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Violent video games - the worst of the worst

Violent video games - the worst of the worst
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Apr 10, 2008
 | 10 Comments 
Tags: games | violence
Five games. Five reasons why you shouldn’t let the youngsters near them.
Horror novelist Stephen King recently caused a stir when he wrote in his Entertainment Weekly column that violent videogames shouldn’t be banned – merely that parents should "have the guts" to tell their kids they wouldn’t be allowed to play them.

Video game violence is a touchy topic amongst many – but what are the worst of the worst? Here’s a quick list of the five most objectionable games of the past twenty-five years.

Custer’s Revenge (Atari 2600) (1982): Custer’s Revenge is somewhat unique. It’s one of the earliest attempts at on-screen nudity – this is an Atari 2600 game, after all. It’s also just about the only game we can come up with that uses rape as a gameplay tactic, as a curiously pants-free General Custer attempts to ravage a low-res Indian maiden while avoiding getting an arrow straight through his… well, we’ll let you work out the rest.

Night Trap (Mega-CD) (1992): Night Trap caused controversy not only in Australia, but even in the US, where much sterner material isn’t even required to be classified. It’s a clichéd horror movie staple – a house, several scantily clad girls and a group of killers that only you can defeat, all played out in glorious early 90’s FMV-vision. Strangely, the later released PC, Mac and 3DO versions barely raised an eyebrow.

Carmageddon (PC) (1997): SCI Interactive’s take on Death Race 2000 raised more than a few eyebrows back in 1997, due largely to the fact that you could win races either by getting to the finish line first – or by wiping out every pedestrian on the course first. It’s notable in the Australian context because while there was a certain amount of public and political outcry, the OFLC passed it uncut with an MA15+ rating – still the highest rating any game can have.

Thrill Kill (PSOne) (1998): It’s one thing when the government bans a game. But when a publisher does? That’s exactly what happened with Thrill Kill, a four-player Playstation One game that EA declared “senselessly violent”, and scrapped shortly before it was due to hit retail shelves.

Manhunt (2003): While Rockstar’s GTA series is more famous for violence, it’s the company’s dark, gritty murder-voyeur simulation that holds a few records, at least for Australian readers. The first game was passed by the OFLC in October 2003, but then refused classification in September 2004, essentially due to to political pressure – and when arguably anyone who wanted a copy of the game already had one.

What do you think? Did we miss out some obvious candidates? Is King right in his approach?

Also see our guide to Sleeper Hits: The games of 2008
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Comments: 10
M9ROC
Apr 10, 2008 12:00 PM
 Violent games should be allowed - i agree with King. If killing games are banned where would it stop? Soon we wouldn't have games that allow escapism from reality and we'd be stuck playing chess - albeit with very good graphics. People like the violence - better kept in a game than in real life.


Comment made about the PC Authority article:
Violent video games - the worst of the worst?
Five games. Five reasons why you shouldn’t let the youngsters near them.

What do you think? Join the discussion.
steve_666
Apr 11, 2008 1:29 PM
 I agree better keep it in the game then the real world. I play games to escape and to stimulate.
blockcentre
Apr 12, 2008 11:59 AM
 Agreed.

They should bring in the R18+ ratings for games though, which would make the whole process easier for everyone.
geller
Apr 14, 2008 9:24 AM
 I've said it before, I'll say it again, my vote goes to Manhunt - something about sneaking up BEHIND someone with an iron bar that's makes me want to take a shower. For some reason, I load up an FPS like Battlefield and I don't bat an eye. \:d/
Cyber Vandal
Apr 14, 2008 2:31 PM
 violent games should be allowed, i like running pedestrians over.
Jammit
Apr 17, 2008 10:50 PM
 Masturbation DOES make you go blind.

The christians have proved it - with their gods plan via inteligunt desin.
geller
Apr 18, 2008 9:36 AM
 is that a game proposal?
Alistor
Apr 19, 2008 5:24 PM
 I'm all for killing games. I enjoy a bit of powerplay, running around, playing God. But I cannot, no would not ever raise a gun to a person IRL
Cyber Vandal
Jun 13, 2008 8:16 AM
 it hasnt made me blind yet.
avoidz
Jun 14, 2008 11:33 PM
 Just give us the R-rating for games in Australia and be done with all this repetitive criticism of "violent videogames".

My vote? Manhunt is the game I've felt most nasty with.
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