The ban of a controversial video-game has been lifted in Europe today ending a long standing battle between game maker Rockstar and the British Board of Film Classification.

An appeals committee with the BBFC has agreed to grant the game, Manhunt 2, a rating of 18 and over after it initially banned the game in June 2007.

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, said Rockstar in a statement.

Manhunt 2, which pits players as an escapee from an insane asylum, was rejected by authorities for its casual sadism and unremitting bleakness and callousness of tone, according to the BBFC.

Rockstar refuted the claims, arguing that the game was no more violent than other titles in the genre or a horror movie, and asked the Video Appeals Committee to review the decision.

This is not the first time the game studio has been received attention from ratings committees.

In 2005 the Federal Trade Commission investigated Take-Two Interactive, Rockstar's parent company, after explicit scenes were found inside its Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Game. Previous versions of the game has also caused outcry from concerned parents over graphic violence, including car jackings and vicious gunplay.