I've been trying to work my way through a few recent releases and Aliens vs. Predator was one I had been hoping to spend some quality time with. This is primarily because of the rating controversy surrounding the game and partially because the game just looked really like my type of game - aliens, guns, gore, that sort of thing.
Keeping in mind that this game was on its way to being banned in Australia due to the excessive violence, there's nothing like playing the game yourself to gain a bit of perspective. And yes, there's no doubt that the level of violence in Aliens vs. Predator could be viewed as 'extreme' but that's entirely objective. The choice to purchase the game is up to parents to decide for children under the age of 18 (or 15 in Australia).
The campaign portion of the game allows you to play as either an Alien, a Predator or a Marine. The gameplay is actually really good and extremely entertaining. I had particular fun with the 'Survival' mode where you're literally waiting to be picked off by waves of Aliens in almost complete darkness. Some of the scenes in the game are gory, particularly when you play as a Predator who can take 'Trophies' from victims by ripping off their heads. I actually found this part of the game one of the highlights but apparently, the ratings board in Australia didn't see it that way.
To be honest, I'm at the point where I am beginning to feel a little bogged down by all the ratings controversy going on lately. Shouldn't politicians be worrying about other matters rather than getting involved in ratings related issues for video games? I mean, isn't that what parents are supposed to do? If a game is too violent for your children, fine - don't let them play it. There are plenty of resources for concerned parents to make informed decisions. There are websites like this one which I personally think is one of the better resources available. Their reviews are well-written, detailed and provide a refreshingly unbiased view of video game content, politician-free.
Image via TotalVideoGames
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Yeah it is violent but if parents actually stuck to the guidelines then there wouldn't be any discussion. Parents (a lot of, not all i admit) are still of the view that computer games are for kids therefore kids can play any computer game they want. The 18 and over cert is there for a reason! There's a girl i work next to at a virtual receptionist service and she let's her 10 yr old son watch all the 18 cert movies etc then questions why he's a bit strange sometimes!