February 24th, 2011
9:31 PM CST -
According to IGN Australia, the Australian Classification Board, the equivalent of the ESRB in the United States, will decide to refuse classification for Mortal Kombat (2011). One of IGN's sources stated they received an e-mail stating that the game will "not be released in Australia. The e-mail added that the decision might be overturned in the future, but these steps were currently necessary."

Update: 9:40pm CST: IGN just updated their story with an official statement from Warner Bros. which we've included below.

The highly anticipated video game Mortal Kombat, published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (WBIE) in Australia, has been refused classification by the Australian Classification Board and will not release in Australia. We are extremely disappointed that Mortal Kombat, one of the world's oldest and most successful video games franchises, will not be available to mature Australian gamers.

WBIE would not market mature content where it is not appropriate for the audience. We understand that not all content is for every audience, but there is an audience for mature gaming content and it would make more sense to have the R18+ classification in Australia. As a member of the iGEA, WBIE is reviewing all options available at this time.


Looks like Australian fans may have to resort to importing the game unless something changes.

Update 10:40pm CST: Kotaku Australia got a hold of their hands on the classification report for Mortal Kombat that has some major spoilers of Fatalities in it. We included part of it here, which states there can be up to four Fatalties per character to be unlocked. Read the rest at your own risk.

Initially, the Move List Within the game includes one finishing move per character, although a player is able to unlock up to four per character. The Board notes that fatalities cannot be performed in Story mode and are unlikely to be performed frequently during gameplay; however, it is also noted that there are more than 60 fatalities available and they are an important component of the game.


We also got our own order cancellation from jbhifionline.com.au as we had ordered some Kollectors Editions from Australia. They seem to think there is no way for Warner Bros to appeal this, so hopefully this controversy will cause Australia to consider implementing the R18+ classification.

Thanks for pre-ordering Mortal Kombat. We’ve just been given some disappointing news from the distributor. The Office of Film and Literature Classification have made a unanimous ruling to ban Mortal Kombat for sale or import into Australia, as it is a unanimous decision we’ve been told they are unable to lodge an appeal. Unfortunately we will be cancelling your pre orders. We will keep your emails on file in case a modified version becomes available so we can notify you.


Update 11:12pm: We found a quote from Ron Curry, CEO of the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (iGEA) that the WB Press Release had stated. It's a good read about the problem at hand.

The granting of another RC to a video game clearly designed and targeted at ADULTS again highlights the shortcomings of the current classification scheme. In particular, the absence of an adult classification.

As with many other forms of media, there is a demand and place for an adult themed narrative. We trust adults with this material in other media forms, yet deny them similar access simply because it’s a ‘game’. We would not accept the argument that because it’s “unsuitable for a minor to see or play” that it should therefore be banned in any other media form, so why video games?

When a highly anticipated game receives an RC we can expect two things to happen; interest in obtaining the game will actually increase and people will still get the game either through importing (ordering online) or pirating; the latter an encouragement to commit a crime in order to perpetuate the crime of accessing illegal content. Ironically, the game is then widely available in Australia without any identifiable classification markings. How is this informing parents and protecting children?

It is the industry position that an adult classification sends a clear message to the public that the content is not suitable for minors and is the most effective means of guiding access to mature content. Refusing classification of titles that meet adult rating criteria in every other Western country in our digital age is ineffective and naïve.

It is also important to highlight that content that exceeds the guidelines of an R18+ classification, should it be introduced, would still be refused classification and banned in Australia.


Update March 1st: It appears that WB Australia is appealing the ruling, and is doing so with the same version of the game with no censorship changes made.

"After careful consideration Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Australia have decided to appeal to the Australian Classification Review Board against the RC (Refused Classification) decision given to Mortal Kombat. After reviewing both the game play and the Board's original decision WBIE Australia believe the violence in the game is on par with numerous other titles readily available for sale in the Australian market. As such the company wants to exhaust all options to make the game available to Mortal Kombat fans in this country. An identical version of the game will be submitted for appeal."


