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Manhunt(video game)

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Manhunt
Developer(s)Rockstar North
Publisher(s)Rockstar Games
Producer(s)
Programmer(s)
  • John Whyte
  • Obbe Vermeij
  • Adam Fowler
Artist(s)
  • Andy Hay
  • Aaron Garbut
Writer(s)
Composer(s)Craig Conner
EngineRenderWare
Platform(s)
ReleasePlayStation 2
  • NA:November 19, 2003
  • EU:November 21, 2003
Windows, Xbox
  • NA:April 20, 2004
  • EU:April 23, 2004
Genre(s)Stealth
Mode(s)Single-player

Manhuntis a 2003stealth gamedeveloped byRockstar Northand published byRockstar Games.It was released for thePlayStation 2in November 2003, followed byMicrosoft WindowsandXboxreleases in April 2004.[1][2]Set within the fictional Carcer City, players control adeath rowinmate who is forced to participate in a series ofsnuff filmsby killing criminal gang members sent to hunt him on camera.

The game received positive reviews from critics, with praise towards its dark tone and violent gameplay, although the combat and level design were criticized. Due to its graphic violence,Manhuntwas subject to a significantvideo game controversyand banned in several countries. It was also implicated in a murder by the UK media, although this accusation was later rejected by the police and courts. While not a commercial hit,Manhuntdeveloped a substantialcult followingand was followed by a stand-alone sequel,Manhunt 2,in 2007. The game was re-released through thePlayStation Networkfor thePlayStation 3in 2013 andPlayStation 4in 2016.

Gameplay

[edit]
An example of stealth inManhunt;Cash hides in the shadows from a hunter, preparing to sneak up on him.

Manhuntis astealth gameplayed from athird-person perspective.The game consists of twenty levels, called "scenes", as well as four unlockable bonus scenes.[1]Players survive the scenes by dispatching enemy gang members, occasionally withfirearms,but primarily by stealthily executing them.[3]At the end of each scene, players are graded based on their performance, and awarded one to five stars. Unlockable content becomes available when the player achieves three or more stars on a certain number of levels. On normal difficulty (called "Fetish" ), players can earn only four stars; one is awarded for completing the scene under a certain amount of time, and one to three stars are awarded based on the brutality of the executions carried out during the scene. On hard difficulty (called "Hardcore" ), players are graded out of five stars; one for speed, one to three for brutality and one for completing the scene. To gain the maximum number of stars, a set number of brutal executions must be carried out over the course of each scene; face-to-face fighting does not award stars.[3]

To carry out executions, players must approach a hunter from behind, undetected. To facilitate this, each scene is full of "dark spots", shadows where the player can hide. Enemies cannot see into the shadows, unless they see the player actually entering the area. A standard technique in the game is to hide in the shadows and tap a wall to attract the attention of a nearby hunter. When the hunter has examined the area and is moving away, players can easily ambush and execute them.[4]The game has three levels of execution, with each level progressively more violent and graphic than the last: "hasty" executions are quick and not very bloody, "violent" are considerably more gory, and "gruesome" are over-the-top blood-soaked murders. Players are in control of which level they use; once players have locked onto an enemy, the lock-on reticule changes color over time to indicate the three levels: white, yellow and red.[5][6]

Over the course of the game, players can use a wide variety of weapons, including plastic bags, baseball bats, crowbars and a variety of bladed items. Later in the game firearms are available for use when executions become impractical. Should players take damage, their health depletes; health can be restored through the use of painkillers, which are available throughout each scene.[4]Players have a stamina meter which depletes as they sprint, but automatically replenishes when remaining stationary.[3]Manhuntmakes use of the PlayStation 2's optionalUSBMicrophone and theXbox Livemicrophone feature on the Xbox in their respective versions of the game. When such a device is connected, players can use the sound of their own voice to distract in-game enemies. This adds an extra element to the stealth aspect of the game, as players must refrain from making noises such as coughing as these sounds too can attract the attention of any nearby hunters.[3]

