Manhunt 2 (PSP)

Surprise! There's a shockingly decent game buried beneath all the spurting blood, exploding faces and leather-masked corpses in assless chaps...
1/31/2008 12:00 AM | 0 Comments | Page 2 of 2

As a portable diversion, there's a remarkably large amount of entertainment value to be had from the saga -- and with it a slow, deliberately-paced puzzler that rewards tactical forethought with scenes of eye-opening violence (including environmental kills that let you slam opponents' heads into toilet bowls or brain them with manhole covers). Even load times are reasonable, considering you get a full-fledged cinematic escapade that runs at acceptable speed, boasts several large 3-D environments, and sports more than a few catchy one-liners and memorable scenes.

True, auto-aim functions do eliminate some of hassles (and likewise challenge) associated with set-top editions of the title. You may also tire of your enemies' stupidity (round a corner and hide and they'll quickly lose track of you) and the glacial clip at which especially difficult encounters progress. Using the touchy analog stick takes some getting used to as well, as you all too frequently may find yourself running and making noise when you simply meant to crouch and sneak. Watching barely discernable death animations on the PSP's screen multiple times over can lose its charm quickly to boot (though you can skip 'em with a command). And yes, the creators make the cardinal sin of not letting gamers skip previously-viewed cut scenes -- always a pain in the rump.

Nevertheless, the disc offers good value for the money, providing braining baddies with a shovel or using a sickle to lay open their bellies is your cup of plasma. While Manhunt 2 sports the same puerile sense of humor and pointlessly unsettling vignettes publisher Rockstar has made its stock-in-trade, objectivity demands we remain honest. The upshot is simply that anyone who enjoys a good slasher flick (e.g. 'Saw IV' and 'Hostel 2') or brainteaser won't be blown away outright, though they will find the outing a perfectly respectable means of passing the hours during a long car ride or cross-country trip. Everyone else (including industry critics) can simply put a sock in it, breathe deeply, and move on to the next übercontroversial offering. Truthfully, as much as the title's worth a peek, apart from its politically incorrect subject matter, there's little that's bound to shock and awe experienced gamers here.

This review was based on a retail copy provided by the publisher.