Considering that the upcoming Wii sex party game Wii Dare got a PG rating the fact that MK got a RC is looking more and more silly.

Reader Komments from the TRMK Forums:



February 24th, 2011 9:34 PM CST - jarvis653
February 24th, 2011 9:36 PM CST - Patrick McCarron
The websites still have the links up, but yes we've heard they have begun to cancel them. I have a pre-order that is not yet cancelled from Australia. Lets hope it's a fluke!
February 24th, 2011 9:45 PM CST - Patrick McCarron
Updated the story with official bad news from Warner Bros.
February 24th, 2011 9:49 PM CST - Liu Kang93
Wow that sucks for a lot of mk fans at in Australia.
February 24th, 2011 9:52 PM CST - RockHardMilkGun
Seriously... It's just a game. I don't get how the AU ratings board gets so worked up about a piece of software, and it's not like anybody is gonna go around and start shooting ice, breathing flames, or ripping out someone's spine... It's a piece of fiction in a very fictional world...
February 24th, 2011 9:52 PM CST - Mads
I truly respect WB Games for the way they even had a small dig at the Classification Board, I knew this was coming, doesn't mean I'm not annoyed. Oh well, maybe they'll just do The Punisher thing and make things black and white during the violent parts. How do they censor Youtube then?
February 24th, 2011 9:55 PM CST - Ricochetmatt
Wow, how asinine. What is wrong with those people?
February 24th, 2011 9:58 PM CST - jarvis653
Originally Posted by : Ricochetmatt
Wow, how asinine. What is wrong with those people?
It makes me embarrassed, honestly. I never anticipated this, and I can't believe it actually happened to us. I'm nothing less than infuriated.
February 24th, 2011 10:19 PM CST - Nethervestige
This is UNACCEPTABLE!! Screw this ****ing country and its backward ass Government!! That's it. I'm moving!!
February 24th, 2011 10:23 PM CST - Ricochetmatt
Originally Posted by : Nethervestige
This is UNACCEPTABLE!! Screw this ****ing country and its backward ass Government!! That's it. I'm moving!!
Move on over to Connecticut. We're... quite friendly.... here.
February 24th, 2011 10:23 PM CST - Commander
Sorry to hear that guys. I hope they overturn this decision quick. This sucks for the Austrailian fans. NRS is missing out on a lot of cash with this bullshit.
February 24th, 2011 10:23 PM CST - IsItTheShoes
Why are they so strict? I remember Bethesda had to change morphine to med-x in Fallout 3 to avoid a ban in Australia. And the whole thing with AVP.
February 24th, 2011 10:24 PM CST - IsItTheShoes
Originally Posted by : Ricochetmatt
Move on over to Connecticut. We're... quite friendly.... here.
Represent! Edit: Sorry for the off topic double post.
February 24th, 2011 10:39 PM CST - Patrick McCarron
Originally Posted by : valerievanity
Holy crap! Look what I found! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220744969889&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123#ht_500wt_1156
What was it? It's no longer there?
February 24th, 2011 10:40 PM CST - Patrick McCarron
Kotaku got the report that has some major spoilers of Fatalities, etc. http://www.kotaku.com.au/2011/02/why-mortal-kombat-was-refused-classification/
February 24th, 2011 10:50 PM CST - IsItTheShoes
Originally Posted by : Patrick McCarron
Kotaku got the report that has some major spoilers of Fatalities, etc. http://www.kotaku.com.au/2011/02/why-mortal-kombat-was-refused-classification/
I'm not going to lie, the first fatality they describe sounds awesome.
February 24th, 2011 10:52 PM CST - jarvis653
That picture sums it up perfectly.
February 24th, 2011 10:53 PM CST - Mads
Just got my phone call to tell me my order is now cancelled. The guy on the phone reckons something will be done to get it through though. As far as the classification thing goes - cool spoilers there!
February 24th, 2011 11:00 PM CST - TioShard
I guess I'll need to move to the US sooner rather than later then. I always hated Australia anyway so it was only a matter of time.
February 24th, 2011 11:00 PM CST - Jinko
Just got my email. I am extremely disappointed. I feel so gutted right now. And I'll just sit here, waiting for the 'Australia bans X' jokes.
February 24th, 2011 11:01 PM CST - spader
Australia is an absouloyte backeard ****ing joke...I live here, trust me....I know...its like 100 yearbs behind the rest of the world, and all the stereo types are true....9/10 people here are just fat lazy alcho's with no brains or culture....**** im so pissed off you knnow aust gamers if importaning this game, we will have access to NO DLC! NOW! also shoakhans fatalitie...lol...ANOTHER TORSO RIP!>!>>!