Synopsis

[edit]

Setting

[edit]

Manhuntis set in the fictional Carcer City, a dilapidatedrust beltcity rife with corruption and crime.[7][8]On the prowl around the city are numerous violent gangs, who seek to find and kill the player.[9]The game is set in ashared universewith theGrand Theft Autoseries.[10]

Plot

[edit]

In 2003 in Carcer City, a journalist (Kate Miller) reports about James Earl Cash (Stephen Wilfong), adeath rowinmate who has been recently executed bylethal injection.However, Cash was onlysedated,and awakens to an unknown voice referring to himself as "The Director" (Brian Cox), who gives him instructions through an earpiece. The Director promises Cash his freedom, but only if he kills "Hunters" – gang members sent to hunt him – in special areas around Carcer City filmed byCCTV.Cash is first pitted against the Hoods, a gang of dangerous criminals and corrupt police officers patrolling an abandoned area of the city. After eliminating them, he is abducted by the Cerberus, the Director's personal security unit, who take him to another part of Carcer City.

While the Director monitors his actions, Cash is forced to kill more criminals across various abandoned locations, encountering askinheadgang called the Skinz, a sadistic paramilitary group called the Wardogs, an outlaw gang called the Innocentz (consisting of the mostly Hispanic occultist Skullyz and the Babyfaces consisting ofpedophilesand mentally challenged murderers), and a group of former asylum inmates called the Smileys. Eventually, the Director betrays Cash and, after ordering his family's deaths, tries to murder him as well, as part of his film's climax. Cash survives the trap, and escapes after vowing revenge on the Director.

The remaining Wardogs, led by the Director's right-hand man Ramirez (Chris McKinney), are sent to re-capture Cash, and they manage to trap him in a game of cat and mouse. Cash prevails and kills Ramirez and his men, before being rescued by the journalist reporting on him, who reveals that the Director is Lionel Starkweather, a former film producer fromLos Santoswho produces for asnuff filmring. The journalist has acquired enough evidence against Starkweather to get him convicted, but needs Cash to escort her to her apartment to get it. Meanwhile, Starkweather blackmails corrupt police chief Gary Schaffer into sending his men to kill Cash and the journalist, but the two manage to avoid them. After retrieving the evidence, Cash tells the journalist to leave the city with it while he goes after Starkweather.

Pursued by the police andSWATthroughout the subway and the streets, Cash is eventually cornered in a train yard and almost summarily executed. He is saved by the Cerberus, who kill the SWAT officers and take Cash to Starkweather's mansion so that they can execute him themselves. The Cerberus are distracted when Piggsy (Hunter Platin), a chainsaw-wielding maniac who wears a pig's head, breaks free. Cash escapes and confronts Piggsy in the mansion's upper levels. Unable to fight him directly, Cash uses stealth attacks on Piggsy before tricking him into standing on a grate, which collapses under his weight, allowing Cash to take his chainsaw and finish him off with it. After eliminating the remaining Cerberus, Cash confronts Starkweather in his office and kills him with the chainsaw.

The media and police arrive at the mansion as the journalist exposes Starkweather's snuff ring and police complicity, leading to Schaffer being criminally prosecuted for corruption. Cash, however, is nowhere to be found.

Development

[edit]

Rockstar Northbegan development ofManhuntin the mid-early nineties, building the game with theRenderWareengine that had been used for theGrand Theft Autotitles.[11]In September 2003,GamesMasterpublished a preview ofManhunt,commenting "[Rockstar North has] scraped its imagination to further twist the way games are made in the future and delivers a chiseled, no-apologies assault on gaming standards. [...] it possesses a warped subtlety that questions game reality... It creates a barren, harsh, violent experience and then punctures it with something trippy and darkly comic..."[12]In a retrospective piece, a former Rockstar employee admitted that the game almost caused amutinyin the company, saying that the team had "already weathered plenty of controversy overGTA IIIandVice City—we were no strangers to it—butManhuntfelt different. WithGTA,we always had the excuse that the gameplay was untethered—you never had to hurt anybody that wasn't a "bad guy" in one of the missions. You could play completely ethically if you wanted, and the game was parody anyway, so lighten up ".[13]

