And by "banned" we can assume that, at least in Germany's case, Dead Space was refused classification by the Unterhaltungssoftware Selbstkontrolle, as many graphically violent games have been before it.

In Japan's case, we're not quite sure if Dead Space was "banned" or given a dreaded sales-killing Z-rating by the CERO ratings board, making it essentially a money losing venture to release it in that country.

And China? No idea.

In Germany, when not outright refused, as in the case of Gears of War, Army of Two and Crackdown, some titles have their content noticeably sanitized — see The Darkness. Based on our experiences with Dead Space, cleaning up the game would take some serious effort.

You know what else is sanitized in Germany? The public restrooms. The Germans know how to keep a toilet clean, people.

Good News Bad News [Dead Space via GameSpot]

The Leipzig Games Convention is a show slathered in spectacle, with big booths, booming sound systems, and lovely female companions to distract from each game's graphical shortcomings. What you might think it would be lacking in are interpretive dance routines. You'd be wrong, as the Germans have come through in a major way, capturing the essence of the show in a four minute dance number that will inspire you to... possibly never come to Germany. Writhing and high kicking to the sounds of Video Games Live! and choreographed by Irina Pauls, this bedazzled, spandex-packed celebration is one reason we love coming here.

Woman: "...Our new neighbor supposedly works at a company that develops videogames."
Man: "He definitely has a cool SUV/off-road vehicle."

What.

If any of our readers who sprechen some Deutsch can help us figure out why this was deemed remotely funny by anyone, we'd definitely appreciate it. And if you can rewrite this particular comic, coming up with something that makes us laugh, we'll see if we can make it worth your while.

Please, no Wii Date Rape jokes in the comments. It's beneath you.

Ghost Squad: neue Printanzeige [WiiGamer via UK:R]

With short shorts and body paint in full force, cars may look like they're underrepresented at the Leipzig Messe. Wrong! They're everywhere. And there are a lot of Volkswagens.

Here's the pitch:

Snap shot cameras were developed for the Games Convention and distributed by hostesses. From the outside the camera was only branded with the PlayStation logo, but the film inside the camera made this promotion an action to remember. On every picture taken, ghosts and frightening faces appeared on the pre-expose film. The last picture revealed the mystery with the line: "The Horror is closer than you think." Forbidden Siren II. Out now for PlayStation 2.

This promotional campaign, like the fantastic "PSP - Also Available In White" ads, were done by the German offices of TBWA. More details at the link below. Michael McWhertor

Sony PlayStation - Forbidden Siren II [I Believe In Adv]

While you'd maybe expect homoerotic attempts at humor fine-tuned for the urophiliac crowd to be Germany's answer to PSP commercials, that's more for us.

It's really great stuff. You have to ask yourself, when looking at these ads, how much more white could they get? And the answer is none. None more white. Michael McWhertor

PSP White [TBWA, danke Andy!]

In the sequel, you're Hugo Hafner, the "erotic scene's star producer" and your goal is to "extensively care for your girls in your pompous villa, arrange many parties and have fun with your guests and your roommates." Also, you're apparently supposed to "convince the young beauties constantly with a fine figure and enough endurance" because "the Grim Reaper is constantly closing in!".

I thought about trying to decipher what that all means, but realized, hey, it's a German mobile phone game. I'd want those minutes back on my death bed.

The extensive feature list and unmissable press release are after the jump. Michael McWhertor

HandyGamesTM starts in 2007 with "Porn Manager 2 - The Villa"

After the huge success of Porn Manager, HandyGames proudly presents this year's top seller, which is based on the motto Enjoy your life to the fullest!"!

As the erotic scene's star producer you have reached everything during your professional life: girls, fame and lots of money!

You slip into the role of the most enviable man of the world! It's your task to enjoy your retirement as long as possible in the most comfortable way and to reach a truly biblical age!

Because your elixir of life are pretty, glamorous girls, you have to try to gather as many of them around you as possible. Since you are a true gentleman, you extensively care for your girls in your pompous villa, arrange many parties and have fun with your guests and your roommates.

A life of total privacy wouldn't be suitable for an old pickup like you! Invite the press regularly and use your beautiful girls to increase your popularity. Convince the young beauties constantly with a fine figure and enough endurance.

Try hard - the Grim Reaper is constantly closing in!

As from the 6th February 2007 will Hugo Hafner's funny game be available for download.

Features:
* Lead an excessive evening of life in your pompous villa!
* Enjoy the presence of the world's most beautiful women
* Parties, press and glamour aplenty are the key to a long life
* Extensively care for your girls
* Clothe your beauties according to your wishes and make generous gifts
* Countless possibilities and actions
* Huge villa with Chill-Out area, love nest and legendary grotto of lust
* Tutorial-tour through the villa
* Savegame
* Highscore
* Simple controls

Looks like German Xbox 360 owners are going to have a harder time getting their Crackdown fix, as the German software ratings board, Unterhaltungssoftware Selbskontrolle, has refused to rate the sci-fi, cel-shady, third-person action game.

So what's the impact of a non-rating? According to Gamespot:

By failing to receive a rating, Crackdown will have a handful of restrictions placed on its sales. As an unclassified game, Crackdown cannot be sold to minors, the transaction must take place in person, and the game can not be displayed or advertised in stores.

Schei e! The USK previously opted not to rate other ultra-violent MS exclusives Gears of War and Dead Rising. This, quite obviously, will have a tremendous impact on sales of Crackdown, but the game will still be available for purchase. Michael McWhertor

Germany cracks down on Crackdown [Gamespot]