Valve’s zombie-fest of a project, “Left 4 Dead 2″ has hit a snag in the Australian game market.

The Australian ratings board has “refused classification” for the game meaning it can’t be made commerically available in the land down under.

What facet of Left 4 Dead 2 is just “too much” for the Australian gamer? Sure the game is centered around the evisceration and total annihilation of the undead. But undead means zombies, and we all know they’re pretty much dead. No says Australia. Well they put it a little more eloquently. Have a look.

* The game contains violence that is high in impact and is therefore unsuitable for persons aged under 18 to play.

* It notes that this violence is “inflicted upon “Ëœthe Infected’ who are living humans infected with a rabies-like virus that causes them to act violently.”

* The report singles out the use of melee weapons as those that “inflict the most damage” and cause “copious amounts of blood spray and splatter (sic), decapitations and limb dismemberment”¦ or even cause intestines to spill from the wounds.”

* In conclusion, the Board finds that the “interactive nature of the game increases the overall impact of the frequent and intense depictions of violence. This coupled with the graphic depictions of blood and gore combine to create a playing impact which is high.”

Sorry Australian zombie head-hunters. Unless the Australian Government loosens up soon, you’re S.O.L.

Left 4 Dead 2 “Banned” in Australia @ Kotaku