Manhunt
Manhunt is an action, stealth-based adventure video game developed by Rockstar North, and published by Rockstar games. The game originally first released for the Playstation 2 on November 18, 2003, followed by its release for Microsoft Windows and Xbox on April 20, 2004. Manhunt follows the story of James Earl Cash a criminal who's sentenced to death row. His lethal injection is merely a sedative which allows Lionel Starkweather, a former film director, to leave Cash in Carcer City. There he becomes the star of Starkweather's snuff films.
Manhunt received praise for its violent scenes and dark story by critics. Due to its graphic violence in cut scenes and game play, Manhunt also received controversy. Its controversy led to the games sale being banned in several countries. Ten years later, in 2013, Manhunt was re-released on the playstation network for the Playstation 3, and in 2016 for the Playstation 4. Since its first release there has been 1.47 million copies sold on the Xbox and Playstation 2 combined. In 2007 Rockstar created its sequel, Manhunt 2.
Game Play
Manhunt is played in a third person point of view of the character James Earl Cash. Consisting of 20 levels (called scenes) and 4 bonus levels, in every level Cash is outnumbered and the stealth mechanics are necessary. The map on the lower left hand corner shows the alertness and position of enemies near, represented in 3 colors. A yellow enemy icon embodies an enemy that is moving around, an orange enemy icon is an enemy that is alerted by Cash's presence, and a red icon is an enemy which has spotted Cash. Anything from walking or running on gravel to banging on a wall can alert an enemy. The circle on the lower left hand side of the screen shows emanating circles whenever noise is produced. Avoiding running will preserve and increase Cash's stamina shown in the lower right hand corner along side his health. Cash can lose health when attacked by an enemy, but can replenish half with "pain killers" found throughout the level.
The stealth mechanics include hiding in the shadows (called the safe zone), and attacking enemies by sneaking up behind them without catching their sight. An enemy can not spot Cash in the shadows unless they see him enter. 2 types of weapons can be used for the execution of enemies, one-off weapons and melee weapons; guns can not be used for execution. One-off weapons are those including plastic bags, wire, and glass shards, while melee weapons include bats, nightsticks, and a chainsaw. When executing and locking on to an enemy without them being aware there are 3 choices that present themselves, a "hasty", "violent", and "gruesome" kill. The 3 are presented within 5 seconds of locking onto an enemy, and once one is chosen Cash uses one of 3 weapons collected throughout the game. A "gruesome" kill leaves cash most vulnerable, however, rewards the player at the end of a level. "Movies with a five star rating have loads of brutality crammed into as little space as possible", which in turn unlock bonus levels and concept art. The game can be replayed in 2 different levels ranging in difficulty, fetish being normal and hardcore being most challenging.
https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/11/18/manhunt-2?page=3
https://www.gamesdatabase.org/Media/SYSTEM/Sony_Playstation_2/Manual/formated/Manhunt_-_2003_-_Rockstar_Games.pdf
Ethical Dilemma
Manhunt released rated M 17+ for mature due to its blood, gore, intense violence, and strong language. Critics have argued its violent content to be problematic.
Violence
The concern and controversy spoke on its impression upon children, "Upon popular release, a lot of popular voices - mainstream news sites, Californian U.S Representative Joe Bacca - decried the game as encouraging violence" Rockstar used 2003's graphics and sound capabilities to create a realistic horror game.
