Or is that certificated? Either way the long-running saga surrounding Rockstar Games’ efforts to secure a UK release for its horrible kill ‘em up, Manhunt 2, has finally concluded.

Yup, Manhunt 2 has been awarded an ‘18’ certificate, which, of course, means it’ll be bloodying up the retail shelves, giving Daily Mail readers the willies and falling into the hands of minors, who go on to re-enact scenes from the game on their friends – with fire-axes and barbwire-wound baseball bats – any time now. Be very afraid.

So how did the BBFC and the Video Appeals Council reach this momentous decision? Here’s a condensed refresher, in handy bullet point form for your easy digestion.

• Rockstar creates horrible game in question.
• Horrible game in question is promptly refused certification by the BBFC.
• Rockstar goes crying to the Video Appeals Council.
• Video Appeals Council upholds Rockstar’s complaint.
• BBFC stands by its original verdict and challenges VAC’s decision by way of ‘Judicial Review’.
• Ultimately BBFC decides that it “does not believe the VAC’s judgement provides a realistic basis for a further challenge to its decision and has accordingly issued an ‘18’ certificate.” Which is business-speak for throwing in the towel, as far as we can see.

And the rest is history, as they say, but see if you can detect the bitterness and disgruntlement in this explanatory statement from the BBFC’s Director, David Cooke:

“As I have said previously, we never take rejection decisions lightly, and they always involve a complex balance of considerations. We twice rejected Manhunt 2, and then pursued a judicial review challenge, because we considered, after exceptionally thorough examination, that it posed a real potential harm risk. However, the Video Appeals Committee has again exercised its independent scrutiny. It is now clear, in the light of this decision, and our legal advice, that we have no alternative but to issue an ‘18’ certificate to the game.”

Doesn’t sound especially pleased, does he? Having played the game we can understand why. But hey-ho and on with the show, and if the game turns out to be any good or we discover that is possesses hitherto undisclosed socially-redeeming qualities we’ll be sure to let you know. Don’t hold your breath, though…