A disconcertingly enjoyable game thats as formidable a challenge as it is tastelessly violent.

User Rating: 8.9 | Manhunt PC
I am ashamed to say that my initial reason for buying this game was the prospect of themes so copious and excessively violent that they generated controversy throughout the gaming universe. Although not usually a selling point for me, nevertheless I bought this game the week it came out and was punished for my shallow attitude. To be honest, I didn't find this game too violent. It wasn't until I'd finished the game first time and got the urge to play through again that I realised the games strengths lie not in the publicity its generated, but in the solid, atmospheric stealth/action game that lies underneath. Much in the vein of that film 'The Running Man', Manhunt tracks James Cash through a desolate urban jungle as a community of prestigious psychos film him murdering every criminal, maniac or even cop that stand between him and his freedom. The game takes place over twenty 'scenes' in which it will be up to you, Cash, to navigate your way to the end of each arena, killing those hell-bent on making sure you don't get through alive. Although initially gratuitous as you find yourself disemboweling, decapitating or suffocating anyone unlucky enough to cross your path, the game eventually becomes more high-octane, offering the player guns to help you against the increasing number of enemies.
The story is as solid as the gameplay, and it's a fine incentive to brave the streets a second time, if only for the visceral pleasure of laying your hands on the chainsaw, or dropping a fridge on someone from a magnetic crane.
It's a hard game, no doubt; but if it's any comfort to protective parents, it prevents younger players from getting very far.