TGS08: Suda51 confirms censored version of No More Heroes 2 for Europe

by David Hinkle { Oct 10th 2008 at 11:46AM }

But, wait, before you break out that pen and paper and start writing that angry letter, know this: you're also going to get a fully-featured, bloodtastic game, just like those of us in North America! This time around, you're going to have the option of choosing which version of No More Heroes: Desperate Struggle you want, though we can't imagine why you'd want one without the buckets of blood and over-the-top violence.

"We won't be able to make the same game for all territories," Suda 51 said. "For Europe, we're going to release two versions. One extreme version, and one with less violence." Why? Well, because so many Europeans bugged him about the version that released to their territory and how it was the same as the Japanese version of the game. "With No More Heroes 2 we want to please the fans too. I want the European users to be able to experience the extreme version."

So celebrate, Europe. For once, you're being taken seriously!

Gallery: No More Heroes: Desperate Struggle

Tags: censor, censorship, desperate-struggle, europe, grasshopper-manufacture, nmh-desperate-struggle, no-more-heroes, no-more-heroes-2, no-more-heroes-desperate-struggle, suda51, tgs-2008, tgs08, travis, travis-touchdown

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

RICANJO @ Oct 10th 2008 11:55AM

After playing the censored version, I don't think I could get used to the gore now. It's nice to have the option, but does this mean you'll have to buy a seperate game should you wish to switch?

David Hinkle @ Oct 10th 2008 12:06PM

That's what it looks like, two separate games. It'd be nice if there was an option to turn it off or on, but Suda51 implies that there will be two distinct versions at retail. But, hey, who knows? Maybe he'll find a way to put them both onto one disc.

meist3r @ Oct 10th 2008 12:17PM

Putting them both on one disc and/or including a switch would defeat the entire purpose of this move. He does that because many retailers refuse to stock a game when it gets an 18+ rating. It's prohibited to advertise those games and you can only sell it to adults. If there were two versions one that could be sold and advertised to anyone that would give the retailers a better chance to sell it to the appropriate audience. At the same time there's would be an "under the counter" mature version that you can ask for if you have ID. I could imagine that the bloody version would have an option to switch between both but there needs to be one version that can be sold to minors with censorship engaged otherwise they couldn't cater to the market properly.

I can't wait for this game and given how much I enjoyed the "censored" Euro version I would definitely give the US taste a try. Even though I have to admit after comparing lots of footage I actually like it better without the blood. I could do without it but missed it a little in the bossfights. At least when I beat one of those I want a gory reward. All the henchmen are digital clones anyway.

Thanatos @ Oct 10th 2008 11:58AM

Doesn't effect me (USA for me) but its awesome that Suda is doing this. But is it going to have an adult rating if they have the extreme version? What was the original NMH rated in Europe?

Chaos @ Oct 11th 2008 12:15PM

The European version was rated 16+ by PEGI.

TheCoats @ Oct 10th 2008 12:00PM

so is it safe to assume this is a Wii game yet?

Gordon @ Oct 10th 2008 9:56PM

Yeah, Suda's said it's on Wii for sure.

I actually quite like the censored one. That said, I'll probably still pick up the uncensored one when it comes out, if only so the clean ups/death animations make slightly more sense.

David Hinkle @ Oct 10th 2008 12:07PM

Yup, what Gordon said. Totally a Wii game. And we're absolutely thrilled it is!

zelderman @ Oct 10th 2008 4:14PM

When I read that they were making a NMH 2, I immediatly thought of you David. I know how much you love No More Heroes. I was very excited and can't wait for this.

Mr Khan @ Oct 10th 2008 12:12PM

But why give the option, ratings purposes?

meist3r @ Oct 10th 2008 12:20PM

Yup, e.g. the UK and Germany have silly rules for violent games. When the game gets a mature rating many vendors think it won't pay off and don't stock it. You're not allowed to make advertisements for it that could be seen by minors whatsoever and you can only sell it to adults of course. So that basically rules out a lot of the sales you would get from browsing youth. That doesn't pay off for the big chains and many people simply won't buy it because they're either too young or had to go out of their way just to get their hands on a copy. So better put out two so everybody could give you money for it.

And of course people like me, old enough, could get a game the way it was meant to be instead of sticking with the "censored for everyone" version.

Moleculo @ Oct 10th 2008 12:17PM

The NMH2 announcement this week inspired me to actually go and finish NMH. Three more fights to go, and I'm really glad I did. Despite the complaints, some of which are legit, this is truly a great game.

sparkster @ Oct 10th 2008 12:46PM

That's a good thing since Europe usually gets castrated versions of games and Germany even gets a version which is cut like crazy compared to that Euro one. So German players usually get the UK version of console games. If anything I'd get the "extreme" version.
I mean, if videogames are to be considered art, you have to expierience them as intended by the artists/devs, right? Nobody would paint over a medival painting only because it displays blood.

Josh @ Oct 10th 2008 1:06PM

"TGS08: Suda51 confirms censored version of No More Heroes 2 for Europe"

That's not exactly good news. Don't you mean "uncensored"?

Eternityx @ Oct 10th 2008 1:40PM

I'm glad they are giving Europe a fair chance to pick a censored version or not.

NMH did a lot right for being so new and different. Hopefully they can improve the good formula.

uuk @ Oct 11th 2008 5:51AM

It sucks that they have to go through all these hoops to get the original version released in Europe just because of the Brits and Germany. Most European countries don't have such sucky laws as they do. Even if it the game was rated 18 it wouldn't mean anything because in most countries it can be sold normally - as it should.

dont @ Oct 11th 2008 5:54AM

Remember:
Britain != Europe

They have their own ratings system which has nothing to do with the rest of Europe. You always seem to be forgetting that.