Manhuntwas announced atE3in May 2003.[14]The game was originally slated for an October release date,[15][16]and it was eventually released for thePlayStation 2on November 19, 2003, in North America, followed by a European release on November 21.[17][18]During its first month on sale, the game sold 75,000 copies in the United States, "a fraction" of the copies sold byGrand Theft Auto IIIandGrand Theft Auto: Vice City,games also distributed by Rockstar.[19]In spite of these comparatively poor sales,[20]the game received aportforWindowsand theXbox,released in North America on April 20, 2004, and in Europe on April 23.[21][22][23]Rockstar released exclusive merchandise, limited editions and pre-order bonuses such as official soundtracks, a Piggsy figure, and a handheld voice changer.[24]

The game was added toSteamin January 2008.[25][26]Manhuntwas included for free for players who pre-ordered the PC version ofManhunt 2in November 2009.[27]On May 14, 2013,Manhuntwas made available for purchase on thePlayStation 3under thePlayStation Network'sPS2 Classicscategory.[28]It was released again for thePlayStation 4on March 22, 2016, with1080pandtrophysupport.[29]

Reception

[edit]

The PlayStation 2 and PC versions ofManhuntreceived "generally favorable reviews", while the Xbox version received "mixed or average" reviews, according to thereview aggregationwebsiteMetacritic.[54][55][56]As of March 26, 2008, theManhuntseries has sold 1.7 million copies worldwide.[57]At the7th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards,the game was nominated for "Console Action/Adventure Game of the Year".[58]Manhuntreceived a "Gold" sales award from theEntertainment and Leisure Software Publishers Association(ELSPA),[59]indicating sales of at least 200,000 copies in the United Kingdom.[60]

The game's darknihilistictone and violent nature were singled out by many critics as representing something unique in the world of video gaming.GameSpotconcluded that, "like it or not, the game pushes the envelope of video game violence and shows you countless scenes of wholly uncensored, heavily stylized carnage".[4]Game Informerpraised the PS2 version's audacity and competent technical capabilities, stating "it's a frightening premise that places gamers in a psychological impasse. The crimes that you commit are unspeakable, yet the gameplay that leads to these horrendous acts is so polished and fierce that it's thrilling."[35]IGNcomplimented the same console version's overall challenge, calling it a "solid, deep experience for seasoned gamers pining for some hardcore, challenging games".[1]Edgegave the same console version eight out of ten, saying, "LikeGTAthere's more to this than shock and awe. Within its linear structure there is a lot of freedom within which to act, much more so than bothSplinter CellandMetal Gear Solid 2,the titles whichManhuntmost closely resembles. "[61]

Toronto StarwriterBen Rayner,praised the relevance of the game, defending its violence and graphic nature as very much a product of its time, and condemning calls to have it banned;

As entertainment and cultural artefact,Manhuntis totally disturbing. But so is the evening news, the "I'll eat anything for money" lunacy ofFear Factorand the unfettered, misanthropic gunplay ofBad Boys II,so I will defend until my last breath Rockstar's right to sell this stuff to me and anyone else who wants it.... Do I think games such as these could have dire psychological consequences, particularly for young people? As always, I remain agnostic on the matter. Who knows, really? The debate will never be resolved. The American military obviously thinks there's something there: The troubling new TV ad campaign for the U.S. reserves lures potential young soldiers with tales of adventure accompanied by blatant, video-game-styled animation. And, curiously, no one has complained about or tried to banSOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs,in which stealth and killing figure even more heavily than inManhunt.[62]

TheChicago Tribunewas especially complimentary of the game, arguing that it marked a significant moment in video gaming history;

