"How come more people don't play this game."

Ok. First off, let me put this question on the table: do you like to use stealth in your video games? If your answer is no, then ignore the rest of this review.

I'm assuming you are here because you like the stealth element in your games. I ask this question for one reason: everything in Manhunt is based on stealth (not entirely true. The game does get more action-based once you collect some heavy artillery). Manhunt is about one man; one dangerous man; one man on a mission.

Story
If you know me, then you know I do not delve into the story in much detail in my review of the game because chances are, you already know it. Just know that you were sentenced to death by lethal injection but alas! someone exchanged the deadly poison with a potion that merely knocked you out. You wake up and find yourself alone in a room. You hear the voice of some guy in the background. This guy wants you to kill the gangs surrounding your area just so he can tape them and profit off them (snuff or Faces of Death if you will). And so, the game begins. On with the slaughter! 8/10

Gameplay
Let me start off by saying that this game is difficult. Our protagonist (or is it antagonist?) may be a real hardass but he's weaker than grass. And there are many, many gang members around the vicinity just waiting to kill you. The only way you are to survive this is to collect the many different items placed around the area. These include: plastic bags, shards of glass, etc. You have radar on the bottom left which shows you where the enemies are, which way they are facing, and how alert they are to your presence. So just sneak up behind these guys, hold down the execute button, and execute them. Of course, you've got to be sneaky. You have to hide in the shadows, throw items to divert their attention. If they hear you, or see you, you are dead. This type of gameplay is fun but may get repetitive and frustrating. It is always annoying to sneak up behind an enemy, hold down the execute button, and have the enemy turn around and start kicking your ass. 8/10

Graphics
Most games seem to have good graphics these days. This is no exception. Grand Theft Auto's influence is heavy here. The guy moves pretty much the same, the items look the same. The game is dark, the environments are very well done (providing for lots of shadows, dark areas). One thing though: turn off the camera affect. 9/10

Sound
The good thing about this category is that it is very accurate. If you walk on gravel, a nearby gangmember may hear you and become more alert. You have to watch what you walk on and what weapon you use because some may cause more sound than others. It is this attention to detail that is so great. The voice acting is done very well and the overheard conversations and comments by the gangmembers are often humorous ("I gotta get a new job!") 9/10

Controls
Pretty good. Your character is given a plethora of "sneak" moves to use at his disposal so you should never feel like you are out of options. 8/10

Overall

Very fun and violent game. It is for adults because of its difficulty and content. This isn't the type of game that keeps you interested for years. In fact, there is no guarauntee that you will even remember this game at all. It is fun while it lasts. 8/10

TIPS: hit the wall with your bat to grab the attention of a nearby enemy. Wait in the shadows until the cursor turns yellow. Then attack.
TIPS: Bat executions may be cooler than plastic bag ones but remember that your bat will make more noise.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 09/09/04