What in the heck is the difference between an "R" and an "MA" rating?!? I thought they both meant "you have to be over 18 to get/watch this"?

Should be bamnned just on the grounds that Valve is the biggest wank out. They lie, make up stories and think they are above god. The game promotes violence and frustration. Kids in Australia don't need it as they are angry enough. Americans are a lost cause and deserve the game. Maybe it will teach them to kill each other off. The rest of the countries, good luck. I personally love shooting things up, love it, love it, love it. But when I play the computer is out of view from my son as I want my son as a passive adult from his experiences in life. I don´t want my son to think killing is as easy as it is in games and I should know. Bring on Harry Potter Games they are great. Kids need mystery and imagination not violence. Anyway we need violence like we need a 3rd world war NOT! antspants

PS Befor you americans attack me with FU*K YOU'S. F*CK YOU!

we deserve it huh? alot of us are being judged by the actions of our government.. well guess what... not much we can do about what our president does, like i'm sure you can control what your government does? blanket statements such as yours, shows ignorance and lack of depth or compassion. keep in mind this is a news site, and not your personal sounding board to use profanity and abuse. keep your comments in context with the post. if i was a moderator, i'd delete your reply to yourself, as its uncalled for.

Mate, you've lost the plot. I'm an Aussie too but there was no call for comments like that. Americans may have their own issues to contend with, but the're also a lot bigger in nearly everyway than us. I, regardless of clasification will somehow get a copy of Half Life 2 whether it makes it to our shores or not. I can absolutley asure anyone reading this that no OFLC is going to stop me playing one of the biggest titles of all time because of their idiotic bureaucratic bulls*$t. Oh, and BTW antspants, games don't cause or promote violence and frustration. Games are a release for voilence and frustration. FOOL!

Any 13y old kid can buy 18+ games in sweden...