Manhunt (PS2, M15)

Reviewed by JON MINIFIE

Herald rating: * * * * *

Rockstar Games produce popular R-rated titles like film noir-inspired shooter Max Payne and the legendary Grand Theft Auto franchise. Manhunt is their newest and most challenging game to date.

The Grand Theft Auto series was influenced by films like Scarface, Carlito's Way and Goodfellas. For Manhunt Rockstar went to the darkest corner of the video store, sourcing inspiration from long forgotten renters such as Escape from New York, The Warriors and Running Man.

Players assume the role of convicted killer James Earl Cash. The story begins grimly, with Cash receiving what turns out to be a decidedly nonfatal lethal injection.

He regains consciousness in Carcer City, a maze of ramshackle buildings, abandoned warehouses and shadowy alleys. The menacing voice in his ear is a man known as the Director, a ranting lunatic who apparently gets his jollies filming people suffer.

Manhunt is not split into levels, but scenes. The goal is simply to survive them. The streets are ruled by roaming gangs of psychopaths (known as Hunters) who routinely stalk you.

Players start without a weapon, however Carcer City's kill or be killed policy quickly forces you into using crude weapons and methods. Armed or not, avoiding direct confrontation with Hunters is the way to stay alive.

The Director has CCTV cameras everywhere so he can monitor and film your progress. If you have the USB headset that was used in SOCOM: Navy Seals you will hear him hiss in your ear. The effect is chilling, especially when he encourages brutality so he can record the grisly scene.

Rockstar's high production values and slick presentation are evident from the start. A noise effect gives the game a vaguely grainy look, in keeping with the VHS theme. Manhunt is certainly a looker but actually relies more on the use of sound. The Director has provided a radar device that will detect when Hunters are closing in. The yellow arrow on your radar shows them on the move, turning to orange if they hear you. If it turns red you have been seen and it is time to stand your ground or flee.

Shamelessly gruesome and not for the fainthearted, Manhunt is a dark masterpiece — an intense and original psychological thriller that will delight, horrify and captivate from the opening scene.

$119.95

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