Sure, "M" rated games are not for kids, but apparently tricks are.

Thanks to a little computer magic Microsoft and Epic Games will be releasing the upcoming Xbox 360 exclusive Gears of War 2 with a built in violence filter. Gears 2 has already been given a Mature rating so it's doubtful that it could or should be changed, but with November 7th, here after referred to solely as "Emergence Day 2," on the horizon and the eventual inevitability of a Gears of War movie, it would seem that Cliffy B. and company are all too willing to do whatever they can to make the blood spattering action of battling the locust horde a bit more palatable to the general public.

The violence filter sounds like a non-issue as long as it doesn't impact the game for the over 18 crowd or stir up the whole game ratings issue. Of course the impact of this feature will be be little more than a question mark until the game discs slide into 360s around the world come November. What is clear now though are the details of the filter. With a change to your game options, blood will become sparks and swear words will become mild curses. The feature will be available on both the standard and Limited Edition. Like I said, computer magic. Carnage suitable for the entire family. Hmmm? Tongue and cheek aside, the feature sounds benign enough. My only worries are that Marcus has little enough to say to Dom and Cole as is, and don't get me started on the assault rifle. Sparks instead of blood while pumping its chainsaw functionality?! Any adults out there who find themselves caught in these kinder-gentler Gears might want to familiarize themselves with the options menu before Junior's bed time rolls around.

--Hobson's Choice

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