever to be released to the public. People have abhored the work brought from Manhunt, while others praised Rockstar. With a sequel of the same reputation that’ll probably recieve a similar treatment, it’ll definitely have a powerful effect, depending on sales, reception and the crowd. Developers have to recognize this, and that’ll ultimately make their desicion of making mature Wii titles. The question is whether Manhunt 2 becomes success on the Wii console after launch, but regardless, it has already raised awareness and concerns, before the game is released.

Wii Owners

While we cannot make a raw estimate of what kind of people reside with a Wii console, we can clearly divide them into two catagories: casual and hardcore. Hardcore gamers are already feeling giddy that the most violent sequel of a game is coming to the softest console on the market. What really becomes a concern is when casual gamers walk into Walmart (or any retail store for that matter) and see the deranged-filled cover of the game on the shelf.

So it’s whether casual gamers will choose to ignore Manhunt 2, or feel callous that the Wii image isn’t as they expected. Many people have watched the news and seen reports of Grand Theft Auto related crimes commited by children (including teens and young adults) believed to be influenced by the game. It’s quite apparent that Manhunt 2 will carry a similar burden, especially on the Wii console (motion controls). Probably the only way to overcompensate this…future distress, is that developers need to supply the Wii with games that fit their demographic. But that is already well underway.

Jack Thompson

It’s pretty amusing that this attorney get’s his own catagory, eh? Unlike the casual gamers, Thompson will react in one simple word: upset. If you haven’t heard of Jack Thompson, he is a gaming attorney known to detest violent video games…or any video game for that matter. This was also the same man who managed to inveigle people into thinking the fast food chain, Wendys, was holding a violent toy promotion for Nintendo. Thompson made an irrelevant tangeant over Manhunt 2 when asking Wendys to end the promotion, so it’s unimaginable on what he’ll say when the game is actually released.

It’s a darn shame that Jack Thompson is at wits end to find upper class recruitments to suuport Manhunt 2’s future liability. He has already contacted Florida attorney Bill McCollum and Florida govenor Charlie Crist on the matter, suggesting to take precautions on this game when released. Thompson is already doing everything in his power to stop this game from reaching as many locations in the United States. But what will happen after the game is released? It’s understandable that he’ll continue this vendetta. And instead of San Andreas, he’ll blame future crimes on Manhunt 2.

Rockstar Games

Last but not least, the mastermind behind the game. Despite being heckled by Jack Thompson, shunned by adults and filed with law suits, the company has stepped in hot oil by releasing yet another controversial title since Grand Theft Auto 3. Rockstar Games has deliberately ignored the callings and reactions by making a sequel to Manhunt, but that’s what makes the company so daring.

Rockstar Games has already predicted what’ll happen when Manhunt 2 is released. They will be rattled upon endlessly by lawyers, parents who mourn the death of game-related crimes and probably (or obviously) by Jack Thompson…again. While it’s harsh to say, someone…will get injured in the process. Rockstar Games will just has to suck it up like they always have, and take the beating of a lifetime.

Conclusion

In the end, everyone gets their fair share of the pie. Developers will choose to ignore or follow Rockstar Games’ influence, Wii owners will complain or buy Manhunt 2, Jack Thompson will continue the fire he has fueled for years, and the company itself will sit back and watch the action. As for me, I plan on buying Manhunt 2, and hopefully before Charlie Crist makes a desicion we’ll all regret.