February 24th, 2011 11:06 PM CST - Jinko
Originally Posted by : spader
also shoakhans fatalitie...lol...ANOTHER TORSO RIP!>!>>!
Vertical, not horizontal. It's Kung Laos hat slice, without the hat.
February 24th, 2011 11:07 PM CST - Eks
Originally Posted by : spader
Australia is an absouloyte backeard ****ing joke...I live here, trust me....I know...its like 100 yearbs behind the rest of the world, and all the stereo types are true....9/10 people here are just fat lazy alcho's with no brains or culture....**** im so pissed off you knnow aust gamers if importaning this game, we will have access to NO DLC! NOW! also shoakhans fatalitie...lol...ANOTHER TORSO RIP!>!>>!
Most ironic post EVER. I'm glad I'm not in Australia.
February 24th, 2011 11:09 PM CST - DCR
Wow, that sucks, I really feel bad for you dudes. Good luck on getting the imports.
February 24th, 2011 11:10 PM CST - spartan21
This really sucks for Australia MK fans! I'm sure TotalMK will be posting a furious rant on YouTube soon lol. Maybe NRS will tone down the violence and make it acceptable to those idiots, but of course this game would suck without it. Importing will be the only option.
February 24th, 2011 11:10 PM CST - jarvis653
Originally Posted by : spader
Australia is an absouloyte backeard ****ing joke...I live here, trust me....I know...its like 100 yearbs behind the rest of the world, and all the stereo types are true....9/10 people here are just fat lazy alcho's with no brains or culture....**** im so pissed off you knnow aust gamers if importaning this game, we will have access to NO DLC! NOW! also shoakhans fatalitie...lol...ANOTHER TORSO RIP!>!>>!
100 years behind the rest of the world? Do you live in NT or something? I call BS on you even living in Australia. And my guess is you're drunk.
February 24th, 2011 11:12 PM CST - Mads
Originally Posted by : jarvis653
100 years behind the rest of the world? Do you live in NT or something? I call BS on you even living in Australia. And my guess is you're drunk.
I second that.
February 24th, 2011 11:15 PM CST - Patrick McCarron
Added a quote from the CEO of IGEA on the matter in the first post.
February 24th, 2011 11:16 PM CST - spader
I live in perth man, its a backward ****in dive...andi t is behind the rest of the world hahah late night shopping once a night, the whole state shus at 5.30 pm hahaah
February 24th, 2011 11:16 PM CST - Mads
Originally Posted by : Patrick McCarron
Added a quote from the CEO of IGEA on the matter in the first post.
He's spot on. Thanks for that Patrick.
February 24th, 2011 11:17 PM CST - Mads
Originally Posted by : spader
I live in perth man, its a backward ****in dive...andi t is behind the rest of the world hahah late night shopping once a night, the whole state shus at 5.30 pm hahaah
Move to Melb's or Sydney dude.
February 24th, 2011 11:17 PM CST - IsItTheShoes
To go back to the spoilers article real quick. It said there are 4 fatalities per character and over 60 total (which I assume means less than 70). Does that mean there are only between 15 - 17 characters?
February 24th, 2011 11:18 PM CST - spartan21
Originally Posted by : jarvis653
100 years behind the rest of the world? Do you live in NT or something? I call BS on you even living in Australia. And my guess is you're drunk.
NT is Nothern Territory right? :D I'm from the US (Florida), but I know my geography lol. Yeah, that statement from Spader is really rude and certainly not true. Aussie people are very friendly!
February 24th, 2011 11:19 PM CST - Nethervestige
Please no one listen to Spader. Ain't nothing but a troll. Meanwhile, I got my phone call from EB games with the bad news too. Something must be done about this. Can we start a petition or something? The board's website doesn't seem to have much info in the way of disputing its decisions...
February 24th, 2011 11:22 PM CST - jarvis653
"The Office of Film and Literature Classification have made a unanimous ruling to ban Mortal Kombat for sale or import into Australia, as it is a unanimous decision we’ve been told they are unable to lodge an appeal." Correct me if I'm wrong, but to me that spells doom for ever acquiring and playing MK legitimately in Australia.
February 24th, 2011 11:25 PM CST - spader
