| Games Master (UK) - September 2007
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| Is Manhunt 2 Dead? |
Manhunt 2 has been refused a rating by the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC). This means it's illegal to sell it in the UK and it now looks increasingly unlikely that it will be released . The BBFC, who gave age ratings to films and games in the UK, have refused to give the game a rating because of its violent content. Rockstar still have the right to appeal against the verdict, but have currently decided to suspend the game's release indefinitely. IN a statement on their decision, the BBFC said "Manhunt 2 is distinguishable from recent high-end videogames by its unremitting bleakness and callousness of tone..." and a "focus on stalking and brutal slaying" . In the US,Manhunt 2 was given an AO rating (Adults Only) which meant that Nintendo and Sony will not support the game's release. Despite this decision, we visited Rockstar this month to review the Wii version and see for ourselves. Read our review on p78. Manhunt 2 - You might never get to see it but what's it really like? How difficult is it to hold a Wii-mote steady? Not that difficult, perhaps? You're probably thinking - not too tricky at all. But how about if you're low on health, you're hiding in the shadows and a psychotic hitman's right up in your face, ready to hack you to pieces the moment he spots you? How still can you keep your hands then? Trying to stop your hands from shaking might be Manhunt 2's cleverest use of the Wii-mote, but it isn't the one that's getting the most attention. That's the kills, obviously: the stabbings, slashing and batterings that made the original Manhunt such a guilty pleasure. They're back for part two with the volume turned up, but the real gut-twister this time is that you actually do them: jabbing the controller back and forwards to stab someone with a pen. or swinging the Wii-mote and nunchuck together to batter someone with a toilet cistern's lid. This Manhunt has two new sorts of stealth kills, too: a 'jumping' murder that you can do from above the unwary victims, and gun executions that let you stealthily murder enemies with projectile weapons. JUMP FOR JOY These are clever touches, but what really improves the gameplay is the new ability to jump over low walls - you'll be heard if you do it too close to a hunter, but it's the perfect way to get the drop on Manhunt 2's brighter, more numerous bad guys. The Wii-mote's also used for shooting: it seems twitchy at first, but when you get used to the motion it actually makes for easier headshots. So what the big fuss? Why's everybody so up in arms about it? Well, it's temping to blame it on the story. In this Manhunt, the good/bad boundaries and constantly blurred: you're mostly playing as Dr Daniel Lamb but some levels see you in the guise of his psychotic pal Leo, killing cops and SWAT teams as part of a government project. Morality aside, the set-pieces are much better this time out: one level sees Danny having flashbacks to his past as he explores his old house, while another has you exploring a TV studio that explodes with canned laughter every kill. DOCTOR, DOCTOR... There's also an eerie feel to the whole game, punctuated with hanted-house shocks that are genuine jump-out-of-the-seat moments. They really enhance the game, too - one later bit sees you shooting out speakers to stop a doctor barking out the hypnotic command that'll shut you brain down, in a genuinely desperate dash to take him out. You might never play Manhunt: that's a shames. It is very violent and not suitable for under 18's but it's no worse than The Suffering or Condemned, and it actually has more to offer as a game. Simply: it's never been so difficult to keep a Wii-mote still. GM Loves GM Hates Graphics - 88% Gameplay - 90% Lifespan - 85% Overall - 88% |