Rockstar takes wire cutters to the extreme.

One-Minute Preview

From Rockstar's London studio comes Manhunt 2 for PlayStation 2, Wii and PSP. While not a direct sequel to the gory PS2 and Xbox video game, it retains its predecessor's mechanics, forcing gamers to sneak about, using the shadows as cover and executing enemies in a most gruesome fashion, whether it involves jabbing a pen into their necks or thrusting a syringe through an eyeball. The PlayStation 2 graphics lack high production values, but the gritty visuals set an appropriate tone. The story, however, fails to match the original's twisted tale, at least so far. Along with brutal executions and plenty of over the top cut scenes, Manhunt 2 should provide plenty of diabolical thrills when it debuts this summer.

Extended Preview

Although Rockstar catches heat for its controversial Grand Theft Auto franchise, the 2003 PlayStation 2 game, Manhunt, stands out as its most devious creation. Gritty, excessively gruesome and intense, this twisted adventure adds new meaning to "survival horror". This year, the company looks to trump the original with Manhunt 2, which features more blood, plenty of homicidal freaks and nail biting cut scenes. Providing Rockstar London weaves an intriguing story, this could be one of the year's best games.

This time around, gamers step into the psychotic life of Dr. Daniel Lamb, a scientist who falls victim to an underground experiment known as the Pickman Project. After losing his funding, Dr. Pickman continues his masterpiece with the belief that he's only a few steps from cashing in. Daniel agrees to be a guinea pig, and in the process goes insane. Committed to Dixmore Asylum (where Pickman dumps experimental rejects), Lamb sits in a cell for six years, growing crazier but having moments of clarity that show valuable memory nuggets from his past, including co-workers and his loving family. At the same time, he befriends a weirdo named Leo, a fellow inmate that talks of escape. These conversations become a reality when lightning strikes the asylum, zapping the electricity and opening all the doors. With Leo's encouragement, Daniel sets out to locate everyone responsible for making him bonkers, thus embarking upon a murderous rampage.

Much like in the original game, Manhunt 2 forces players into the shadows with the hope of sneaking past enemies undetected. At the same time, they'll use weapons to execute their foes. Most weapons highlight three types of executions, designated by color and displayed by arrows that appear behind the victim. A Hasty execution (white arrows) occurs almost immediately, a Violent one (yellow arrows) happens after a few seconds and a Gruesome execution (red arrows) plays out after waiting several seconds. The longer players wait, the better the chances of viewing the Gruesome execution. On the flip side, waiting too long may prove fatal, as the non-player character may turn around and attack.

Initially, gamers come across a syringe, presumably filled with some life ending substance. Executions include a simple jab to the neck, the Hasty execution and the shocking Gruesome one, which entails jabbing the needle into someone's face. Later on, Daniel comes in contact with other toys, including a shotgun, axe, sledgehammer, baseball bat and a makeshift club. The glass shard proves especially devious, as he (in the Gruesome execution) stabs his victim in an eyeball and then slits their throat.

Manhunt 2 doesn't take liberties with the gore, so expect to see brains splattering against walls, eyeballs erupt with blood and gaping throats spewing crimson. In addition, the game includes environmental executions, moments in the story where Daniel has the option of offing characters using some object in the environment. In one scene, he bashes a telephone over a scumbag's head, chokes him with the cord (while dragging him around the room) and then breaks his neck. In another, he pushes a thug into an electrical box head first, which causes the guy's melon to explode into chunks of meat.

Like in the previous game, players must use shadows to their advantage. The HUD/mini map on the bottom left corner of the screen displays enemy positions, along with the direction they're facing as well as their alert status, be it orange (oblivious), yellow (suspicious) or red (aware). Most times, stepping into a shadow saves the player, providing they haven't been seen. However, the developers added a unique mini game in which, every once and a while, gamers have a few seconds to press random buttons. If they fail to do this, an enemy will see them and yank them from the shadows. Because the mini game appears randomly, gamers must always be aware of their situation. They can no longer step into a shadow and remain there forever.

In addition, players will climb and crawl as well as punch with weapons in their hands, thus intensifying the first few blows. However, if they use a weak object like a pen or syringe, it'll break after four or five punches. They'll also use sounds to muffle noise. For example, while in a brothel, Daniel waits for someone to moan in order to break a window, the moan masking the sound of shattering glass.

These things notwithstanding, Manhunt may fail to capture its prequel's magic. The story, at least at this point, doesn't fit. In the first game, gamers play as a convicted felon forced to star in some scumbag's snuff films. The over the top violence is balanced with a greasy, voyeuristic (even pornographic) stain that perfectly fits the game's dark tone. With the sequel, gamers play as an all American dad, a family man. Even worse, he looks like a dork, the type of guy that wouldn't be able to kill anyone. Finally, the whole concept of lightning hitting the asylum screams cliche.

The PlayStation 2 visuals don't help matters. The game looks like it should've debuted years ago, with unrealistic looking character models and bland environments. Sweet little touches, such as the shaky camera and the dirty filter slapped onto the screen add ambiance, but it would've looked a lot better running on an Xbox 360.

Even with these potential flaws, Manhunt 2 has a great opportunity to be the last great PS2 game, providing Rockstar weaves an intricate horror story and keeps the blood flowing. Expect more coverage in the near future.

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