Good news for German gamers; People Can Fly’s over-the-top first person shooter, Bulletstorm, hasn’t been banned. The bad news is that most of the adult content in the game has been censored, yet it’s still been marked with a USK 18+ seal by the German Entertainment Software Rating Board.
Any trace of ultra-violence has been wiped including the ragdoll and dismemberment mechanics as well as blood splatter. Though it won’t ruin the game completely, those who have had hands-on experience with Bulletstorm will agree that the mindless, blood-soaked carnage is one its biggest selling points.
With some of the game’s “Skillshots” requiring you to hack off limbs and smear the walls with guts, it will be interesting to see how these will be substituted.
Bullestorm launches Stateside on February 22nd, with the game releasing here on the 25th.
Source: gameindustry
SpikeyMikey23
Hmmm what a way to ruin the game for German gamers. I didnt get on with the demo so its not for me, but it all seemed like comedy violence to me. Shame
Porcupine_I
well, i can already see the Austrian border overflowing with germans again :-D
aerobes
I’m a little surprised it escaped a ban actually considering what Germany have banned before today such as Scarface, Dead Rising and obviously anything will Nazi references.
Am I right in thinking that after 10 years the ban is lifted? Why anyone would wait that long seems faintly ridiculous though.
Porcupine_I
they do not ban games in germany, they can be sold, but they can not be advertised or exposed. they have to be kept behind the counter until someone askes specifically for the game, which practically kills the sales.
the devs, do know about this and make sure it does NOT get restricted in that way, by censoring their content beforehand.
Jumping Monks
Is this just for Germany? Hope so…
tonycawley
And this is Germany, the country that freely shows hard-core porn on terrestrial television? Are we talking about the same country?
bigdon23
Being the same region, i imagine they could just get it from the UK and play the game as it was supposed to be
KeRaSh
Indeed. I have stopped purchasing german versions years ago. Amazon.co.uk is the place for me. Delivery takes 1-2 days longer but in cases like this it’s worth it. Also, I prefer the original voices and text. As an american it’s hard to settle for german translations…
yogh_wayne
That’s also where I get most of my games from :) Oh, and even as a German I prefer the original voices. German translations of video games are often terrible.
cRaSh
Same s**t different game. It’s always the same with the german USK. I’m so happy that some german stores have the pegi version.
hazelam
the german authorities are so uptight about stuff.
Lord_Gremlin
I’m not sure why they bothered with release of censored version at all.
yogh_wayne
Not surprised at all. In fact uncencored 18+ titles often have a sticker saying “uncut” on the box as a selling point. I import most of my games from UK, they’re uncencored and funnily enough cheaper (including shipping) then when I buy them here in Germany.