order it of playasia.com dude what can stop you from getting it?
February 24th, 2011 11:27 PM CST - Fayte
Originally Posted by : spartan21
This really sucks for Australia MK fans! I'm sure TotalMK will be posting a furious rant on YouTube soon lol. Maybe NRS will tone down the violence and make it acceptable to those idiots, but of course this game would suck without it. Importing will be the only option.
NO NO NO NO just let them import it why shud every1 else have to suffer.....
February 24th, 2011 11:29 PM CST - Nethervestige
Originally Posted by : Ricochetmatt
Move on over to Connecticut. We're... quite friendly.... here.
So can I stay at yours then? Pajama party! :D
February 24th, 2011 11:35 PM CST - Eks
Originally Posted by : jarvis653
"The Office of Film and Literature Classification have made a unanimous ruling to ban Mortal Kombat for sale or import into Australia, as it is a unanimous decision we’ve been told they are unable to lodge an appeal." Correct me if I'm wrong, but to me that spells doom for ever acquiring and playing MK legitimately in Australia.
They can't fight the shit forever and the retailers could simply ship it in a nondescript package and they'd never know.
February 24th, 2011 11:37 PM CST - Jinko
Originally Posted by : jarvis653
"The Office of Film and Literature Classification have made a unanimous ruling to ban Mortal Kombat for sale or import into Australia, as it is a unanimous decision we’ve been told they are unable to lodge an appeal." Correct me if I'm wrong, but to me that spells doom for ever acquiring and playing MK legitimately in Australia.
I'm not too sure they can do this. I think it would be the first if it's true. Many games have been RC here but unrestricted for import.
February 24th, 2011 11:49 PM CST - Eks
Originally Posted by : Jinko
I'm not too sure they can do this. I think it would be the first if it's true. Many games have been RC here but unrestricted for import.
How does pron in Australia work? Is it banned, too?
February 24th, 2011 11:58 PM CST - Jinko
Nope, I don't think so. Except for skat/urine fetishes maybe. By the way, what happened to ABACABB. DO EET NRS!
February 25th, 2011 12:03 AM CST - jarvis653
Originally Posted by : Eks
How does pron in Australia work? Is it banned, too?
No man, the whole issue is simply that we don't have an R18+ rating for video games. We have one for all other entertainment mediums, but our video games rating only goes up to MA15+. So any video game deemed unsuitable to fit the MA15+ rating is just banned, instead of receiving an R18+ like a movie would for instance. It's not even the rating board's fault, they simply work according to this outdated law we have. It's up to our government to change the ratings associated with video games to allow an R18+ category.
February 25th, 2011 12:17 AM CST - spader
yeha so in other words australia is just a backwars hick town.... it is dude, just face it hahah, its silly they cant do any thin note worthy of quality, our tv shows suck,our movies suck, any good actor we have moves to usa any way hahahaha , so they can succeed, or else they end up being on home an away or neighbous for 40 years and if lucky they will end up in that under belly shit lol , there is nothing here and its sad, you cant get jobs or carreers in gaming, music, arts , any thing out side the norm unless you wanna be a miner or a "tradie" you really have no options hahahahah
February 25th, 2011 12:48 AM CST - jarvis653
Originally Posted by : spader
yeha so in other words australia is just a backwars hick town.... it is dude, just face it hahah, its silly they cant do any thin note worthy of quality, our tv shows suck,our movies suck, any good actor we have moves to usa any way hahahaha , so they can succeed, or else they end up being on home an away or neighbous for 40 years and if lucky they will end up in that under belly shit lol , there is nothing here and its sad, you cant get jobs or carreers in gaming, music, arts , any thing out side the norm unless you wanna be a miner or a "tradie" you really have no options hahahahah
It's true our entertainment industry is lacking, but I've had success in design and even music, so you're wrong in regards to being unable to have a job in the arts. If my only option was to be a tradie then I definitely wouldn't live here. I don't know how bleak Perth is for you, but there is opportunity in Sydney and Melbourne. I'm not saying it's easy, on the contrary, it's difficult. But then anything worthwhile is. Anyway, I don't want to steer this thread off track, so I'll leave it at that.
