Ultra-violent masterpiece (Manhunt (PS2))

Member Name: shaneo632

Product:	Manhunt (PS2)
Date:	06/09/09 (4 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great premise

Disadvantages: Not accessible

Rockstar have certainly proved time and again that there's more to their repetoire than the Grand Theft Auto games, perhaps no more than in Manhunt which, whilst as insanely violent, if not moreso, than the GTA games, has a very different take story-wise. It is inspired in a large way by the superb Arnold Schwarzenegger film The Running Man. The game also was embroilled in a lot of controversy over its violent content, which say something of a re-evaluation of both content and rating standards.

You play James Earl Cash, a death row inmate who has been granted a chance to earn his freedom by a mysterious man known only as The Director. He proposes that if you can fight and murder your way through a number of stages, which are televised, then you will earn your freedom.

Visually, this is a very impressive game - it's rather dark in subject matter, and thus the environments are also quite grimy, which opposes the bright, cartoonish visuals of GTA. The renderings are nevertheless very good, and the sound department also triumphs - the voice work is very well acted, the sound effects are very realistic, and the music is moody and very atmospheric, adding to the tension of the game.

The controls take a few minutes to get used to, but largely, the gameplay is very fun indeed. It's also a sight more difficult than the GTA games, and offers a very legitimate challenge, asking that you hone your stealth skills if you want an eas(ier) run through the game. Also, gunfights are more tactical than brainless, and mastering the cover system is the order of the day here. The only problem really is that it requires a lot more patience than the GTA games - it's a lot harder to simply pick up, and some people aren't going to like it simply because the pace is a lot slower, and there's no casual mode, whereas GTA allowed you to simply roam and cause chaos.

An impressive outing even if it's not terribly accessible - ultra-violent, and with a fun, pulpy premise.

Summary: More patience is needed than GTA, but it will be rewarded