It took a while, but the Australian Classification Board has finally rated Saints Row IV. As expected, the Australian version of the game is getting some content removed, but it's not the one that you think.
When the game was first refused classification, effectively banning it, speculation ran that the Rectifier Probe, effectively an anal probe weapon available only if you buy the season pass, was the rationale for the refusal. However, Deep Silver has explained that they instead removed an optional side mission involving Shaundi, that involves the player using alien narcotics to gain superpowers, and was worth 20 minutes of total gameplay.
In another surprise, the rating has gone down from Refused Classification to MA+15. It was previously assumed, based on prior ratings on video games with adult content, such as Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge, that the game would get an R-18 rating.
Deep Silver explains removing this content will not detract from the game's story, or affect your ability to gain superpowers. Furthermore, the Rectifier Probe will be made available worldwide as initiall planned.
If anything, this may be interpreted as a sign that Australia is serious about loosening up controls over video games. It may seem overly moralistic, but their point of contention with Saints Row IV was really just the depiction of drug use. Personally, I don't like censorship in any form, but knowing cases like A Clockwork Orange in Britain, I understand why governments can still be stringent in regulating these things.
Thankfully, Australian fans can always hit up YouTube to watch someone Let's Play that side mission if they're curious. They can expect to get the game August 22.
Source: Press Start
