What Rockstar Games' Manhunt Got Right

[@puffpuffpassmako]

I always wanted a manhunt 3 that focuses on the dark web. Imagine the premise of a normal dude getting abducted by Mr Nasty (the unseen main antagonist of the franchise) and forced to do snuff videos for millions of followers. Imagine if during executions, instead of static, it'll show it through a webcam chat and you can see upvotes and emojis and comments grading your execution

[@AIeNaz]

That actually sounds like a good idea for a spiritual successor or an inspired game.

[@MamoMark]

that sounds sick

[@gaming4K]

Imagine you have 2 characters a hacker goth girl and a sadistic guy smoking weed or doing some drugs while they find out they will make a show from killing innocent people(taking payment with crypto currency on their facebook like website) you would kill innocent people while building up another character's story and you could decide near the end of the game that you go with the killers or you take control of the innocent man/woman who than kills the killer or something like that. 😅

[@marleyjr00]

I've been saying the same thing. Even from the get go Manhunt feels like a straight to dvd snuff film made on the dark web.

[@marleyjr00]

@@gaming4K I'm completely with that.

[@MinisterOFunk]

I found it interesting that people at the time seemed to consider Manhunt to be morally worse than GTA. At least in Manhunt you could only hurt people who were actively trying to hurt you. No innocent bystanders in Carcer City.

[@enriquezavala4946]

Carcer city, town of sinners and sadist.

[@naoaquieopatrickpatrick8565]

Still doesnt excuse the brutality in comparison to GTA. Its not the Idea of "I can kill innocents in that game but not in this one, so that one is more brutal" that will make GTA look more violent than Manhunt, lol. In Manhunt you can legit execute people in the most realistic and gory ways I've ever seen in a game. I Like both GTA and Manhunt but please: hitting an Innocent with a Hammer while the camera is Far away is nowhere as morally worse than instead of Just killing a bad Guy with a barbed wire, you literally see the protagonists of Manhunt slowly cutting the guy's neck, and in the Second game The other protagonist Go as Far as cutting his neck and ballsack. Its funny, but brutal.

[@lordsickomode]

@@naoaquieopatrickpatrick8565 I dont feel bad about brutalizing racists, rapists, psychos, and degenerates of every flavor. I am fighting for my life, and the majority of what I am faced with is scum. I will kill in whatever way suits the victim, some moron working for pay, something simple, some fat racist degenerate standing on a literal puddle of flesh and talking about how he lynched his ex wife can get a piano wire dragged through his throat all the way to the back. I aint gonna feel bad about that. I dont do it for starkweather, I do it because I dont have a choice in havin to kill, only in how much someone has to suffer

[@pudie8952]

@@naoaquieopatrickpatrick8565 You could literally blow bystanders into pieces in older GTAs. Hell, you could remove limbs in GTA 3 using high power weapons, and you could blow heads off in VC and SA, as well as the stories. Not to mention you can also spray people to death, gas them with an extinguisher, saw them to death, burn them alive, the list goes on. Sure the animation may not be as impactful, but the concept is much worse in GTA.

[@zaxlorax7605]

@@pudie8952 you know, I never realised when I was younger how much of a terrorist sim GTA is. Mow people down, crash planes onto populated streets, strategically place car bombs, shoot up police stations, cut people's necks while they're least expecting it. The list can go on and on and on.

[@RIOSTHEROOSTER]

I have said for years manhunt is probably one of the most misunderstood and underrated games ever made. It doesn’t promote killing but actually opposes it given its framework. Indeed not a perfect game, but a game that literally made you question your own self over and over with the encounters it forced you into. Great work. 👍🏽

[@KevinHelpUs]

Thanks so much for saying so! Glad you liked it.

[@KillaGandhi]

The main gameplay mechanic is brutally murdering people… so I strongly disagree with your "it doesn't promote killing" comment lol! I understand what you mean when you say it opposes violence, but let's not kid ourselves.

[@adamnielson42]

I think manhunt 2 also kinda ruined any chance this one had of being remembered, by being very purposeless.

