The US Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has finally given Rockstar Games' controversial Manhunt 2 an 'M' for Mature rating for ages 17 and older.

Publisher Take 2 Interactive was compelled to suspend the release of the horror title in June when the ESRB issued an Adults Only rating.

But the gaming giant finally got the rating it wanted with the submission of a modified version of the game to the rating board.

Manhunt 2 will now be released for Sony's PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable and Nintendo's Wii in North America on Halloween on 31 October.

"Manhunt 2 is important to us, and we are glad that it can finally be appreciated as a gaming experience," said Sam Houser, founder and executive producer at Rockstar Games.

The company confirmed earlier this month that it will be appealing the decision by the British Board of Film Censors (BBFC) to effectively ban the game in the UK by refusing to give it a certification.

Manhunt 2 was the first game banned by the BBFC in 10 years, and several other countries have since joined in banning the product, including Ireland.

The company is to file a request for arbitration with the Video Appeals Committee and has halted the game's release.