A game that rides a line between stealth action and bleak survival horror,Manhuntexists as a title like nothing else in Rockstar Games’ library. Released following the high-profile controversy sparked by the success ofGrand Theft Auto 3in the early 2000s, this game took the risk of leaning far more heavily into the most mature elements of the same world. While it’s unlikely that the developer will ever produce a project with this tone again,Manhuntachieves several uniquely grim feats that still make it worth revisiting.
Manhunt originally released on PS2 in November 2003. April 20 marks its 20th anniversary on PC and Xbox.
With sales figures that weren’t nearly as strong as those ofGTA, it’s surprising thatRockstar’s divisiveManhunthas endured as a memorable game for so long, especially when considering the lasting relevancy of its themes relating to violence in entertainment and the fact that Rockstar has abandoned franchises like it. However, it seems that there has yet to be another title that captures the same feeling. After a lackluster sequel didn’t continue its legacy and its creator has reached previously unthinkable heights of success with a far more mainstream-friendly IP, there’s a chance thatManhuntmay be a relic of the past that never returns.
Rockstar Once Went Far Beyond GTA’s Nihilistic Tone
Manhunt Was a Disturbing Project to Develop
TheGrand Theft Autoseries has always been known for its absurd and often disturbing depictions of realistic but extreme scenarios, but it also has the excuse of being a parody.Manhuntplays it far straighter, as its protagonist is James Earl Cash, a death row inmate made to participate in an elaborate snuff film ring. Following the pushback caused byGTA 3’s popularity, the sentiment about this at Rockstar wasn’t positive. In a since-deleted blog post shared byGamesRadarthat detailed some of his time at Rockstar Games, ex-developer Jeff Williams provided an insightful statement regarding the view ofManhuntat the studio:
“Manhunt, though, 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.”
Rockstar’s Growth Has Caused Inevitable Change
It may be set within a part ofGTA’s world, butManhunthas probably been long forgotten when it comes to tying into the modern franchise. With a focus on cleaner realism seemingly at an all-time high inGTA 6’s traileras the lines between parody and reality have blurred more than ever, it’s hard to imagine that the brutal dynamic ofManhuntcould be on Rockstar’s agenda. There have been messed-up moments in Rockstar titles, but delving into its darkest title is likely to be shocking for those who aren’t expecting something so visceral.
Even by Rockstar Standards, Manhunt’s Content is Thoroughly Controversial
Manhunt’s Gameplay Didn’t Resemble Grand Theft Auto’s Goofy Fun
Unlike the open-world design that informed much ofGrand Theft Auto’s mass appeal and success,Manhuntfeatured a linear structure of twenty main levels that had to be cleared. Based around stealth, most combat consists of Cash stalking the “Hunters” around while hiding in dark spots of shadow to execute them with different, sometimes improvised weapons. This could even include a plastic bag, a simple yet deadly tool that serves as a great example of the game’s chilling sound design. Health is low and every interaction matters in a way that was only also somewhat present in theMax Paynegames, and this feeling of dread accurately represents the greater narrative.
The Max Payne Series’ Mature Storytelling Shares Some of Manhunt’s Darkness
As a franchise that begins with its protagonist’s family being murdered, Rockstar-publishedMax Paynenever shied away from incorporating disturbing subject matter into its neo-noir world. The titular mentally tortured character experiences consistent tragedy throughout his appearances, giving players an insight into the suffering that the kind of lifestyle shown inGTAactually causes. Players even take painkillers as healing items, a concept that is shared withManhuntand ensures that even basic mechanics have dark implications. While there has been a wholeMax Paynetrilogy, however,Manhunthas spent years as a dormant IP due to the far more confrontational nature of its heavier elements.
The True Message of Manhunt’s Meaningless Violence is Tough to Face
Humanity’s Darkness is the Real Horror
It may be a point of contention among some players, but it could be argued thatManhunt’s apparent lack of any sort of redeemable character or positive arc makes one of its strongest thematic points. The different Hunter groups are all morally disgusting in ways that rationalize the player’s actions, with the Hoods being corrupt cops and criminals, the Skinz being a hate group, Wardogs kidnapping Cash’s family, and the Innocentz being psychopathic occultists and abusers. The Smileys are insane inmates who share traits with Piggsy, the unhinged final boss and previous occupant of Cash’s role, making the game a gauntlet to some of the worst of humanity. Killing the director of it all, in the end, provides some catharsis, but there’s a deeper emptiness to this lore than in any otherRockstar release that needs a remaster.
When even the player character has found himself on death row, it becomes clear thatManhuntisn’t trying to emphasize the fantasy of being a hero. The mostpopular horror gameshave been effective through grotesque creatures and uncanny supernatural phenomena, but it could be argued thatManhunt’s display of humanity’s darkest urges is far more fear-inducing and relevant. The Director, Lionel Starkweather, is said to be a former Los Santos film producer who was merely being tasked by the unseen Mr. Nasty, the true villain who is never seen or apprehended. The journalist covering the situation throughout the game is revealed to have ended up committed to an asylum after what she witnessed, creating an overwhelming sense of dread that goes beyond a simple jump scare or gross-out joke.
Manhunt
WHERE TO PLAY
They just killed Cash. Now, they want to kill him again.America is full of run down, broken rust-belt towns where nobody cares and anything goes. In Carcer City, nothing matters anymore and all that’s left are cheap thrills. The ultimate rush is the power to grant life and take it away, for sport. This time James Earl Cash, you are the sport. They gave you your life back. Now, they are going to hunt you down.You awake to the sound of your own panicked breath. You must run, hide and fight to survive. If you can stay alive long enough, you may find out who did this to you.This is a brutal blood sport.
