MadWorld: Most violent computer game ever launched on Nintendo Wii

Coming to your neighborhood soon.

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MadWorld, a new computer game claimed to be “the most violent ever”, is being launched on the Nintendo Wii console.

MadWorld has already caused controversy abroad, being banned in Germany, while parent groups in the US have also called for a ban

Players in MadWorld use chainsaws, spiked clubs, daggers and spears to execute victims

Players in MadWorld use chainsaws, spiked clubs, daggers and spears to execute victims.

They can impale their enemies on road signs, fry them on electrical sockets and rip out their hearts.

The game’s ‘bloodbath challenges’ see characters mown down by trains, crushed in the back of refuse collection vehicles and blown up as ‘human fireworks’.

A challenge called ‘human darts’ sees players pick up Madworld citizens and hurl them onto giant spiked dartboard.

Sega, publishers of the game, said it is “tipped to be the most violent video game in history”.

Its launch saw hundreds of artificial severed arms placed around the country clutching a copy of the game.

The game has already caused controversy abroad, being banned in Germany, while parent groups in the US have also called for a ban.

John Beyer, director of Mediawatch-UK, a pressure group campaigning for decency in TV, films and games, said the British Board of Film Classification, which granted the game an 18 rating, should instead have banned it.

He said: “I deeply regret the Board’s decision. It is very well known that children and young people get access to 18-rated games.

“The games industry just absolves itself of responsibility for this by saying it is down to parental control. There is enough killing and maiming in the world without turning it into entertainment, which is a huge cultural mistake.”

Madworld is billed as a black and white alternative world where citizens must kill one another to survive.

Players use the Wii remote to guide chainsaw-wielding ‘Jack’ through a stark virtual city taken over by terrorists, executing other residents by slashing and impaling as he goes. The only other colour in the game is crimson red – when blood is frequently spilt.

The game was developed by PlatinumGames and is being published by Sega exclusively for Nintendo.

The game’s producer Atsushi Inaba said: “This is a game for adults. Above all, this is a game. What happens in it, happens in a game. It all takes place in a video game environment.'”

Sega Spokeswoman Fay Burgin said: “Although Madworld is a violent game, this is carried out with irreverent humour and distinct comic-book styling.

“The over-the-top action is set to deliver a unique gaming experience for adult gamers that is currently missing on the Wii console.”

A Nintendo spokesman said: “Wii appeals to a wide range of audiences from children and teenagers to adult and senior citizens, anyone from 5 to 95. As such there is a wide range of content for all ages and tastes available.

“Mad World will only be available to an audience above the age rating.”

Last Updated: 3:08PM GMT 19 Mar 2009

Source: The Telegraph