God of War: Ascension rated R18+ in Australia - report

God of War Ascension is the latest game to earn Australia's still-fledgling R18+ rating, and is being quietly banished from stores in Queensland, according to an alleged retailer email.

Kotaku has received an image showing what appears to be an internal email from a retail chain.

The email notes that God of War: Ascension has been classified R18+; the rating is not yet available on the Classification Board's database.

What makes this notable is it makes mention of the removal of all promotional materials and references to the SCE Santa Monica title from stores in Queensland.

Queensland is the only Australian state or territory yet to introduce legislation in support of national classification reforms.

Australia's new ratings category came into effect on January 1, 2013 after years of debate and activism. Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge was the first R18+ game, followed by Spartacus Legends and Army of Two: the Devil's Cartel. Mortal Kombat and Left 4 Dead 2 may be resubmitted.

God of War: Ascension is due exclusively on PlayStation 3 in mid-March.