40. Manhunt | 2003 |
PlayStation 2 |
10/8:
Way too long for its own good, but still a gripping video game despite its shortcomings. The AI is pretty laughable with how easy it is to shake enemies by running around the corner and hiding in some shadows. The sound design and soundtrack is really the MVP of Manhunt, which makes the game feel very sinister even in its goofy moments. The buzzing drones of the OST combined with the film grain and dark surroundings give a spooky, ethereal quality that you'd feel in like a Silent Hill title. Some areas look like they were ripped straight from Silent Hill, but otherwise you are placed in environments that look rather normal: the zoo, the shopping mall, the subway, and so on.
You are, however, not 'placed' in these environments but violently forced to push through by an unknown madman talking in your ear. You have to get past plenty of good-for-nothing scumbags throughout most of your playthrough, but the game does change it up towards the end. You can get past some enemies without having to lift a finger, but for the most part you will have to lay it down with some of most gruesome executions in 6th-generation gaming. I'd argue that even today it can feel uncomfortable just because you are committing these punishments to another man and not something alien or unhuman. It serves its purpose however, to further enhance the horror elements of Manhunt as well as a big middle-finger to the news media at the time. Despite showing its age with its honestly serviceable gameplay, Manhunt is pretty unique in its showcase of violence and horror that may never be recreated again (besides Manhunt 2 of course).
Grade: C+
