10 Most Controversial Video Game Levels Ever

Video game companies spend years finalising their products to ensure they are of the highest calibre upon the time of release. But developers also have to ensure their games do not fall victim to another problem - generating controversy.

Obviously, titans like Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft don't want to cause a stir (usually), knowing full well that anything inappropriate in their handles can cost them millions or tarnish their name irreparably. As a result, testers will play a game over and over to ensure every word, character, and level is incapable of causing offence.

But no matter how hard the developers try, some games are destined to have parents and politicians up in arms. And we are not talking about the usual suspects like Mortal Kombat and Manhunt. Those games were always going to get flak. We're looking at games that would've avoided a rumpus if it wasn't for one level.

Sometimes, there is a specific boss, section, or line of dialogue that becomes so contentious, it smears the entire game's reputation.

So, what video game levels created the biggest controversy?

Because PETA was founded to protect animals, it sounds like the organisation has nothing but the purest intentions. But more often than not, PETA goes way too far. Over the years, they've claimed milk causes autism, suggested the word "pet" is a slur, and bad-mouthed Steve Irwin immediately after he died. They also called Super Mario an animal killer because he wears a raccoon suit.

As you do.

Sadly, this isn't the only time PETA has attacked the gaming community. In the second mission of Battlefield 3, there is a section where the player is prompted to kill a rat before tossing it away.

Even though thousands of people die throughout this first-person shooter (It is a war game after all), PETA only took umbrage with Battlefield 3 because it "treats animals in a sadistic manner". They also stated the rat-killing sequence will have "a brutalising effect on the young male target audience".

Although there's no evidence that players were traumatised by this rat being murdered, PETA's public tantrum caused Battlefield 3 to receive a lot of press (which may have indirectly led to it making more sales).