After 15 months of delays, censor bans, court appeals and one single approval from the VAC, Manhunt 2 finally is released in the UK. The first game banned by the BBFC since Carmageddon 10 years ago, this game has generated more controversy than any other game of its kind, but now the fuss is over, was it really worth the outrage? No. OK then, was it worth the wait?
Sadly again, no. For someone who enjoyed the first game immensely, this game feels more like a retread of the first, carrying all similarities and flaws the first had with no actual improvements. The main gripes I had with this game is that this is the 'modified' release of Manhunt 2 (the version that toned down the violence) and by that, the executions are blurred over by a red de-colouration effect that looks quite similar to that of an LSD trip. This is designed to dampen the impact of the violence but instead is more likely to give you an epileptic seizure. Another of the modifications is that the scoring system has been removed (so that the game doesn't appear to be rewarding you for murder). In the original, the game graded you depending on your stealthy kills and the amount of time it took to complete the game, and depending on your grade, you achieved unlockable bonus levels, so there was replay value and extra challenge within that - Not in this game though, the sole purpose is to get from start to finish, no secrets to find anywhere, and there is only one unlockable level to get - by completing the game itself. So it diminishes any challenge or replay value.
The only changes made simply revolve around the violence, there are now 'environmental kills' where you use surroundings indicated on your radar to kill your enemy, or executions where you jump from a high level to kill. You can also execute with firearms this time round. It sounds nifty but it gets very repetitive after a while, because the violence is ALL this game has to offer, and as the game's has been messed with to avoid more public outcry, it tarnishes most of the gameplay.
Its also important to note that the A.I. of the enemies haven't improved either. They're still the same stupid brand of villians who give up looking for you once you hide in the shadows, and seeing as this game doesn't incourage you enough to use stealth, (it more or less turns into a generic third person shooter halfway through) it makes them all the more easier to dispatch.
Graphics wise: Exactly the same as the 2003 original. Which is a shame really because it looks sightly dated in this era of next generation video games.
The one positive aspect must be that it has an addictive quality that might see you play it through to the end. Though it must be said also that its short enough to be completed in a single afternoon.
I don't think that Rockstar should contemplate producing a third Manhunt title. Not just to avoid the public backlash the series has already indured but the fact that there isn't a great deal to offer within these games.