Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact Banned in Australia, No Reason Given

Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact Banned in Australia: A Mystery Unfolds

The Australian Classification Board's refusal to classify Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact, resulting in a Refused Classification (RC) rating on December 1st, has sent shockwaves through the gaming community. The lack of explanation accompanying the decision adds to the intrigue. This RC rating effectively prevents the game's sale, hire, advertisement, or import into Australia. The board cited content exceeding acceptable community standards, even surpassing the R 18+ and X 18+ thresholds.

This is surprising given the game's seemingly innocuous promotional material. The official trailer showcased typical fighting game fare, lacking overt sexual content, graphic violence, or drug use. This raises questions about potentially unadvertised content within the game itself, or possibly clerical errors in the submission.

However, history suggests a potential path forward. The Australian Classification Board has a track record of reviewing and overturning RC ratings. Past examples include The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings (modified to receive an MA 15+ rating) and Disco Elysium: The Final Cut (initially refused due to drug use depiction, later deemed acceptable). Even Outlast 2 secured an R18+ rating after modifications.

The board's willingness to reconsider classifications based on content adjustments or justifications offers hope for Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact. The developer or publisher could potentially appeal the decision by providing clarification on questionable content or implementing necessary modifications to align with Australian classification standards.

The future of Hunter x Hunter: Nen Impact in Australia remains uncertain, but the possibility of a successful appeal remains open, depending on the developer's response to the board's concerns.