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Saints Row 4 was refused classification in Australia because of an “Alien Anal Probe” weapon “designed to penetrate the anus of enemy characters and civilians”.
The Australian Classifications Board highlighted its concerns in a report uncovered by IGN, stating that the weapon “constitutes a visual depiction of implied sexual violence that is interactive and not justified by context”.
“The game includes a weapon referred to by the Applicant as an ‘Alien Anal Probe'”, the board said. “The Applicant states that this weapon can be ‘shoved into enemy’s backsides’. The lower half of the weapon resembles a sword hilt and the upper part contains prong-like appendages which circle around what appears to be a large dildo which runs down the centre of the weapon.
“When using this weapon the player approaches a (clothed) victim from behind and thrusts the weapon between the victim’s legs and then lifts them off the ground before pulling a trigger which launches the victim into the air. After the probe has been implicitly inserted into the victim’s anus the area around their buttocks becomes pixelated highlighting that the aim of the weapon is to penetrate the victim’s anus. The weapon can be used during gameplay on enemy characters or civilians.”
The board concludes that “a weapon designed to penetrate the anus of enemy characters and civilians constitutes a visual depiction of implied sexual violence that is interactive and not justified by context and as such the game should be Refused Classification.”
It also draws attention to Saints Row 4’s “alien narcotics”, a drug that “equips the player with ‘superpowers’ which increase their in-game abilities.”
In response to the ban, Deep Silver confirmed that Volition will be cutting content out of the Australian version to enable a release.
None of this should come as too much of a surprise, of course: Saints Row 4 is probably the most outrageous game I’ve ever played.
Next up, South Park: The Stick of Truth.
Source: IGN
