Manhunt

Release Date: November 18, 2003

Action, TPP, stealth, very brutal, singleplayer

71%

Steam

Rate It!

After the three installments of the Grand Theft Auto series, Manhunt is a yet another brutal game created by Rockstar. Manhunt is an action stealth game only for adults, as the level of violence in this game surpasses anything we have seen in the GTA games.

Plot
Mechanics

After three installments of Grand Theft Auto series, Manhunt is another brutal game created by Rockstar. Manhunt for PC, PS2 and etc. is an action stealth game only for adults – the level of violence in this game surpasses anything we have seen in GTA games. The game described herein revolves around illegal manhunts secretly held within the U.S.A. Players assume the role of James Earl Cash – a criminal sentenced to death by lethal injection. Interestingly enough, the punishment was carried out, however, the main protagonist wakes up in a room full of cameras. At this point, he is informed by Starkweather (former director of hardcore and violent porn videos for rich and anonymous clients) that he is to participate in a manhunt with his life at stake.

Plot

The action of the game is set in Carcer City, where the authorities are bribed by people such as Starkweather and allow them to hold the aforementioned manhunts. On the streets of this “fallen” city players help James Earl Cash survive, fight different gangs and “hunters”. The actions of the main protagonist are recorded by Starkweather’s hidden cameras. The game delivers solid 3D visuals, and the grim surroundings, featuring the city and particular buildings, are bound to terrify the players and make them feel trapped. The audio layer of the game also presents decent quality.

Mechanics

Gameplay mainly revolves around sneaking past consecutive locations, avoiding direct confrontation, and eventually, eliminating the enemies threatening the main protagonist. In order to succeed, you have to pay attention to the shadows that provide you with necessary cover and the sounds that might alarm you of the incoming threat (they are represented as red impulses on the radar). After you decide to kill someone, you can do it in many different ways e.g. slitting one’s throat with a garrote, strangle someone with a plastic bag, break opponent’s neck with a special grip, smashing his head with a brick, and using a firearm that you can find on your way. Nonetheless, during the initial stages of Manhunt for PC, PS2 and etc. players have to cope with all the threats using their own hands, bats, smashed bottles, etc. Each murder is assigned a level of brutality (one of three possible).

Last updated on February 10, 2018

Videos and Screens

71%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Mostly Positive (5,470)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Atmosphere and Story: Many users praise the game's dark and immersive atmosphere, as well as its compelling narrative that critiques media violence.
Unique Gameplay: The stealth mechanics and the choice between brutal or subtle kills are highlighted as engaging features. The game is seen as a classic in the horror and stealth genre.
Soundtrack and Voice Acting: The soundtrack is noted for enhancing the game's mood, and the voice acting, particularly by Brian Cox, is appreciated for its quality.
Nostalgia Factor: Players who experienced the game on the PS2 often express fondness for it, noting it as a memorable part of their gaming history.

The main cons of the game

Technical Issues: A significant number of reviews mention problems with crashes, bugs, and the game not functioning properly without extensive modding or patches.
Optimization Problems: Users report that the game has optimization issues, especially on newer systems, making it frustrating to play without additional fixes.
Repetitiveness: Some players find the gameplay, particularly the finishers, to be tedious and repetitive over time.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Variety in Gameplay: Users express a desire for more variety in weapons, enemies, and maps to enhance the gameplay experience.
Improved Controls: Suggestions for better aiming and control mechanics are noted, especially for later stages of the game.
Official Support: Many users feel that Rockstar should provide better support and updates for the game, particularly given its legacy and the issues players face on modern systems.

Summary generated on: November 25, 2024