rockstars stillborn of controversy isn't just a media shocker, it's a great game
firstly it has that factor like in gears and dead rising, when you can almost feel the things you're killing, that make you go 'hells yeah, that must of hurt.'
which is rewarding in any game, games with this have you become very immersed and manhunt in my experience gets you very very immersed.
immersing in that you'll be stalking someone and praying they won't take a u- turn as the tension builds inside you, and the crazed man-bear-pig/ al gore figure at the end had my back-door passing bricks, praying he wouldn't find me as he revs that chainsaw and collapsing of a heart attack when he does and starts squealing like a creature indescribable.
and back to rewards, the colour graded killing system is one of the more controversial of concepts, being given that choice but really it's simple gaming theory, you put more work in stalking this guy - we'll up your reward.
Or, if you choose to go into that unrelated dungeon - you'll get your gold on the way out.
another concept this game relies on, that i can't get enough of is that you/ your character isn't put in a position of power, you are weak, which raises adrenaline and the need for strategy is insured, like in games such as Bioshock, Resident evil and even games such as Abe's Odyssey.
i had to use my brain while playing this, it isn't some hack and slash/ beat um up, it's smart, the a.i have routes and an array of weapons, rockstar incorporated visibility to good use and getting from point a - b is never as simple as it sounds.
it's a game i'll never sell, because i go back to it every now and then, and it has major major replay value, like bioshock. so don't think of it as some media hogging rockstar bad-ass, it's a must play, and a must complete for players who want something original in every way