Saints Row 4 refused classification in Australia because of 'Alien Anal Probe'

Saints Row 4 seems to be stirring up some trouble in the land down under. The game was recently refused classification by the Australian Classification Board, making it the first game to be banned in the country ever since the R18+ rating was introduced there. According to Kotaku Australia, the game has been refused classification because of an “Alien Anal Probe”, which implies sexual violence.

“The game includes a weapon referred to by the Applicant as an ‘Alien Anal Probe’. The Applicant states that this weapon can be ‘shoved into enemy’s backsides’. The lower half of the weapon resembles a sword hilt and the upper part contains prong-like appendages which circle around what appears to be a large dildo which runs down the centre of the weapon. When using this weapon the player approaches a (clothed) victim from behind and thrusts the weapon between the victim’s legs and then lifts them off the ground before pulling a trigger which launches the victim into the air,” says a statement by the Australian board.

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“In the Board’s opinion, a weapon designed to penetrate the anus of enemy characters and civilians constitutes a visual depiction of implied sexual violence that is interactive and not justified by context and as such the game should be Refused Classification.”

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Another reason for the refusal to classify Saints Row 4 is cited to be the use of drugs. In the game, a side mission involves the player obtaining and smoking drugs referred to as “alien narcotics”. Smoking these narcotics equips the player with superpowers.

Currently, developer Volition is working on making changes to the game so that it can be released in Australia. The game is set to hit stores on August 20 on the PC, Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3.