[@Blackmorerainbowcatch]

@@KillaGandhi you can go for non gorey kills, the kills linger on to make you feel remorse for every single person you kill

[@RIOSTHEROOSTER]

@@KillaGandhi I think the way the game is made opposes it. It’s not killing for killing same but for survival given the story dynamic. It doesn’t glorify it the way games like postal or Hatred do. There is a difference.

[@NoxMonstrum]

I think Rockstar could get away with a Manhunt 3 despite what people think, but it would have to be a continuation of the first game and ignore 2. The snuff film angle is a perfect medium to deliver the violence because you're trapped and you need to kill to survive and escape. It contextualized the violence of the first game while Manhunt 2 doesn't have that excuse and is needlessly brutal for shock value.

[@hi5yearsago392]

Hell the vr game bloodtrail literally had you in it, funny thing is I don’t think it’s age restricted yet at least not heavily restricted

[@angryman4305]

The gen z will be to triggered

[@gatorchannel9502]

@@angryman4305 the excessive violence and brutality would've "triggered" anybody, even the devs themselves were grossed out by the game as well.

[@angryman4305]

@@gatorchannel9502 i mean yes but it depends on how serius you take it

[@gatorchannel9502]

@@angryman4305 by how serious you take it, do you mean different people have different tolarances towards the amount of brutality/violence ?

[@artcrime2999]

You missed one cool feature, Manhunt would let you wear the little xbox headset and hear the directors voice in your own ear. Even better sounds you made IRL would alert the gangs, so you had to tense up irl when hiding to avoid breathing too loud etc. Screaming in real life only made things worse for you in game.

[@KevinHelpUs]

I thought about including that! Wasn’t sure where to fit it though. Also I think it was a console-only feature, so I couldn’t show it off in the video, but I wanted to!

[@artcrime2999]

@@KevinHelpUs yeah it was only on the OG xbox, and only with that consoles xbox live headset but man they need to bring that shit back. Immersion out the ass

[@wils35]

Do you guys know if there was any cool stuff that used the Wii Mote for anything in manhunt 2 on Wii? I'm not sure if manhunt was on Wii?

[@KevinHelpUs]

@@wils35 Manhunt 2 had the motion-control executions. It was a neat feature, but I admit I turned them off after a few levels.

[@keenenwilliams9687]

You could do it also on PS2 at least it tells you in the manual you could

[@HisVirusness]

It's tragic that almost 20 years later, Manhunt is more or less forgotten about, especially when you consider it's a game from Rockstar, no less. Personally, it's my favorite Rockstar game, next to the entirety of the Max Payne series. If there was ever a Rockstar game that deserved a revival aimed at modern hardware, it's Manhunt. Great video; you really covered all of the bases.

[@KevinHelpUs]

Thanks so much! Appreciate that from someone I know feels the same about this game. I did find some mods for the PC version that I want to try out. Should be the closest thing we’ll ever get to more Manhunt content.

[@HisVirusness]

@@KevinHelpUs Very true. I was lucky enough to get a physical copy on PC about 16 years ago. I might have been... eating something while initially handling it, because all of the material smells of Crazy Bread.

[@KevinHelpUs]

@@HisVirusness Ha! Sounds like great memories.

[@ClarkKentai]

Max Payne 1 and 2 were Remedy's babies, AFAIK Rockstar just published them.

[@HisVirusness]

@@ClarkKentai That's right. For the 3rd one, Sam Lake was a story consultant, and that was the extent of Remedy's involvement.

[@Cobra-gl7or]

I still have this game in good condition since 2003. Manhunt definitely feels like a 1970s john carpenter horror movie. I miss the PS2 era! The warriors and manhunt were my childhood.

[@MrCarpen7er]

John Carpenter only has one horror movie from the 70s. Manhunt has a EFNY feeling.

[@Cobra-gl7or]

@@MrCarpen7er Assault precinct 13 (1976) it's a John carpenter horror movie and the soundtrack is closer to manhunt. Escape From New York & The Warriors gave birth to manhunt :)

[@SombreSpirits]

COME OUT TO PLAYYAYYY! Lol I loved the tagging mini games in that game. Had it on OG Xbox and I remember hours stealing radios and getting my shit rocked by the moon runners lol

[@apocalypticwarrior9169]

Dude I loved The Warriors ! Good memories!

