The recent FOX News report wrongfully accusing Mass Effect of including scenes of full frontal nudity and graphic interactive sex was rightly met by a letter of condemnation from publisher EA and a tsunami of vehement fan reaction -- both of which received considerable online media attention.
However, despite the glaring inaccuracies of the FOX report and its panel of supposed ‘experts’ it would appear that the ocean of FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt) surrounding BioWare’s award-winning RPG has now spilt over into the retail market.
More pointedly, gaming Web site Playfuls has this week reported that American retail giant Target has begun removing copies of Mass Effect from store shelves and instructing employees at its outlets that they are no longer permitted to sell the exclusive Xbox 360 title.
Playfuls openly swipes at Target’s apparent decision to buckle under the pressure of negative media by outlining that the retailer is still selling lewd gaming software (at discounted prices) such as Playboy the Mansion and Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude -- both of which contain suggestive material far outstripping anything to be found in Mass Effect.
Similarly, the current reaction of online game fans is echoing prior outcry describing Mass Effect as a title classified by the US Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) as ‘M for Mature’ (or 17+), while it would barely merit a PG-13 rating if it were a movie.
Upon searching through Target's online store, Mass Effect still appears to be available for purchase . Also, Target's online search function, which reveals Mass Effect's availability throughout its chain of US stores, shows the game as either 'Available' or 'Limited Availability.'
With the exception of a brief profile shot of a boob and a butt, this is about as sexy as Mass Effect gets. Credit: BioWare.
M&C Gaming has approached Target for its reaction to this story. We are still waiting for an official comment at time of posting.
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