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Manhunt

(2004, Video Games - Action/Adventure, Rated M, Play it on: PlayStation 2)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 17, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 17.
  • Is it any good?

    1.0
  • Common Sense says

    Incredibly gruesome -- not for kids of any age.

Why We Rated This not for kids

The good stuff

  • Ease of play:

    Not an issue.
  • Educational value:

    Nothing you would want your kid to learn.
 

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Absence of any moral/social authority, corruption, criminal behavior. Minimal humor, any humor is presented in a sadistic light.
  • Role models:

    There is no positive role models here. The game glarmorizes brutal murder and shows people stalking others to kill them.
  • Violence:

    Repetitious, pre-meditated murders, blood, violence, torture. "Kill or be killed" plot, surprise attacks, hostages, torture.
  • Sex:

    Sexual references, sexual profanity.
  • Language:

    Continuous use of all types of profanity, vulgar language.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Healing power-ups are referred to as "painkillers", other drug references, alcohol.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Manhunt was written by Jeremy Gieske

Parents need to know that this is one of the most violent games ever produced. The premise is that you advance by stalking and murdering victims. The murder scenes are depicted with very realistic graphics. Since the game rewards and glamorizes brutal murder, it is definitely inappropriate for children and teenagers.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about why a game like this might be made. What is the appeal? Why do you think people like to play games that are so violent? Are violent games always bad for people, or can they be a safe fantasy?
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More on Manhunt

What’s the Story?

As the star of MANHUNT you are James Earl Cash, a criminal who is on death row. Following your supposed execution, you wake up to find you have been "rescued" by the "director." The director's goal is simple: He wants to tape you assassinating men he has hired to hunt you down and kill you. You are beaten and abused by the director's men, then thrust out into a world of thugs, gangsters and psychotic killers who make every effort to hunt you down. Close

Is It Any Good?

Words cannot really be used to describe Manhunt -- however, a few that come to mind are disturbing, sick, and scary. Not much else can be said for a game of which the entire focus is having the player assassinate people in the most gruesome way possible, all for the delight of a "director" who is taping your every move. If for any reason we needed to train kids to be expert killers, Manhunt could be the textbook.

Every aspect of a gruesome death is covered in slow-motion detail. The director is not happy with a simple death; instead you need to make the assassination bloodier, more cunning and more horrific to get the director's praise. Manhunt should make hardened criminals queasy, much less your kids. Keep your kids away from this one.

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Publisher’s Details

Released on 1/4/2004, price $40, not online enabled
ESRB rating: M

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Our Members Say

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  •  I think this game is

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See all 28 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    hu6ty

    this game is very gory

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0

    The game may be gory scary and disturbing but by just looking at the back cover of game you know what your in for so if you buy it you have to expect the gore. It doesnt have loads of nudity it just gets a bit of bad language.

  3. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 16 and give it 5.0

    This game should only be played by teens 15 and up.

    This game is violent but it's all in self-defense. Gang-bangers are trying to murder you and you have to use any weapons you can get. The police in this game are not the good guys but not the bad guys. They are just caught in the cross-fire.

  4. I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language

    An amazing video game. It is very disturbing, violent and gory. Definitely not for young kids. I played it when I was 15. I do not believe for a second that kids become violent after playing violent games. But this game might be too much for anyone under 14

  5. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 1.0

    Very disturbing

    A really gory and disturbing game i loved the premise and i loved the atmosphere and almost everything about it but it really is a sick,violent game and not for anyone minor.

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