Manhunt

"Manhunt -- one of the sickest games EVER, and I like it!"

Rockstar North (formerly DMA Design) continues its development of violent games, after the recent success of Grand Theft Auto 3 and Vice City. Manhunt is probably the most violent game ever, but how well does it draw? It didn't really receive the hype before its release, but now it seems everyone is buying it - even parents for their children, which is a huge mistake. You can find out the positives/negatives on Manhunt by reading my review.

GRAPHICS
The graphics quite resemble the graphics on Grand Theft Auto 3, or most recently Vice City, but Manhunt seems to go that extra bit further. You will be able to see the slight scars on the main character, and the cuts and bruises on the gang members. The character models are done very neatly, and you'll know straight away that Manhunt was made by Rockstar North, as they are GTA3-Vice City style graphical features. Slashing at gang members with baseball bats or glass shards are very neatly done, and well.. very graphical. There's been rumors that people have thrown-up while watching the game being played.

Most of the game, as you may know, is dark and sets a very good point of view on the city you play in - Carcer City. Every detail on the city is perfected very sweetly, and even the slightest parts look tremendous. You'll probably be drooling over the features, and with the in-depth stealth gameplay with the excellent-looking graphics, you'll be addicted for a damn long time. The game looks fantastic.

SOUND/AUDIO
Even though James Earl Cash never speaks in the game, it doesn't really matter. If you're thinking that it's a bad thing he doesn't speak, like with GTA3's main character, that is not the case. Cash doesn't really need to say anything, only the main villain -- the Director. Gang members will say weird stuff, such as:

''I'm gonna' kill you!'', while chasing after you, which will definitely place fear into your bodies, especially when being pursued by 2-3 gang members. They will also grunt and groan when you slash away at them, which is kind of sick to hear, but adds realism to the whole concept.

There is dark and calm music to the game, but you won't really pay any attention to it. It does add quite a bit to the game, though, because if there wasn't any music, it would be pretty dull. What's better than creeping up on your enemy with silent and heart-paced music?

You may know that Manhunt revolves around high-Stealth and Action, but mostly Stealth. This is tremendously realistic because even if you run through the gravel substance footpaths, the nearest gang member will be alerted and come to check it out. You have to be at your guard while playing Manhunt, it's not just your basic Action title.

What I find extremely cool is the fact that you can use the USB headset for Manhunt (you can use the SOCOM headset, if you're wondering). The Director will talk to you through the headset, which could send chills down your spine. It brings up the realism. Onto the top part with the headset: You can also shout and talk to the nearest gang member, even calling him names to attract his attention. For example, I'd say to the nearest gang member: ''Come and get me you [censored] piece of [censored]!'', and he'll come walking over. Just seeing him walk over to his death equals a nice feeling inside. Brilliant.

GAMEPLAY
With most Rockstar games (excluding State of Emergency), the Gameplay is probably the most important factor. Hell, it is with most games. Manhunt is no exception. You will find yourself drooling in the first 10 minutes, as you're completely addicted to the whole theme. Die-hard Stealth fans will enjoy the experience, whereas Action fans such as GTA junkies will also grab a piece of hot, Manhunt action.

Manhunt is not one of those easy games you can complete in the first couple of days. You will find it difficult in the first 10 minutes or so, and once you've got used to the game you will probably still find it difficult. There are two difficulties, these being 'Fetish' and 'Hardcore' - Medium and Hard. There is no Easy mode in Manhunt, as the game is difficult. This is a major positive point, though, because games that are hard are fun, as you can actually have replayability with the game. You can't complete Manhunt and think It's easy, because it's not.

Many people say this game is a mixture of Metal Gear Solid, GTA and Tenchu/Splinter Cell. Die-hard Stealth and Action fans will love it, but this is not one for the younger gamer. I recommend that 17+ year olds only purchase the game. You may be thinking ''What?!'', but It's the truth. Go pick up Manhunt and play it, and you'll be thinking that It's sick, especially if you're young. Won't be long until you go crying to your parents, buddy. That's why it has a rating of 'Mature'. I've warned you in this review, so you better of listened wisely.

The controls take about 25-30 minutes to get used to (well, it did for me), so they're not extremely difficult. If you have experience with past GTA games, preferably the most recent ones for the PS2, you'll soon become a master of Manhunt. Despite the learning time for the controls, some parts may get confusing, such as if you're using a weapon. I didn't really have a problem with the aiming of weapons, but some people do. Many people complain about the Nail Gun being difficult, as it doesn't really kill enemies quick enough. There is also buttons to press for Hand-to-Hand combat, if you don't have any weapons, which is the case for the early parts of the game.

There are 3 different levels for kills, with 1 being the weakest and 3 being the most brutal. You'll have to perform combos to do the higher levels, so it may become difficult to perform a Level 3 kill. Level 1 kills are easy to come across, but Level 3 kills aren't. This adds depth to the game, because if kills got repetitive, I don't think I will enjoy the game as much as I have. Overall the Gameplay is excellent, and you'll be addicted to Manhunt for a long time, especially with the wide variety of weapons and different level of kills.

STORY
You play as James Earl Cash -- a death-row inmate who is apparently put to death by a lethal injection. This ''lethal injection'' merely knocks him out, and he soon wakes up in a cell. The person behind all of this is Lionel Starkweather, or as he wants to be called - The Director. He promises to bring Cash freedom and calls himself Cash's savior, but only if Cash performs a few tasks for him. Now Cash thrusts into a series of levels, or 'scenes' as The Director calls them, which are violent and very deadly. Contained in these 'scenes' are a mass variety of thugs and gang members, who are extremely wacky and wish to hunt Cash down. This is all performed for Lionel's delight and enjoyment, as he's a sick individual who enjoys killings. Starkweather captures the kills conducted by Cash on video, creating 'snuff films', which he has apparently been doing all of his life. You, as James Earl Cash, have to get to the bottom of this, but first you have to survive.

REPLAYABILITY
Even once you've completed the game, I think you will play it again, just for your sick enjoyment. Even though the story will be the exact same, and the killings may get repetitive, what can be more fun than die-hard Stealth/Action gameplay? I can't see you playing Manhunt after Metal Gear Solid 3 or GTAV are released, though, but it's possible.

BUY OR RENT?
Seeing as most people think the game will be banned in the near future (me included), you should definitely pick up your copy early. If it's on your Christmas wishlist, tell your parents to get it early and not wait until December (if they're generous, of course). Manhunt is a definite buy, and one you should pick up. Die-hard Stealth fans will be in for a major treat, whereas Action fans of Rockstar's previous titles will also grab a piece of the fun.

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Rockstar adds yet another hit to their list of games. Manhunt is no exception. Die-hard Stealth/Action fans will love the game, and It's one you should add to your collection. Manhunt is not a game for the younger gamer, and only 17+ year olds should play it (unless you think you're mature enough). With its sick, addictive gameplay and its GTA/MGS/Tenchu/Splinter Cell resemblance, Manhunt is a fine game to pick up. Buy it now -- if you're old enough, of course.
Overall: 9/10

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 11/23/03