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 simply 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. In 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 just screams cliche.
Rockstar reps told us the the Wii version looks no different than the game on PS2, and if that's the case -- that won't help matters much. Unrealistic looking character models and bland environments make the game look like it should have debuted years ago, despite sweet little touches like a shaky camera and dirty filter slapped over the screen for added ambiance.
Whether or not gamers will play Manhunt 2, however, remains to be seen. Unless Rockstar tones down the violence (to get a much more acceptable M rating), numerous stores (Walmart being the biggest) won't carry it, thus crippling its potential sales. We demand the original version, as we prefer to experience it the way Rockstar intended. Yet at this point, that seems unlikely.
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