Following the hoopla over the AO-rating Manhunt 2 got, Gamespot reports that the game has been re-rated M (Mature) after a “modified version” of the game was submitted to ESRB. The rating was assigned with the following content descriptors: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, and Use of Drugs.

Founder and executive producer of Rockstar Games, Sam Houser commented, “”Manhunt 2 is important to us, and we’re glad it can finally be appreciated as a gaming experience. We love the horror genre. Manhunt 2 is a powerful piece of interactive story telling that is a unique video game experience. We think horror fans will love it.”

The company is in the process of appealing the game’s ban in the UK. However, it’s a process that will take months to complete.

Manhunt 2 will be released on PS2, PSP and Wii in North America on October 31.