Manhunt 2, anyone?  No?  Yeah I didn't buy it, either.

It seems Take-Two is rethinking their content on Nintendo consoles, and Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars is the test subject.  Oh, Carnival Games is an unlikely smash, but it could be a one-trick pony... that and the lack of violent minigames and hardcore clown sex.  Nintendo's consoles have recently had a family-friendly image with minor exceptions, but the install base is just too big to ignore now.  Sure, the Brain Age/Cooking Mama demographic might have a tough time taking the bait, but some mature games have had moderate success on the DS and Wii and now might be the time they come out of the woodwork and start some shit in the Wii's gaming library.  And the GTA name might actually be a system seller in America... although I don't know how many more DS handhelds they can sell this late in the cycle.  Yet, the "analysts" look like they'll be all over the map with this one.  It ranges from 5 million to a Pachter-esque "shocked if it sells more than 500,000."  Thanks, analysts!  Bastards.

But the ultimate question is whether a mature Wii game can truly break out in the midst of the Wii Sports clones and Nintendo's typically bloodless lineup?  No More Heroes was a mild hit, Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition hit the million mark, and Umbrella Chronicles did nearly as well, but Manhunt 2 was a dud... same with a multitude of mature multiplatform games that sold much better on the 360, PS3, or PC.  MadWorld, as much as I and others love it, looks quite niche and will likely achieve cult status.  The Conduit could be the game, but there are still questions on whether the hardcore will give it a chance.  2009 will be the year that will decide if the Wii is destined to be a "kiddy" console for life or a well-rounded package with some old-fashioned violence.  The Wii has no chance of being the first choice for mature games (360 has it covered), but if 2009 is a bonafide bloodbath on the Wii, GTA and other M-rated games will eventually find a way to the Wii.  If not, we'll get more Carnival Games and perhaps a new ping-pong game.

Yesterday's news, I suppose... but it's something to ponder.

And now for a shameless plug.  Wiicret Santa!  Wiicret Santa!  Wiicret Santa!