Still reeling from the allegations of animal cruelty surrounding God of War II, Sony Computer Entertainment are once again pilloried by the press, this time because of controversy surrounding PS3 game Resistance: Fall of Man. Developers Insomniac recreated the layout of Manchester Cathedral for use in one of the stages, a backdrop where hundreds of enemies are maimed and killed in raging gun-battles. Not the most sensitive of topics for a city with a gun-crime problem.

The Church of England is threatening to sue unless Sony apologise and withdraw the game from sale. In statements to The Times, clergy insiders said: "They are going to be in for a surprise because we are not going to let this one go. One million people are visiting Manchester Cathedral through this game."

SCEE issued a press statement this morning: "Sony Computer Entertainment Europe is aware of the concerns expressed by the Bishop of Manchester and the Cathedral authorities about the use of Manchester Cathedral in the game Resistance: Fall of Man, and we naturally take their concerns very seriously," the statement reads.

"Whilst we believe that we have sought and received all permissions necessary for the creation of the game, we will be contacting the Cathedral authorities in order to better understand their concerns in more detail"

Hmmm. First a goat sacrifice, and now they've gone and upset the Church of England. Mere coincidence, or a religious conspiracy? In any case, we'll let you know more as the story develops.

Came straight to this page? Visit www.pspsps.tv for all the latest news.