February 25th, 2011 12:55 AM CST - mkgod1990
Fuking Australia your gov't fuking sucks ass, I'm not gonna lie, this is BullSh1t, if They have a rating system like good ole USofA they wouldn't have this problem, oh wait yeah they probally still would, this is just a crock of Shit, the Joker's fatality is not editied in AUS version but our's is, then they Ban MK in Aus, what the fuk, did I miss something, they are so ass backwards, Games don't cause Violence you retards, People do, whether it's out of Anger, Depression,ect, I can o down the fuking list, and why Ban it, it's aiming towards Adult Audiences anyways, and you shouldn't have the right to tell an Adult what they can or can't watch and play, that just makes you Liberal Comunist *******s, I hope they burn in Hell, adn yes they deserve to Die, here's to you AUS government :reddy::shot:
February 25th, 2011 12:58 AM CST - MasterSys
It's funny how we have a show like UNDERBELLY on PRIME TIME Television, showcasing DRUGS, PROSTITUTION, MURDER and THEFT on a WEEKLY basis ( Not to mention its our MOST VIEWED show on Television ) and they're based on TRUE stories that have occurred down here. I'm sorry but that's ALOT worse than a FICTIONAL Violent Fighting Game. The OLFC has come under heavy fire for SO many years, it came to the point where Gamers around Australia signed a petition to get the ban lifted, the OLFC are just stuck to their own ways so much that ever getting a right message across to them isn't going to fix anything. I like to regard the OLFC as Old Timers who just can't get a grip on the new age. Mature aged gamers are just sick of it, we have every right as any other man or woman does overseas. If the OLFC were afraid of Kiddies getting their hands on an R18+ Game then I.D needs to come into play, and the whole " Yeah but Kids are just going to get their hands on it anyways " WHERE'S THE PARENTS DAMN INPUT ON THIS?, AREN'T THEY SUPPOSED TO LOOK OUT FOR SH*T LIKE THIS? AREN'T PARENTS SUPPOSED TO "PARENT" THEIR KIDS? Sorry to get fuelled up over this, but this is THE WORST news for myself EVER in Gaming.
February 25th, 2011 1:03 AM CST - Eks
Originally Posted by : jarvis653
No man, the whole issue is simply that we don't have an R18+ rating for video games. We have one for all other entertainment mediums, but our video games rating only goes up to MA15+. So any video game deemed unsuitable to fit the MA15+ rating is just banned, instead of receiving an R18+ like a movie would for instance. It's not even the rating board's fault, they simply work according to this outdated law we have. It's up to our government to change the ratings associated with video games to allow an R18+ category.
They can't actually ban video games here. The ESRB (and MPAA) is rating board, but following it is completely voluntary. The biggest hurtle for game makers is that none of the big-time retailers will sell a game with an AO rating, and this means that AO rated games won't get the exposure to garner a lot of sales.
February 25th, 2011 1:08 AM CST - Taj Gill
Wow this is terrible... Banning importing as well? That is crazy... I am really speechless, this is very unjust to a lot of fans. What happened to democracy?
February 25th, 2011 1:12 AM CST - mkgod1990
They should Protest against this
February 25th, 2011 1:49 AM CST - newbie1556
Originally Posted by : mkgod1990
They should Protest against this
we have tried to get R18+ games multiple times, it just never happens seems kinda pointless to protest it since no one listens anyways
February 25th, 2011 2:15 AM CST - Tim Static
February 25th, 2011 2:53 AM CST - 11coolguy12
I'm so disappointed . i've been anticipating this game since the beginning of 2010 . I live in Australia and they're so f*cking behind in everything - did you know the shops close at 5 pm on weekends !!!!
February 25th, 2011 3:12 AM CST - Taj Gill
Originally Posted by : Tim Static
NSFW FYI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_srdMt79Kw4&hd=1
Epic Win! I liked this video, but holy shit some people on youtube are ignorant and are dicks. They should be wiped off the face of this earth.
February 25th, 2011 4:09 AM CST - Etryus
Sorry to hear that guys, I hope you manage to bypass this problem somehow...
February 25th, 2011 4:46 AM CST - jarvis653
