Looks like Take Two is starting to feel the pressure of international bans and a dreaded AO (adults only) rating by the ESRB. Take Two has just issued a statement declaring that the upcoming July 2 2007 release of the currently AO-rated Manhunt 2 has been officially suspended. Take Two is now currently reviewing its options following the UK ban earlier this week and the death sentence aka the AO Rating cast down by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB).



"We continue to stand behind this ordinary game," the publisher said in a statement, according to Reuters. "We believe in freedom of creative expression, as well as responsible marketing, both of which are essential to our business of making great entertainment."

Why the fuss over an Adults Only Rating? Not only will major retailers such as Wal-Mart refuse to carry an AO-rated game, Nintendo and Sony have said they will not allow such a game to be manufactured for their consoles. Will Take Two give us a diluted Manhunt 2 instead? We'll just have to wait and see.

via IGN