NARC refused classification

Xbox News | Before reading our exclusive preview, read why you won't be able to play it.

Red Ant Software have today announced to us that their upcoming game NARC has been refused classification by the OFLC.

NARC is an in-depth, 3rd-person action/shooter video game set against a stylised modern-day backdrop of the War on Drugs. Playing in the elite NARC squad, players must rid the world of the powerful international K.R.A.K. drug cartel. Using deadly firepower and police authority, players will make the choice to play it straight or use and abuse narcotics to get that extra edge and quick cash. Players decide whether to play as a good or bad cop as they face the mean streets and criminal underworld that rules it.

The minority view of the board believes the impact of the game is justified in the context of a game based on busting drug dealers. Unfortunately the majority of the board did not agree that NARC was justified within the current highest classification rating of MA15+.

The OFLC has had a mixed history with crime sims. In 2001 they refused classification to Grand Theft Auto III (after it was on the shelves for a few months, of course) "on the ground that it is unsuitable for minors to see or play". Australia then later received a censored version. However in 2004 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was released with essentially the same game-play aspects that caused GTA III to be refused classification. Australia received a completely uncut version. Despite contacting the OFLC several times we received no reason as to why San Andreas was acceptable while GTA III was not.

This is a sad day for gaming as NARC looked like a fantastic game. Read our exclusive preview here.

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1 Comment

Marbig

6 years ago

Well.. its not like this is the first time we've come across such problems.

Bitching about it among the converted (ie pretty much anyone who would be so into games and actually understand them enough to post on this forum, or even be aware of this site) won't fix it.

Its so very, very wrong that titles like Manhunt, Leisure Suit Larry and Narc get banned. It is because of a complete lack of understanding of the whole culture, and what these titles mean to the adult player.

The problem is also that there is

a) very lazy parents who plonk kids in front of the X-Box at age 2 and assume any videogame (or cartoon while we are at it) is suitable. Either that, or they just don't care.

b). demographics:- there are so many people in the age group that will play adult titles that could negatively affect them. In addition to an adult rating, make parents responsible for their child being unduly affected by playing games with concepts too adult for them, not the creators. Videogames have the potential to be as much a work of art and personal expression as movies and music. They are childrens toys, let's not ignore that. But they are trying (or so very hard) to be so much more.

c.) The legislators do not understand (or want to) videogames. They are wierd and violent and now full of sex, and they want to sweep it all under the carpet. The only thing that will change this is when gamers get older and less apathetic as to their surroundings and actually have their influence on the laws. They are just outdated laws, and these are changing times.

d.) Obviously a need for an adult rating for videogames. One of the problems that so many titles getting banned (or censored) would entirely dissapear with an R rating. Manhunt would be fine under an R18+ rating. No-one really believes it causes violence. Its a disturbing game, but they don't ban the news because it contains (real!) images and concepts of violence.

e.) Some titles (Postal 2 maybe?, and some dodgy Jap porn titles) perhaps deserve to be banned.

I guess its just a matter of

, it won't always be like this. Look at all the films being unbanned.. they allow actual sex in R rated films now, as well as all those video nasties from the 70's to be on the shelves. Time gives perspective (and community attitudes change, sure). If anyone is mad enough about this, there are constructive ways to attempt to begin this insanity to end.