Manhunt

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 10 December 2007