"Manhunt 2" is a like a low-budget, straight-to-video sequel. It isn't as good as its predecessor and looks cheaply made. Originally rated 'AO' for explicit violence, it was even more controversial than the first "Manhunt". The killings and gore had to be censored (a stylish filter was used) in order for the game to be rated 'M'. Released in Oct. 2007, this was the last Rockstar Games title made for the PS2. Developed by Rockstar London, it featured the same gameplay as the original, but contained a whole new story. Unfortunately, the level design was pretty bland and the enemy A.I. was weak. It also had a very brief campaign with very little replay value.
The game borrowed the premise of "The Manchurian Candidate" with the nerdy protagonist, Daniel Lamb, suffering from vivid hallucinations. His brain was experimented on by a shadowy organization so that he could act as an assassin in a moment's notice. The game also pays homage to Eli Roth's grisly "Hostel" and there is a reference to San Andreas, the city from Rockstar's very own "Grand Theft Auto" series. But the game itself is probably the company's weakest effort. While it does provide some fun macabre moments, it doesn't hold a candle to the best stealth titles. Also, despite the addition of new weapons, the gory carnage is barely seen due to the filters (which are clever utilized). Fans of the first "Manhunt" will probably get a kick out of it. But I'd rate this one with a 6.5 out of 10.