Manhunt 2

I recently picked up a copy of the Playstation 2's version of Manhunt 2. I played the first one years ago, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Filled with sadistic executions, suspensful stealth and sneaking sequences, and a disturbing plot, the game was a success.

Now, years later, Rockstar has finally put the sequel out on the streets. After final development and touching up, the game was given an "Adults Only" rating or "AO". This posed a problem, since up to that point, not a single "AO" game had been developed ever for any entertainment system. Sony stated it would not sell the game if it was not lowered to a "M" or "Mature" rating due to it's graphic content. Nintendo agreed, stating the same complaint for their system.

After more tweeking and fine toning, Rockstar released the game just in time for the Halloween season with the new "M" rating. But this time around, the whole "Snuff" film theme and motif has been done away with. James Earl Cash, the star of the first game is nowhere to be seen. Instead, Daniel Lamb is the protagonist this time around, with a dark hidden secret that occasionally forces itself out in his actions and thoughts.

At the beginning of the game, not much is known about why Daniel is where he is, and why he's there in the first place. As before, stealth is important, as you sneak through the shadows to avoid detection. Now though, the hunters can inspect the very shadows that you are hiding in! Noise is another important factor, from running, hitting a wall, knocking over a chair, to creaking floorboards, you always have to be aware of your surroundings. I found myself edging my way cautiously into rooms, for fear of alerting any nearby enemies.

The sound is good, the graphics are decent, and the plot is stirring. It reminded a little bit of Saw, Hostel, Jacob's ladder, and The Machinist. An inventory of weapons and items are at your disposal. Ranging from plastic bags, glass shards, cattle prods, baseball bats, to power tools, dispatching your foes has never been as gruesome and depraved as before.
When you lock onto an opponent, the cursor blinks white, a "Hasty" kill. Hold down the attack button longer, it turns yellow, a "Fetish" kill. Hold it down even longer until it turns red, and you get a "Gruesome" kill. Each kill is different, being more violent and brutal than the last. There are also "Enviromental" kills as well, such as utilizing toilet bowls, a tray full of surgical tools, even a printing press.

There are some fallacies though, as there are with all video games out there. Occasionally, I'd out run a hunter and hide in the shadows, only to find him stuck up against the hood of a truck, or on an overturned garbage can. This making it nearly impossible to progress without being detected yet again. The player can toss a distractionary device such as a blass bottle or soda can to make noise to lure the enemy away, but if you don't have either of these handy tools in your inventory, you're SOL, so start running!

Another complaint is the control scheme, using a single analog stick to move and cope out your surroundings. When times get tense, it's easy to forget which button to push to do what, and by the time you remember it, you're tasting a lead pipe upside your head while another attacker proceeds to bludgeon you with a crowbar. The plot can a little vague at times too, but once you play through it again, it makes a lot more sense.

All in all, it's a great game, and worth at least renting for a couple nights if not buying it off the bat. I encourage new players though, to check out the original game so that when they transition to the latest addition, it'll be a smoother experience.

So have fun, kill or be killed, and good huntin'!