How hilarious. Australia finally gets an R18+ classification for video games, and wouldn’t you know it, the first game to receive the coveted restriction is a Wii U title, Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge.

The Australian Classification board website tells us the R18+ rating came about due to “high impact bloody violence”.

If you’ve ever known an Australian you’d know “bloody” is a slang term, used in place of less socially acceptable adjectives. In this case though, its seems the Classification Board is using the word in its literal sense.

They go on to say:

“Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge contains violence that is high in impact because of its frequency, high definition graphics, and emphasis on blood effects.”

These are the same people who banned the latest Mortal Kombat yet allowed MadWorld into the country no questions asked. I suppose it was because MadWorld didn’t have “high definition graphics”. Now I understand.

The Classification Board director, Ms. Leslie O’Brien, says:

“Under the Guidelines for the Classification of Computer Games, R 18+ computer games will have a high impact and it is for this reason that these games are not suitable for under 18s”

It begiiiins.

I am now taking bets on what game will be next to earn the R18+ stamp of disapproval. I’ll offer 2-1 on Grand Theft Auto 5.

Is this the beginning of a tidal wave of R18+ titles? What do you think will be next? Let me know in the comments!