Manhunt 2

As screenshots and news began to surface, Rockstar’s Manhunt 2 found itself deep in controversy over its overly violent content that has the game’s main protagonist dispatching his enemies in the most gruesome manner. While Rockstar toned things down for the sake of receiving a mature rating, the game still has you killing off your enemies in true psycho fashion while maintaining a story that can only be described as a cross between the Saw movies and snuff films. The result is a game that isn’t as fresh as the original but still a satisfying romp for older gamers who like their games a wee bit on the grim side.

The original Manhunt followed the exploits of James Earl Cash, a convict who was released into Carcer City under the orders of a deranged snuff film director that filmed his every move as Cash attempted to escape by any means necessary. Manhunt 2 tells a different tale of a different unstable character by the name of Daniel Lamb, a research subject for a mysterious group. Held in a hospital for the criminally insane, The Pickman Project has been running tests on Lamb until one day all the cell doors swing open and all the inmates rush out to freedom. Guided by a fellow patient named Leo Kasper, Lamb uses stealth and his psychotic mind to escape the facility that is falling apart right before their eyes. What follows is a man’s bloody revenge against those that locked him up and his quest to discover his past. 

Acting as a tutorial of sorts, the opening level that takes place in the facility introduces (or reintroduces if you’ve played the first game) the gameplay mechanics and the stealth elements. Much like the original, you cannot simply rush out to meet your enemies in combat but rather use stealth and the element of surprise in order to survive. The same can be said about Manhunt 2, a game that still abides by the stealth and stealth kills in order to stay alive and advance the story. Luckily, you will have many weapons at your disposal and each area has a number of dark spots that will allow you to hide in the shadows. This is the best approach seeing you will be up against agents working for The Pickman Project as well as a gang members, violent cops and a number of other shady characters. 

Half the fun of the game is luring your enemy to your dark little corner, tapping on the wall much like Metal Gear Solid’s Solid Snake does or calling your enemy via a USB headset (once again, you can shout into the microphone and the victim will respond to your voice). From there you can make use of any object Lamb has picked as his weapon. Pick up a shopping bag and you can suffocate somebody or if you have a pen you can stab an enemy on the neck with it. There are plenty of brutal executions that depend on the type of item you are wielding and each one produces its own effects. Axes and buzz saws, of course, can cause decapitations and using a rusty pipe will allow you to crack somebody’s skull open.

While these things sound ghastly, Rockstar has a way of taking an otherwise grim situation and make it entertaining and also a bit humorous. The story that unfolds is an interesting one with a number of intriguing plot twists and character development. We follow Lamb and Kasper through the city and we even get to play a flashback that explains what lead these men to the institution in the first place. Still, it would be a disservice if I continued to describe the story and the events that transpire and risk spoiling many of the game’s secrets. What can be said is that there are a number of mysteries Lamb discovers along the way and we learn why the protagonist freaks out when he sees a television or what type of connection these two men possess.

Control-wise, Manhunt 2 plays well enough and gamers can quickly pick up and start performing a number of executions. Those who are turned off by stealth will find only frustration due to the fact that the game can be very unforgiving at times and those who lack patience will only find aggravation after getting killed. The AI has taken a slight nosedive in this sequel and it’s still unrealistic to find that the enemy seems to forget the little hard punches and kicks you gave him immediately after you found a place to hide.

Visually, Manhunt 2 has its own unique style that still carries the original’s dark tone but in order to capture Lamb’s psychosis there are psychedelic flashes of colors. The executions themselves are warped to the point that you won’t see the gore like in the first game but you will certainly know how your enemies are killed. The bloody aftermath is not as grotesque but there’s still enough blood in the game and decapitations will not fail to send shivers down your spine. The character models and backgrounds do look well enough but there are some clipping problems that do show up often in the game.

The game’s soundtrack is equally dark and works perfectly in the context of the game and it picks up nicely during the most intense moments. There are also some great background noises that once again have you jumping at shadows. Noise works as part of the game so if you happen to accidentally kick an empty bottle, your enemies will investigate. The voice acting is also quite good and - while it’s riddled with bad language - it can actually be funny at times.

Manhunt 2 for the PlayStation 2 might not be as over-the-top as the first game but it is still a worthwhile game that’s just as gruesome and interesting in it’s own right. While much of what was behind the controversy has changed to secure an M rating, Rockstar did a great job putting story, challenging stealth mechanics and plenty of wonderfully nasty executions first and thus making it a game worth a look if you liked the first game.

Gameplay: 7.5
The very first time you jump out of the shadows to smash a goon’s head in with a rusty metal pipe to the very last time you suffocate a gang member with a plastic bag the actions in this game just don’t get old no matter how many times you try it. The game’s story will take Daniel Lamb through various locales that require a stealthy hand and a strong stomach.

Graphics: 8.2
While the game has its share of clipping problems, the game’s visual style is just wonderfully demented and fits the game’s theme just right. Even the executions look gritty and insane, like watching an old snuff film on an old film roll.

Sound: 8.0
The creepy atmospheric sounds will not fail to creep any gamer out and listening to Daniel question his sanity as voice from his past fill his ears is just chilling. The voice acting is handled well but be warned that the game is filled with profanity from beginning to end.

Difficulty: Medium
The game is quite unforgiving if you don’t keep stealth in mind and you can’t simply rush out and attack multiple enemies expecting to win. This is a game that rewards stealth executions and keeping in the shadows.

Concept: 7.0
Following Daniel Lamb as he bludgeons, decapitates and suffocates any Project militia or the many psychotics that are hunting him is actually quite enjoyable and even more so when the main protagonist is not quite right in the head. The story is interesting and there is more than one ending. You can also use your PS2 headset to catch your victims’ attention.

Overall: 7.5
While it’s not as utterly disturbing as it was meant to be, Manhunt 2 is a gritty sequel that is still shockingly ultra violent but in a surprisingly good way. Like the original, it’s a mature-minded game that blends stealth action with an almost cartoon-like quality to the murderous mayhem and with an interesting story this is a title gamers will want to see to the very bloody end. It’s a good game; it’s just not as brutal or fresh as the original.