Manhuntis easily the most violent game ever made. It will likely be dismissed by many as a disgusting murder simulator with no reason to exist. ButManhuntalso is theClockwork Orangeof video games, holding your eyes open so as to not miss a single splatter – asking you, is this really what you enjoy watching? HadManhuntbeen poorly made, using the snuff film angle as a cheap gimmick, the game would have been shameful and exploitative. What elevates it to a grotesque, chilling work of art is both presentation and game play.Manhuntis solid as a game; it's engaging to use stealth as you creep through the streets of this wicked city, using your smarts to avoid death, while dishing out much of your own. IfManhuntsucceeds at retail, it will say more about America's fascination with violence than any political discourse or social debate. That makesManhuntthe most important video game of the last five years.[63]

The game received some criticism. Certain gameplay elements, such as the shooting mechanics, were called "frustrating" byEurogamer,who claimed that "more than half the time the targeting reticule refuses to acknowledge an oncoming enemy until they're virtually in front of you."[33]GameSpotconcurred, noting that the "AIis much worse in the more action-oriented levels ".[4]1UP.comsaid that one quickly became "tired of [the] violence... AI quirks [and] repetitive level design."[5]

Controversy

[edit]
Manhuntattracted controversy due to its graphic execution scenes. In this particular execution, Cash suffocates an enemy with a plastic bag.

The controversy surrounding the game stems primarily from the graphic manner in which the player executes enemies. In 2007, former Rockstar employee Jeff Williams revealed that even the game's staff were somewhat uncomfortable about the level of violence; "there was almost a mutiny at the company over that game."[64]Williams explained that the game "just made us all feel icky. It was all about the violence, and it was realistic violence. We all knew there was no way we could explain away that game. There was no way to rationalize it. We were crossing a line."[13]

The violence in the game drew the attention ofU.S. RepresentativeJoe Baca,who was the sponsor of a legislation to fine those who sell adult-themed games to players younger than 17. Baca said ofManhunt,"it's telling kids how to kill someone, and it uses vicious, sadistic and cruel methods to kill".[65]The media was drawn into the debate. For example,The Globe and Mailwrote "Manhuntis a venal disconnect for the genre. There's no challenge, just assembly-line, ritualistic slaughter. It's less a video game and more a weapon of personal destruction. This is about stacking bodies. Perhaps the scariest fact of all:Manhuntis so user-friendly that any sharp 12-year-old could navigate through the entire game in one sitting. "[66]

Murder of Stefan Pakeerah

[edit]

On July 28, 2004, the game was linked to the murder of 14-year-old Stefan Pakeerah by his 17-year-old friend Warren Leblanc inLeicestershire,England. Initial media reports claimed that police had found a copy of the game in Leblanc's bedroom. Giselle and Patrick Pakeerah, the victim's parents, claimed that the game had influenced LeBlanc and played a role in the murder.[67][68][69]TheEntertainment and Leisure Software Publishers' Association(ELSPA) offered sympathy to the Pakeerah family but rejected any connection between the game and the murder. ELSPA also noted that the game was rated18by theBritish Board of Film Classificationand was not intended for minors.[70]Due to controversy, the game was removed from shelves by some vendors, includingGameandDixons.In response, Rockstar reiterated that it was intended for adults and denied any link to the murder.[71]Media speculation of a potential ban on the game increased demand for it at physical and online retailers.[72]Giselle Pakeerah stated her disappointment over the increased interest in the game.[73]

On July 30, 2004, American attorneyJack Thompson,an advocate against violence in video games, claimed to have warned Rockstar prior to the game's release that it could inspire copycat killings.[74]On August 2, 2004, it was reported that the Pakeerahs had hired Thompson to represent them in a £50 millionwrongful death claimagainstSony Computer Entertainment(SCE) and Rockstar Games.[75]That day, the police officially denied any link between the game and the murder, citing drug-related robbery as the motive and revealing that the game had been found in Pakeerah's bedroom, not Leblanc's as originally reported.[76][77][78]At the conclusion of the investigation, the police reaffirmed that they could not find sufficient evidence linking the game to the murder.[79]The presiding judge placed sole responsibility with Leblanc after sentencing him to life.[78]The Pakeerahs' case against SCE and Rockstar was dropped soon thereafter.[citation needed]

