Video games are becoming the media melodrama of the ages. I reckon there might be some point in time when the behind-the-scenes wrangling of video games becomes more popular than professional Wrestling. Gaming is developing all of the Villains required to make such a melodrama a reality. Jack Thompson, of course, being enemy number one. Then you have the gaming industry with its white knight, riding in on a white horse with a sparkle of light which glistens in their teeth protecting the injustices of those who want to restrict freedom of speech, expression and ... yes, don't forget ... artistic freedom.

It is being reported that Manhunt 2 is under investigation in the states. Of course, such an investigation wouldn't be a sinister affair without the bad guy, Jack Thompson being involved and, don't worry, he is implicated. Of course, Rockstar and Take Two are involved, being the developer and distributor of Manhunt 2 ... what is a controversy in video games without them? Then you have US politicians taking some form of stand or, admittedly, going through the public motions of condemning the dastardly violence in video games. And we have the media, who are more than happy to become the scribes or poets of this growing tale of intrigue and villainy.

While everyone was happy that Nintendo may have made a fundamental shift in their gaming focus by providing the opportunity to allow more "adult" (and I mean violent adult and not plastic covered magazine type adult) games to be developed for their systems. Gamers everywhere are happy because it will allow for a greater diversity of gameplay to be experienced on the Wii. Considering the revolutionary new controllers on the Wii the future was looking pretty good. However, it is these very controllers which may be the basis of the very problem that legislators are having with Manhunt 2 on the Wii. The problem lies with the actions used with the Wiimote to simulate hacking, stabbing, and clubbing in game. Apparently, Jack Thompson has been making his opinions known about the issues he has with such a game being made for several weeks. He allegedly sent a letter to Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum which stated,

"Florida retailers are scheduled to sell a very violent video game called Manhunt 2 which will be available, remarkably, for "play" on the kids-friendly Nintendo Wii gaming platform ... The Wii device does not utilize traditional push button game controllers but instead utilizes hand-held motion capture devices... It is a training device."

This has prompted an investigation in to the video game in Florida. Even JT manages to uphold the image of the Nintendo Wii being "kids-friendly". Suddenly, Rockstar and Take Two are the perverters of children. Let's face it. If parents and retailers let their kids play the games, or, sell the games to children in the first place then that is your problem. Not that the game is made, but hey, call me zaney, that might just be some crazy, illogical thoughts that I am having.

Mortal Kombat Armageddon on the Wii. It is all kiddy gaming goodness.

An interview with McCollum was recorded earlier, however, it has not yet gone to air. Apparently, they are going to wait until closer to the release date before it is shown to the general public. The consensus seems to be that the problem does not exist with the other non-kids-friendly consoles that the game will be released on, just the Wii. Just something to take note of is that it is also being reported that Nintendo actively sought out the development of Manhunt 2 on the Wii.

"[Nintendo exec] Reggie [Fils-Aime] spent a fair amount of time soliciting [former Take Two CEO] Paul Eibeler to get the game on the Wii... Reggie did it to introduce more M-rated content, as he was afraid too many people would pigeon-hole [the Wii] as a kid machine."

Interesting. As to whether Nintendo will stand up then and actually support Rockstar and Take Two on this issue remains to be seen.

There are some things which do raise a few eyebrows with all of this here with the news team at Internode. Firstly, these actions, as described which are performed in Manhunt 2, are similar to some actions performed in the Mortal Kombat game for the Wii, however, this game hasn't experienced the same sort of public outcry as Manhunt 2. Secondly, is it just because Rockstar and Take Two are involved that Jack Thompson has got his frilly, pink lacy knickers in a knot over this? because his lack of vision in pursuing other titles by other developers does seem a little bit short sighted.

Why aren't they making plastic figurines of these action heroes? We need to be able to see our children playing out these melodramas of the video game industry as though these people represented the classic forces of Good Vs Evil. One side trying to protect our souls from the evils of violent video game manufacturers. The other side is an arch villain more evil than Darth Vader. Or, maybe we just need to provide more solid legislation to protect children from being sold these games in the first place and for parents to take responsibility in what their children play. Therefore, allowing responsible adults to play what they want.