Controversial computer game Manhunt 2 will be released despite 'encouraging sadistic violence'

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Manhunt 2 was slammed by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) last year for being excessively violent.

But the ban has been overturned after an appeal by the makers and now the controversial game is set for release in June.

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Execution: The 'player' brings down an axe on a cowering victim

Stabbing: Armed with many weapons, the escaped asylum character tortures a victim

Manhunt 2's publishers Rockstar will put an 18 certificate on the game - the first in a decade to be refused release in the UK.

In the game, players take the role of a patient who has escaped from an asylum after an experiment at a secret research facility goes wrong.

Players can perform "executions" either hasty, violent or gruesome on "enemies" such as the police and armed forces employed by the project.

In its original decision, the BBFC said that Manhunt 2 had "unremitting bleakness and callousness of tone" and that the game "constantly encouraged visceral killing with exceptionally little alleviation or distancing".

It continued: "There is sustained and cumulative casual sadism in the way in which these killings are committed."

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Point-blank: The character prepares to shoot a man in the head

The Video Appeals Committee, which reviews the BBFC's decisions, has now overturned the ban.

David Cooke: Director of the BBFC had banned the game

David Cooke, director of the BBFC, said: "We twice rejected Manhunt 2, and then pursued a judicial review challenge, because we considered, after exceptionally thorough examination, that it posed a real potential harm risk.

"However, the Video Appeals Committee has again exercised its independent scrutiny.

"It is now clear, in the light of this decision, and our legal advice, that we have no alternative but to issue an '18' certificate to the game."

Rockstar, which also produces the Grand Theft Auto series, and other game publishers have argued that games such as Manhunt 2 are no more violent than 18 certificate films by makers such as Quentin Tarantino.

In a statement, the company said: "We are pleased that the VAC has reaffirmed its decision recognizing that Manhunt 2 is well within the bounds established by other 18+ rated entertainment."

Bloodbath: Players watch and take part in executions