There was renewed controversy after the announcement ofManhunt 2in February 2007, with the Pakeerahs condemning its release.[80]Rockstar's parent companyTake-Two Interactiveissued a statement that "the Judge, defense, prosecution and Leicester police" in the case had refuted any connection to the game.[81]Jack Thompson unsuccessfully attempted to haveManhunt 2banned,[82]claiming that Take-Two had lied about the incident and that police were incorrect in asserting the game had belonged to Pakeerah.[83]

[edit]

InNew Zealand,the game was banned on December 11, 2003,[84][85]with possession deemed an offence.[86]Bill Hastings,the Chief Censor, stated "it's a game where the only thing you do is kill everybody you see... You have to at least acquiesce in these murders and possibly tolerate, or even move towards enjoying them, which is injurious to the public good."[87]In 2023, the Office reconsideredManhuntand classified it R18.[88]

In Australia, the game was initially allowed under a MA15+ classification, but this decision was reversed by theAustralian Classification Boardin September 2004, after an appeal by theAttorney-GeneralPhilip Ruddock.As a consequence, the game was effectively banned, mandating a recall of all copies still being sold in stores.[89]Before its recall,Manhunthad already sold 18,000 units in Australia.[90]

In Canada, following a meeting in Toronto on December 22, 2003, between Hastings and officials from the Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Business Services,Manhuntbecame the first video game in Ontario to be classified as a film and was restricted to adults on February 3, 2004. Apart from Ontario, however,Manhunthad little or no classification problems elsewhere in North America. TheBritish Columbia Film Classification Officereviewed the game after the controversy in Ontario and deemed the Mature rating by theESRBto be appropriate.[91]

In Germany, theAmtsgerichtin Munich confiscated the PlayStation 2 version ofManhunton July 19, 2004, for violation of§ 131 StGB( "representation of violence" ). According to the court, the game portrays the killing of humans as fun. They also said it glorifiedvigilantism,which they considered harmful.[92]All other versions got indexed.[93]

Steam release crack protection issues

[edit]

To combatpiracy,the retail version contained two layers ofdigital rights management(DRM): theSecuROMsystem and several game-breaking mechanisms that are activated when SecuROM is missing. To ship the game to Steam without third party DRM, Rockstar Games re-released it with an existing crack byRazor 1911.As this was uncovered in 2010, the company quickly released a new version of the retail release with only SecuROM removed. The proprietary measures were not addressed, leading to a broken version being sold on Steam. Prior to 2023, the crack protection mechanisms, such as gates and doors not working properly blocking progress through the game, were interpreted as issues with compatibility on newer operating systems. However, it was discovered that the Steam release had crack protection measures active despite being an official release due to the incomplete removal of the DRM.[94]Reviews on Steam then appeared complaining about the anti-piracy measures and originally being sold a cracked version of the game. This version remains unaltered as of September 2023.

Legacy

[edit]
See also:Manhunt 2

Manhunthas garnered acult followingamong fans,[28]and was cited by aVicearticle in March 2016 as one of Rockstar's "very best" games.[95]Likewise,Game Informerconsidered the game a "dark, underappreciated masterpiece".[96]It was recognised as an example of the "best of gaming horror" byVentureBeatin October 2011,[97]included in the1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Diein 2010,[98]and listed at #85 inIGN's "Top 100 PlayStation 2 Games" that same year.[99]

A sequel,Manhunt 2,was released in October 2007 in the United States and October 2008 in Europe.[100][101]Although the sequel retains many of the stealth elements used in its predecessor,Manhunt 2's storyline is completely unrelated to the first game.[102]

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[edit]
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