Manhunt

"A great stealth game that should of had an "AO" rating!"

I love any game that has blood, gore, violence, and the occasional scare. Manhunt has all this and more. From having different types of executions. To using guns and going into shoot outs with the enemy. To just beating the crap out of someone with your fists. But I'm a hardcore horror game fan, and even though Manhunt isn't in the horror game category I love it for the gore and the realistic violence. Plus if a game is rated 'M' or even 'AO' (Once one is released) I will probably buy it. It's these games that have a certain adult feel for them, and makes the adult gamers want to purchase them.

This is a game that I've been dreaming of for years. And it's finally a reality. I think the producers of 'Manhunt' secretly stole my dreams of the perfect adult game and made it. This game is for adults (Over 18) only and once you play it you see why. Some teenagers can't grasp reality enough to realize what is going on without coping the game and killing innocent people. That's why Rockstar gets all the bad press about GTA and probably Manhunt as well.

You don't see adults killing after playing Vice City do you? Of course not. But these kids who play games like this need to wait until they are older. And parents need to make sure that their children are not playing 'M' rated games in the first place. It's these gamers who are under the age of 17 who really need to just wait until they are of age to play these types of games. I really don't think that the gamers who are of age to play 'M' rated games should be punished by the underage gamers who do something stupid and blame it on a video game. But unfortunately, kids will continue to play the games, since the parents don't care about it. Until the child does something really dumb and breaks the law and then says "The video game made me do it". It's sad how the adult gamers might be punished and will no longer be able to enjoy these games if these kids keep doing what they are doing.

This is the only game that I have played where I was shocked by the executions that were shown on the screen, but it was a good shock. I love watching anything with graphic violence and Rockstar pushed the envelope with Manhunt, but it was a good push. I hope more games that have violence in the story can do something in the way of adult situations like Manhunt has.

I hope that 'Manhunt2' is out before the end of 2004 and I can only imagine what features it will have. If you love gore, blood, violence, and stealth. Then buy Manhunt. Before it's censored, which may not happen but you never know. It will be the best 50 bucks you ever spend.

Presentation
From start to finish, Manhunt is as close to a virtual killing game that I've seen. I'm surprised that it didn't get a "Adults Only" rating. But it sure deserves a "M" rating at least. From using hand held 'quiet' weapons, to using guns of different types the kills are either quick and painless or slow and painful. The levels can be difficult to get through, since the hunters can be hiding in the shadows themselves, and can jump out to get you. But doing some levels over again isn't too bad since you'll get to do some more executions, lol.

Gamers might be bored doing the same thing over and over, but every game has that problem. Manhunt is basically a stealth and kill game. If you enjoy those two features then you will be enjoying this game. If you are not good at hiding, or get bored with killing people over and over then you might want to pass on this game. 10/10

Graphics
Blood. Blood. Blood. It's all there, and plenty more of the graphic violence that makes the graphics come alive. The background and environment also looks very clean and life like. Each hunter has a cool unique look to them. Since there are several types of hunter groups, it's nice too see that they are not just carbon copies of the hunters running around for the whole game. The use of light and dark in the levels are very realistic and are easy on the eyes. 10/10

Sound
Great music to set the mood in this game. When things are tense the music shows it well. Most games don't get a good score to accompany the game, but Manhunt found the perfect score for it's game. If you use the headset, the sound will probably be more realistic. Especially if you talk or make a noise since the hunters will hear you. In the game, your character gets an earpiece to hear the director so if you want to be just like Cash in the game, use the headset.

You also have to be careful with you walk around on the game. If you hit a garbage can, or even walk on dirt or rocks, the hunters can hear you. This is where the sound really works out in a very realistic way. You need a hunter near you, just hit the wall, or through an object to get his attention. Or use the headset and make a noise, which works just like throwing an object in the game. 10/10

Gameplay
I have played through the game twice and still haven't been bored with it yet. There are so many ways to kill or be killed. And the Hunters say some very funny lines. You can either rush through the levels and only do a few kills, or you can kill every hunter on the level. It all depends on what you want for a final rating for the level. Getting five stars on the level will allow you to unlock special functions that you can use later. I like this idea for unlocking special features. This way you have to do each level a certain way, which can be challenging, especially on the hardcore setting.

Some gamers might be turned off by the gore or language, but if you really enjoy that type of gaming experience you should be happy with this game. I really enjoy any game that has plenty of drama and action, and Manhunt delivers on both accounts. Rockstar likes to make games for the adult gamer, and I'm glad to buy them and hopefully a second game will be released soon. 10/10

Lasting Appeal
I love horror games and even though this game isn't horror there is plenty of gore and violence. The stealth part of the game can be scary at times, trying to hide or find those who are hiding. This isn't a very easy game, you have to think your way through each level. Some gamers might be impatient with the game and stop after a few levels, but the hardcore gamers will learn from the mistakes and complete each level.

The replay value is about medium quality. If you play the game on the easy setting, then you can only unlock certain items. But if you play a second time on the hardest setting, then you will be able to unlock everything. After that, there isn't anything else left to get. But if you love the game like I do, you will replay it just because it's fun and you enjoy it. 10/10

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 06/03/04