Leland Yee calls attention to 'affordable' Manhunt 2

Publishers spend a lot of money trying to raise awareness of their products, but sometimes they have help from unexpected sources. Manhunt 2 is expected to arrive in stores tomorrow, and California Senator Leland Yee, the author of California's recently struck-down law prohibiting the sale of violent games to minors, wants parents to know all about it.

"Not surprisingly, this game is being released on Halloween," Yee said in a press release that warned parents about the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, and Wii game. "Halloween already presents many safety concerns for parents. With the release of Manhunt 2, parents will now face a new challenge from the purveyors of violence."

Yee is so intent on informing parents about the game, he even cautioned them about the game's budget price, information that Take-Two didn't include in its own press release for the launch of Manhunt 2.

"Manhunt 2 will hit store shelves at major retailers tomorrow and be available at under $30--a price child advocates fear is enticing for some parents and affordable for many minors," Yee's release noted. The PS2 and PSP editions of the game retail for $29.99, whereas the Wii version sells for $39.99.

The senator's announcement also pointed out that there is no law prohibiting the sale of violent games to children, and that a recent Federal Trade Commission report found that 42 percent of children between the ages of 13 and 16 were able to purchase games rated M for Mature without a parent present.

"It is imperative that parents avoid purchasing this game for their children and always review the video games their children are playing," said Yee. A former child psychologist, he stated that "ultraviolent, interactive video games such as Manhunt 2 can have negative effects on our children."