According to GameSpot AU, Valve's upcoming zombie-styled shooter sequel Left 4 Dead 2 will not be able to be legally sold in Australia. The Australian Classification Board has refused to allow the game to be given an MA 15+ rating (which is the current maximum) based on the graphic violence depicted in-game, particularly that caused by the newly touted range of melee weapons.
The refusal largely focuses on the Board's interpretation of the game's violence finding that "The game contains realistic, frenetic and unrelenting violence which is inflicted upon "the Infected" who are living humans infected with a rabies-like virus that causes them to act violently"
The ruling goes on to say that "However, it is the use of the "melee" weapons such as the crowbar, axe, chainsaw and Samurai sword which inflict the most damage. These close in attacks cause copious amounts of blood spray and splatter, decapitations and limb dismemberment as well as locational damage where contact is made to the enemy which may reveal skeletal bits and gore."
Australia's censorship laws are notoriously strict, and have seen many violent and adult-themed games over the years made illegal for sale.
gamespy.com
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