Originally Posted by : Etryus
Sorry to hear that guys, I hope you manage to bypass this problem somehow...
I actually think chances are good that the situation will be resolved eventually. If this game is making the impact that we believe it is, then there will be a huge push for it to overcome this problem. While I'm trying to remain optimistic, I'm not going to lie, I've lost all interest regarding the game's content for now. My only concern is simply being able to play it. Until I know how I'm going to get my hands on it, whether it'll be possible to import it, and what the limitations of playing that imported version will be, I don't see myself actively discussing anything else here. PS: An interesting idea - I don't know whether this would be feasible, but a compromise would be for WB to release a censored version of the game here for now. I'm confident that the Australian government will add an R18+ category for games later this year, and once that is in place, perhaps a patch could be released for us that enables the full version of the game. So we can still at least play MK while we wait for the ratings problem to be resolved, at which time we are able to download the necessary patch that changes our modified version into the uncensored game. But then it's essentially changing it from an MA15+ to an R18+ game. Although a Terms & Conditions agreement upon request for download could possibly resolve that dilemma.
February 25th, 2011 4:49 AM CST - newbie1556
Originally Posted by : jarvis653
I actually think chances are good that the situation will be resolved eventually. If this game is making the impact that we believe it is, then there will be a huge push for it to overcome this problem. While I'm trying to remain optimistic, I'm not going to lie, I've lost all interest regarding the game's content for now. My only concern is simply being able to play it. Until I know how I'm going to get my hands on it, whether it'll be possible to import it, and what the limitations of playing that imported version will be, I don't see myself actively discussing anything else here.
i know exacly what you mean, i no longer care about looking up this game(apart from to know if the ban stays or we can somehow get it) its hard to care about a game you cant play
February 25th, 2011 6:38 AM CST - jon
absolute f***in bulls**t how they can ban this which is fantasy/ fictional yet allow games that depict real life actions & scenarios with deaths that actually occur is unbelievable, thats kool cause a lot of people like me will import it if it ain't overturned, unbelievable shite
February 25th, 2011 6:43 AM CST - Ricochetmatt
Originally Posted by : Nethervestige
So can I stay at yours then? Pajama party! :D
Sounds fine to me. I don't really wear PJs, but sure! I'll supply the Mortal Kombat.
February 25th, 2011 6:45 AM CST - jarvis653
Originally Posted by : jon
absolute f***in bulls**t how they can ban this which is fantasy/ fictional yet allow games that depict real life actions & scenarios with deaths that actually occur is unbelievable, thats kool cause a lot of people like me will import it if it ain't overturned, unbelievable shite
If we can even import (legally). I know it seems unlikely that they'll prevent us from importing, but it's still possible regardless, and stated by at least one retailer. Whether they'll be strict on enforcing that prevention is a different matter. It would be absolutely absurd if importing wasn't allowed though.
February 25th, 2011 7:04 AM CST - RyanRagnarok
I hope they don't block you guys from importing it. I enjoyed playing online in MK vs. DC (yes, I was a fan. Killing Batman as Scorpion was a dream of mine since I was about 10 years old. Demented right?) and hope to be able to with this one with all of my Australian "friends" as well. (If you're a fan of MK you're a friend of mine as I enjoy saying very rarely) Good luck to you guys to get this bullshit repealed or at least importing it. And mad respect for being willing to pay more for this game than most of us will be.
February 25th, 2011 7:46 AM CST - Eks
So what happens if one gets caught with a banned video game? Do you get arrested and imprisoned, sorta like you had drugs? Bahahahahaha. The Ausie government SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCKS.
February 25th, 2011 10:10 AM CST - VictorMefer
