You'd think that, after the lawsuits and the media reaction caused by titles like Grand Theft Auto III and Vice City, a publisher might back off a bit, and perhaps even tone down the content of their games. You might think that, but you'd be wrong, because Rockstar's latest M-rated masterpiece, Manhunt, instantly vaults itself into the top spot in the Violent Video Games Hall of Fame. Blood will be spilled, bad people will be decapitated, and heads will explode before the awesome might of your shotgun. This game is not for the weak of heart.

Thankfully, though, there's a gripping and well-designed game underneath the crimson veneer. Mixing healthy doses of elements from Metal Gear Solid, first-person shooters, and b-grade horror movies, Manhunt is rarely boring, and, thanks to the scoring system that awards you bonus material based on how you play through the game, you can feel free to be as loud and violent as you wish, or concentrate on stealth kills and silent executions; both play styles are valid methods to get through the game.

Of course, you won't be able to get through alone: Manhunt can be quite a difficult game. Luckily for you, though, this guide is here to help. Along with hints, tips, weapon advice, and cheat codes, we're serving up a full walk-through for the game's lengthy set of missions, as well as revealing how to survive in the difficult bonus missions. So grab your machete and get ready to slink into the shadows; the manhunt has just begun, and you're the target.

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