Seems like the Australian Office of Film and Literature Classification (OFLC) can't make up its mind -- much like with Fallout 3 and Silent Hill: Homecoming, the board has reversed its ruling on banning F.E.A.R. 2. What's extra special about this case though is apparently the developer hasn't had to make any changes to the game.

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment is publishing the title, a spokesman from which commented on the matter earlier today:

"We're obviously extremely pleased with the result from the Classification Review Board, it's a great result for Warner Bros and fans of the franchise. We always believed in the merits of the game as an MA15+ title, and we went in and argued the game on its merits. We're really really pleased that they came up with the decision that they did."

Acting Classification Review Board Convenor, Trevor Griffin, agreed as much:

"After considering extensive submissions and demonstrations of game play across all levels, the Review Board concluded that the level of violence in the computer game, whilst strong, could be accommodated within the MA 15+ classification."

In short, this is a huge victory for the companies and Australian gamers. Hopefully this sets a precedent for future ratings in the region, once the powers that be notice Australians haven't all bludgeoned each other to death upon playing F.E.A.R. 2.

Notice no real reason was given by the OFLC for the new classification, now. My speculation says Warner Bros, being the big bad corporation they are, talked down the OFLC and got them to chill. Don't you love it when corporations use their power for good? Sometimes they are useful! Or maybe just good at bribing, as reader THM speculates below.

On a related note, a nice little interview with the game's lead designer Dave Matthews is up on our other site GameGrep. Check it out if you're interested!