Wow, I'm speechless. Some people really have no sense about violence. While allowing some content that's far worse and more reallistic than Mortal Kombat, they ban the game that's all based on fiction. Man, I hope you Australian fans are able to get the game.
February 25th, 2011 10:23 AM CST - jarvis653
I apologize for posting something from another thread, but I feel this is important for all Australian members on this forum to be aware of: The worst part about this all is that even if Australia does implement an R18+ category for video games, it will take a long time to implement. After reading a particular article about it, it stated that the Classification Act 1995, State and Territory classification enforcement legislation, and the National Classification Code and Classification Guidelines will all need to be changed. The article states this process as two years of paperwork, before publishers are free to submit assessor reports recommending an R18+ rating. So instead, another review by the ratings board, and the potential change of the rating to MA15+, sounds much more appealing right? Except that if a game is refused classification, it cannot be changed and then given an MA15+ rating. In short, we are ****ed. Unless WB has a secret weapon under their sleeve, the only thing we can do is import the game. And I don't even know if that will be legal; potentially, we could just find out our game has been impounded by customs. Chances are good that won't happen though, but even then, we will miss out on DLC which has been stated as being a major part of the game. We have no idea of the full DLC plans that NRS has in mind, no idea on just how much we will miss out on, and how much of our MK9 experience will be lost.
February 25th, 2011 11:16 AM CST - xevious
Just sharing with everyone my e-mail to the Australian Classification Board regarding this stupid decision of theirs. ================================================================== The recent RC classification of Mortal Kombat has me extremely disappointed at the ACB and the Australian Government. It’s disappointing to hear that one of my favourite game franchises will not be arriving in Australia because an adult rating for video games has been delayed once again despite mass support from the Australian community. Our right as consenting and mature adults should not be impeded to choose what we wish to consume commercially. The R18+ classification for games MUST be instated for whether it is for adult gamers who want the right to play games that appeal to them or parents who want clear guidelines for their children. I am sick of this Government dictating to its citizens what is right and wrong according to their own perspective and deciding for me as a consenting and intelligent person what games I can or cannot play. I am very certain I can make my own mind up on what is suitable for me to play and what is not - and certainly Mortal Kombat is one franchise which is NOT suitable for under 18 persons to play. The lack of an R18+ classification for mature games is unfair and unconstitutional to the game-playing adults of Australia and should be instated at the earliest possible time. The lack of this rating also allows international communities to see Australian adults as immature and incompetent, discourages foreign investment in this country, and will provide inaccurate and insufficient information to parents concerned for their children on the games that they play. With such a high public support rating from the recent public consultation in regards to the R18+ classification for the recent SCAG meeting, it is extremely disappointing the rating is STILL not instated. The government can be assured if an R18+ classification is not instated before the next federal election, I, and many other mature age gamers in Australia will be voting for someone who WILL support this sensible decision - as they have done so in the recent Federal Election.
February 25th, 2011 2:59 PM CST - newbie1556
will i be able to play this game on xbox 360 if i import? EDIT: nice email xevious its nice to see some rational and informed emails sent to the classifcation board instead of just blind rage and swearing(which im sure they are getting aswell which is not helping our cause)
February 25th, 2011 4:01 PM CST - MOW1567
