The label “mainstream” is a bit of a loose term in the video gaming industry. Let’s face it, video games are racy, often violent, sometimes gory, and even deliberately horrific. That’s gaming and we’re accustomed to these experiences. We also understand that Steam has adult games, so there’s also that.
However, most of these games receive a “mature” rating. But sometimes, a game crosses too many lines and it receives an Adults Only rating.
So which mainstream games are Adults Only? Some are obvious, some are less so.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Let’s get the most obvious out of the way. Although, maybe it’s not THAT obvious given its the only Grand Theft Auto to assume the Adults Only rating. It all comes down to the Hot Coffee scene.
The Hot Coffee controversy is one for the ages. Hot Coffee was a mini-game, in reality. Basically, two fully clothed characters get it on, if you can believe that. It was ultimately a mod. In some ways, its a bit insane given the rest of the content on GTA, and other games.
Manhunt 2
Manhunt 2 isn’t new to controversy. This is one of the most polarizing games of all time. And yes, the Manhunt series comes from the same folks who brought you GTA. So yeah, it’s gonna run hot.
Developers softened much of Manhunt 2’s content, including assassination bits, in order to nab a Mature rating. However, they tossed out an “uncut” version that was pretty rough. And the Adult Only rating found its way on the label.
The Punisher
What’s superbly bizarre here is that The Punisher is a Marvel game. Who’d think Marvel could get stuck with an Adult Only rating? Well, they did it.
If you’re feeling confused, don’t be. The current version of The Punisher available for play today is rated M. But the original version still carries the dreaded Adult Only rating. This is due to Marvel backtracking and trying to course correct.
Hatred
With a name like…
From launch and unlike other games, it appeared the makers of Hatred were in fact, trying to get the Adult Rating. They achieved this goal easily and in spades.
Hatred isn’t a great game, most of its sales come from the title’s shock value. So sure, the Adult Rating helps in that capacity. Hatred is a murder simulator, but oddly, that doesn’t seem like a stretch in mainstream gaming. Nonetheless, Adult Rating it shall have.
Thrill Kill
Thrill Kill sort of paved the way for Adult Ratings in gaming. The game’s content featured unruly murderers living in some mythical world. However, the media onslaught against the game did more than get it pegged with an Adult Rating. It also stopped its full release.
The game is hardcore, displaying awful murder style sequences that most could never imagine. Its rough stuff. Thrill Kill totally wanted that Adult Rating, or so it seems.