Take-Two has temporarily shelved Manhunt 2 thanks to a ban of sales of the game in the UK and Ireland and an Adults Only rating in the US.

The publisher had this to say, “Take-Two Interactive Software has temporarily suspended plans to distribute Manhunt 2 for the Wii or PlayStation platforms while it reviews its options with regard to the recent decisions made by the BBFC and ESRB. We continue to stand behind this extraordinary game. We believe in freedom of creative expression, as well as responsible marketing, both of which are essential to our business of making great entertainment.”

Take-Two’s Manhunt 2 was scheduled to be released on the PS2, PSP and Wii on the 10th of July, however, Sony and Nintendo put a screeching halt to this in the wake of the Adults Only rating that the game received from the ESRB. Both companies have policies which prohibit third parties from releasing Adults Only rated titles on their systems, and both Sony and Nintendo confirmed that they would be sticking to their guns on this one.

Take-Two has yet to confirm whether it will appeal against the rating, modify the game to achieve a less restrictive rating or shelve it indefinitely.