I actually just now read the report and all I can say is wow. Man, I feel so sorry for you guys in Australia. To me, when I read the report, the government acts like the violence is actually real. I mean c'mon, its just animation and pure entertainment. This type of stuff this series has been doing for years. Unless this game contained any racial or sexist violence, this is nonsense! BTW, xevious, very classy email to the Board.
February 25th, 2011 4:05 PM CST - odinsarmpit
Man, I hate this for the Aussies. Adults should not be treated this way. The decision to ban Mortal Kombat is absolutely classless and outright unfair. You have every reason to be angry. Push to get your government to give games an R18+ rating and in the meantime, ****ing import the hell out of it. Even if they try to make it illegal, maybe you can get it from Ebay and the seller can package the game for you in ways that keeps it from being obvious that you bought Mortal Kombat. Kind of like buying a 60 dollar oven mitt. Catch my drift?
February 25th, 2011 6:08 PM CST - Viking_Poodle
It's funny how the one thing that spader hated about this game (the level of gore, do I need to put that? lol), is the one thing that's going to keep him from playing it. Shame I feel for ya dood.
February 25th, 2011 6:49 PM CST - Ricochetmatt
Originally Posted by : odinsarmpit
Man, I hate this for the Aussies. Adults should not be treated this way. The decision to ban Mortal Kombat is absolutely classless and outright unfair. You have every reason to be angry. Push to get your government to give games an R18+ rating and in the meantime, ****ing import the hell out of it. Even if they try to make it illegal, maybe you can get it from Ebay and the seller can package the game for you in ways that keeps it from being obvious that you bought Mortal Kombat. Kind of like buying a 60 dollar oven mitt. Catch my drift?
Nice boner.
February 25th, 2011 8:28 PM CST - JustinRex
So is everyone importing? and with importing is it likely to be seized? What are the odds? Have never done it before??
February 25th, 2011 11:10 PM CST - newbie1556
Originally Posted by : JustinRex
So is everyone importing? and with importing is it likely to be seized? What are the odds? Have never done it before??
doesnt sound like much chance of it being seized but it does happen, what punishment are you likely to recive if you try to import the game and get caught?
February 26th, 2011 9:00 AM CST - NothingRhymesWithCircus
Lmfaooooooooooooo they blurred kratos' junk!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh god lol
February 26th, 2011 9:09 AM CST - Ricochetmatt
March 1st, 2011 9:33 PM CST - Patrick McCarron
Updated the OP with WB's Appeal Info
March 10th, 2011 7:27 PM CST - JustinRex
March 10th, 2011 7:49 PM CST - Mads
Hey guys, sorry to bump an old thread and I'm late saying this anyway. Last weekend I went to JB Hifi Ivanhoe - Melbourne Australia and there was a pre-order case on the shelf. Boy did I get excited and hope the ban had been overturned. Of course it was due to the fact that the staff in the store hadn't got the memo.
May 2nd, 2011 7:31 AM CST - madmonkey595
wtf... so they let all the saw movies in but they wont let in an animated, fictional, fun game in. so what if stryker tazers and shoots someone theres cops on tv all the time that tazer people repetedly 10 times and they dont get banned from their country.
May 13th, 2011 12:52 PM CST - JPW
hey guys just letting you know it is possible for aussies to get this game you just have to be sneaky. I got mine from ebay i talked to the seller and we decided to wrap it up with happy birthday paper. it got through fine. came 2 weeks ago. Been playing it non stop. I kind of have to agree with the R rating. America was too nice to give it a M rating. There is serious shit in this. No kids should bear witness to this. fatalites are awesome. I have never seen anything like it. And i actually liked story mode despite a few minor setbacks. Definitely worth the wait. It amazes me seeing games like N More Heroes, Madworld and even Duke Nukem Forever show up here in Australia yet MK9 no chance in hell. lol. Everyone i talk too in gaming stores are quite baffled. eriously i don't know what Australia is so scared of... most of the kids i talk to are playing Call of Duty 4 and Gears of War anyway. It's not like they've never had any violent intentions either. No to mention when has there ever been a Mortal Kombat related in Australia. They should of added Friendships maybe that would of settled the ACB.
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