A HACK-and-slash computer game that simulates strong violence could soon be released in Australia.

MadWorld for Nintendo Wii is marketed by creator Sega as featuring "over-the-top violence", where players can hack at "terrorists" with chainsaws and impale them on street signs.

The game, by PlatinumGames, is scheduled for a US release on Nintendo Wii next year, and could then be released in Australia, pending classification.

The hugely successful Nintendo Wii has so far been seen as a family-friendly game system, with games such as tenpin bowling and tennis, as well as healthy lifestyle programs.

The basic graphics and motion sensor remotes have been popular with young children and families.

However, the Victorian president of conservative group the Australian Family Association, Angela Conway, said MadWorld could threaten that image.

Ms Conway said it was unclear whether the game would get a rating from the Australian Classification Board, which could then allow the game to be sold here.

But she said she hoped the classification board would take into account the realism associated with the Wii system.

"The realism in the players' movements in the Wii format should be raising concerns about the impact of the game-playing on the player," she said.

"However, there are other games in other formats that you can effectively get guns and other realistic weapons to use."

In MadWorld, players take on the character of Jack, in Varrigan City, who is caught up in a game called Death Watch created by "terrorists" who call themselves The Organisers.

Using traps and weapons including chainsaws, street signs, and daggers, Jack tries to save the city and "destroy enemies who threaten their lives".