Metareview: Manhunt 2

by David Hinkle { Oct 30th 2007 at 6:00PM }

Those of you with a taste for the violent and gruesome have likely already given Manhunt 2 a lengthy play session or two, perhaps even gone so far as to finish the game. Well, some of the critics have, as well, and what they've come away from the experience with is nothing but a bad taste in their mouth, apparently. Most have found the game competent, at best, while others have found the game to be average or less.

Let's see what the critics said, before we get into what you think, shall we?

IGN (77/100) says it isn't as good as the first game: "The AI doesn't feel as good as the first game, the setting and environments don't feel as menacing, and the story is definitely weaker. That isn't to say that Manhunt 2 isn't a good game, because it is – Danny and Leo's adventure is enjoyable, especially if you've played the first title and have been waiting to eliminate enemies with plastic bags, crowbars or other household items. But as a whole, Manhunt 2 isn't the tour de force title that will grab your attention and keep you there like the first one did."

Games Radar (70/100) thinks it's just a dumbed-down stealth game: "It's hardly the pinnacle of stealth games - the enemies are dumb, and there's not much to do aside from sneaking and killing - but if you're in the mood for something creepy and horrific that'll leave you feeling a little dirty, Manhunt 2's still-shocking murders and eerie, is-it-real-or-am-I-just-insane storyline won't disappoint."

GameSpy (50/100) is of the mind that the game could've been something much better: "It's difficult to recommend Manhunt 2 in its current M-rated form to anyone. This material isn't just inappropriate for children, it's not appropriate for most of the people you know. The background material behind the storyline is well developed enough, and those with considerable tolerance for over-the-top gore and violence may derive some pleasure from it. But the game's execution as a bland third-person stealth adventure with sub-par combat and annoyingly stylized death sequences hamstrings what could have been a sleeper hit for mature audiences. It's hard to completely blame Rockstar for all the failings of Manhunt 2, considering the ESRB's hand in crippling the developer's vision."

1UP (40/100) trashes it: "Really, the game warrants a 4 because it's technically playable and, despite its best efforts, probably won't plunge the industry into a period of navel-gazing and political sanction. Everything else about it is largely forgettable."

Tags: manhunt2, rockstar, take-two

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Billy_McBong @ Oct 30th 2007 6:59PM

i just hope i will disagree with the reviews, i have in the past

Marrvia @ Oct 30th 2007 7:21PM

I've played this whole game, and I would give it 5 out of 10, personally. Very mediocre. Not good, not bad, just right in the middle. Over the top violence is cool, but it has a ton of issues. I liked Manhunt 1 better, but this is not much worse.

Archibold @ Oct 30th 2007 8:10PM

I'm sorry, but really... Did people really expect much from this? Just because of the whole controversy, this game has gotten so much attention. But did people ever really think it would be a good game? Oh well, I didn't. This doesn't affect me at all.

Soiden @ Oct 31st 2007 2:01AM

One thing is to expect a lot from the game, but another thing is to expect this game to be really bad.
I was really hoping this would receive a 6-7, but a 4? Wow.

soulbreather @ Oct 31st 2007 3:56AM

hmm
i would like to say that i live in england, and a magazine i read (psm3) reviewed the un edited version of manhunt 2, they gave it 86 or 82% i forgot which, the magazine is the best selling in britain, so i suppose we can say that the unedited version was better :V