This game is a very interesting entry from Rockstar. It almost seems that they are trying to prove their critics are correct; that there is little to the franchise beyond meaningless bloodlust... However, there is more (GTA series has plenty, but the gameplay was so fabulous) to manhunt than just gore. The stealth mechanics are not original, but in context they are a lot of fun. What could be boring gameplay is made only slightly less than riveting by nearly flawless execution, and great setting. The problem however, is that the game is not that much FUN. I'm sure some people get a charge from beheading someone with a loop of wire, but for me that's not enough to be FUN. Yes, this game is worth playing if you can stomach some truly horrendous violence... but keep this in mind. Unless you are a complete psychopath it is impossible to identify with your character at ALL; to really want to project yourself into his role in the slightest. I found that as I played I really didn't care about the outcome. There are games with violent psychopaths as protagonists, but there is usually something to like about them... wit, personality, etc. In manhunt, the characters are stripped down. This is necassary I suppose, because if they were a little more fleshed out it would be hard to even SIMULATE some of the things you do to them. I'm sure that it's arbitrary, but for me the "line" is not crossed playing hitman 2, seeing your char garrote someone... but the visuals in manhunt, the sheer focus on the singular act of killing brutally strips the game of FUN, for me. It doesn't offend me, but by crossing that "line" it simply doesn't APPEAL to me.
Rockstar North are no stranger to controversy. The developers of Grand Theft Auto appear to shrug off the concerns of those who actively pursue them in the courts (hello Jack Thompson) - to deliver the most brutal, and i... Read Full Review
If you thought GTA: Vice City was violent, immoral and oh so wrong, then you will hate Manhunt. In fact, the whole concept of the game is so scandalous that it even inspired legislation for videogame violence here in Can... Read Full Review
