Manhunt

""The mass of men are neither wise or good""

Overview
Manhunt is a game that I can see people hating. Violent, controversial, it requires patience, skill, and risk. Yet for some, this is a gaming experience that people will be looking back on in 10yrs and going "wow was that awesome". Manhunt is a stealth action game that is all about being hunted. The game begins with the main character Cash being executed for his crimes. He is really not dead though. He is the newest "star" for a snuff film enthusiast call The Director. So in turn Cash must "act" and kill people for The Director. The Director uses various gangs to hunt his "stars". The plot is very memorable because it is so unique and intriguing.

Gameplay
The game is played from the 3nd person perspective and it is all about stealth. You move quietly and stalk hunters to move through the levels. Cash can stalk, run, sprint, fight with weapons or hand to hand, aim and shoot, and most of all he can kill (boy can he kill). One of the features in the game is that when not discovered Cash can sneak up behind people and stealth kill them. Each weapon (of which there are 22) is useful and you will have to use them eventually. The melee weapons are quiet and preferred though, as you can perform stealth kills with them. The longer you stalk a victim the more violent you can kill them. These stealth kills are beyond words. Visceral, Gory, Truly violent. They are what make this game. You will truly feel hunted in this game and the stealth kills are all about getting revenge. However if you do get spotted the fighting engine is full of moves. Grabs, light strikes, heavy strikes, combos, blocking... the fighting very good. It is also realistic, you are not Rambo. Fight more than one guy at a time and you're asking for serious trouble. The gunplay is also very sound and exciting as it is a huge change of pace form the stealth. One aspect of the game play that truly shines is the level design and variety though. The game starts you out with nothing and tells you what needs to be done. Then you do it as you see fit. The gameplay is very fun and unique. I wont spoil some of the best mission objectives for you. Pacing of the game is excellent. Also worth mention is the AI which is great. The gangs work well together and will run when losing and go after you when you run.

Graphics
The game has a gritty look that fits like a glove. The technical aspects are very soild with steady frame rate, good lighting, and great textures. The art direction is what will stay in your memory though. The gangs are very menacing. You know just from the look of them, they will kill you without batting an eye. These enviroments are what people probably see in nightmares. Claustrophobic, grimy, and detailed. The character models are good too. Especially Cash. You will see blood on him when he gets beat up and you will see the weapons he carries with him. It uses Renderware which is a proven engine.

Sound
The Sound is awesome. Just awesome. Ambience is the music and it fits perfect with noises playing with your mind. The sound effects are also top notch.The Dialogue is the icing on the cake. There is an amazing amout of it, and it is delivered just right. Brain Cox is also perfectly disgusting as the Director as he says things that will make you sick. Top notch here.

Replay value
It should take around 12hrs or so. It is a Library title though as you will want to show people this game.

Points of interest
The game has one of the best manuals ever. The Cutscenes are terrific. The final Level will stay in your memory forever, trust me. The violence is what this game is all about though. Its not a gimmick, its not there just for the sake of violence either. I just can't imagine Manhunt without it.

This game is so underrated and can be found so cheap nowadays. I said memorable in this review alot for a reason. This game is obviously a labor of love.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/28/05