Manhunt
Parents say
Based on 26 reviews
Kids say
Based on 58 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What Parents Need to Know
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.
Community Reviews
Very Violent
Report this review
Report this review
What’s It About?
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.
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
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?
Game Details
- Platform: PlayStation 2
- Available online?: Not available online
- Publisher: Rockstar Games
- Release date: January 4, 2004
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- ESRB rating: M
- Last updated: November 4, 2015
Our Editors Recommend
-
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Great story is good choice for teens and older.
-
Heavenly Sword
Immersive hack n' slash for mature teens.
-
Mirror's Edge
A refreshingly different take on first-person action.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate