After twice failing the submission process in its original form, a "slightly modified" version of the open world action game Saints Row 4 has now made its way successful passed the Australian Classification Board, earning a MA15+ rating, notably lower than the R18+ rating recently bestowed upon Grand Theft Auto V.

Here's the full statement from the game's publisher Deep Silver, and local distributor AIE:

“Deep Silver and AIE are pleased to report that the Australian Classification Board has now approved Saints Row IV for sale. They have granted the game an MA15+ rating. To achieve this rating one loyalty mission featuring the character Shaundi has been removed. This mission has been widely reported on and contains the use of alien narcotics to obtain certain superpowers.

“This mission represents approximately 20 minutes of gameplay out of the hours available to purchasers.

“The removal of this mission has no negative impact on the story or the superpowers and will not detract from the enjoyment players will get from their Saints Row IV experience. The rectifier weapon will be available as part of a DLC package as originally intended. Deep Silver stands by this decision and thanks the Australian Classification Board for their assistance with this matter.”

In this instalment in the Saints Row franchise, developer Volition continues the story of the Third Street Saints by elevating their status to the highest level – the leaders of the free world. But the leaders of the free world are under attack from an alien invasion in the land of the free, and it's up to you and your gang to save the world, Saints-style.

Saints Row IV will now launch on scheduled in Australia on August 22nd 2013 for PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3.