So, everyone, I'm sure, is now aware of the fact Saints Row IV was initially refused classification in the land of Aus. Citing issues with content that was "not justified by context", Namely, an Alien Anal Probe device. The complaint itself reads as follows:

"When using this weapon the player approaches a (clothed) victim from behind and thrusts the weapon between the victim's legs and then lifts them off the ground before pulling a trigger which launches the victim into the air. After the probe has been implicitly inserted into the victim's anus the area around their buttocks becomes pixelated highlighting that the aim of the weapon is to penetrate the victim's anus. The weapon can be used during gameplay on enemy characters or civilians. In the Board's opinion, a weapon designed to penetrate the anus of enemy characters and civilians constitutes a visual depiction of implied sexual violence that is interactive and not justified by context and as such the game should be Refused Classification."

Leading many to dub the weapon itself the Alien Anal Probe. Howeve, whilst attending the Manchester Expo to try out the demo for the game this Saturday (20/07/13) I spoke to a certain Mister Jim Boone and Deep Silver's PR rep Suzanne Panter (a very charming woman indeed, I might add) who, when I mentioned the Penetrator by name, let slip that it was, in fact, that infamous purple monstrosity that raised the ire of the Australian Classification board. So it seems, dear reader, this is not, in fact, a new weapon, but a more advanced, more powerful, and far more devestating enhancement of unarguably the most batshit insane weapon in the games' arsenal.

With this new insight, I must confess I fully understand the decision to remove it. Frankly, I'm amazed that more ratings boards have not insisted on the same. It fits the motif, aliens and anal probes, from popular culture I won't deny. But that thing is over two feet long. Calling it excessive is...an understatement. Having now tried the game for myself though, it has not diminished my anticipation to get my grubby little mitts on the game one iota. Check out our preview. which we be available before the end of this week, for a full explanation of precisely why and feel free to sound off in the comments below with your own take on the situation.