Manhunt is a stealth game of a different kind. It borrows a lot from Metal Gear Solid and Splinter Cell. It's also a lot more brutal than both of those games. Every second it remains on store shelves is a miracle, for it can be banned any minute now.

Death row inmate James Earl Cash is executed, only to find out he survived, and is part of a twisted game of survival in Carcer city (remember the name from GTA3?) He must make his way past several gangs, all the while providing footage for a Mr Starkweather of him killing.

There are no soloton radars or fancy gadgets here. What makes Manhunt different from other stealth games is that its very realistic. Sure you have a radar, but only enemies that are either in Cash's sight or making noise appear on it. Making noise becomes a big part of the game - running, walking on terrain, bumping into stuff, using certain weapons, etc. can draw unwanted attention. But like MGS, you can hit the wall to intentionally lure a guard somewhere. Like SC, you can hide in the shadows. This becomes a very important tactic.

Since your chances in a straight up fight with one gang member (much less many) of survival are slim, you're best bet is to stealth kill your enemies. Most of the game is spent trying to lure enemies to a violent end. Your weapons range from a plastic bag or shard of glass to a bat and crowbar, to firearms. The stealth kills themselves are very gruesome and realistic, which is why you don't want your kids playing this. (That and the excessive cursing, but the voice-acting in this game is top notch.) To stealth-kill an enemy, you walk behind them and when in position, you hold square or x. The longer you hold the button, the more graphic the death sequence will be. But since your victim to be can turn around at any time, it becomes a test of nerve.

The game is incredibly atmospheric and dark. Almost like a survival horror game. Its also one of the more believable games out there. I highly recommend that those interested get it while you can, before some lobbyist group demands it be taken off store shelves.