[@LarryHazard]

What I like about Manhunt is that it's made with the sensibilities of 2000s horror and culture and you can tell it's influenced by modern stuff like Hostel or Saw but also has some of that 90s writing that was influenced by Tarantino, but the soundtrack makes it feel like a 70s Carpenter movie. Plus I love the cartoony designs of the psychos and how it contrasts with the realism, there was just something magical about that era of gaming, the graphic limitations meant that even realistic games had a comic book style and it was a perfect combination

[@alswearengine4867]

Brian Cox’s commentary was legendary. Great villain voice.

[@lucascoval828]

The original Hannibal Lector himself! 😎😎😎

[@AAllen-br8it]

I still want a proper Manhunt 3 in the vein of the first game or a good spiritual successor with similar themes. Could probably modernize with "deep web" snuff and trafficking elements. Show audiences how disgusting that world is and deliver a good horror experience around it.

[@KevinHelpUs]

Oooh, that's a good take! I hadn't considered that 'snuff' would be really different now vs 2003, but you're right.

[@lilcritter1776]

I like the deep web idea that'll open up plenty of stylizations

[@killer_Bosscr]

Sadly the world is different and could get cancelled like P.T

[@M0rshu64]

Maybe somehow include a drug cartel and human trafficking could be thrown into the mix.

[@bigdick4090ti]

Snuff in the 2000s, particularly early 2000s was crazy asf.

[@jplosts]

Don’t forget the fact the it released before internet was popping, before youtube… so some of the things shown on this game was a first for some of us. Kids were not in contact with harsh realities like today, so if it shocks you today imagine in 2003. Amzing work of heart. The balls these companies had backn in the day.

[@J.B.1982]

The closing years of the golden era, imo. From Super Nintendo to PS2. From that point we got better tech but creativity took a hit and the corporate mindset took over. Today? Forget about it. Too political.

[@SombreSpirits]

@@J.B.1982 agree. I mean do you remember the smells and sounds just going in to your local GameStop or one in a mall while you’re browsing cases. Old ones, new ones, shit you’ve never heard of. That time died out hard man. I remember every weekend with my dad after I cut the grass, played soccer or did something we would pick a game up and that would be my night lol. Now it’s microtransactions and half finished games. These kids today buy them because they know nothing else 😞

[@J.B.1982]

@@SombreSpirits Dude, that’s a great memory. I had a similar experience. I also remember game magazines, with games reviewed by actual gamers. Lol. I mean, people who were really good at the games too. Full walkthroughs in GamePro or Game Informer or whatever it was. Interviews with creators who pushed creativity and made great games. Half finished games is right. Plus, you don’t even own them with the DRM! I’d never pay full $60 for a game anymore. Except maybe Elden Rings.

[@SombreSpirits]

@@J.B.1982 Yeah man! Do you remember when game informer would come in the mail? Idk if you subscribed to them but i waited every month for a new one because that's how we learned about upcoming games. Other than that it was G4 TV like ex-play and attack of the show. Dude that time is gone and its sad but also happy haha.

[@ledumpsterfire6474]

@@J.B.1982 If you simply couldn't figure out how to beat a section in game, you called the developer and/or publisher's support line! Chances were the tips were available on the early internet somewhere if it was a popular game, but search engines were really, really shit, so it usually wasn't much help in finding it.

[@redtheyiffer]

I like how they did stealth so well there and yet in every other franchise from them, stealth is barely an option ever

[@ledumpsterfire6474]

Worse yet, they occasionally tried to force stealth sections into later games that were very obviously not made for it. Those were always the absolute worst missions in the game.

[@naoaquieopatrickpatrick8565]

Only the First game did stealth right tbh. The Second one still had stealth but Its was mandatory only for the First half of the game. Then after that It would become a Third person shooter for the rest of the game, lol.

[@nirjhar4803]

Rockstar tends to nail aspects of amazing mechanics and then never add them or even address them in their later games...

[@nirjhar4803]

​@@ledumpsterfire6474Tbf I thought stealth in the RDR games and even GTA 5 were serviceable... Obviously the mechanics would be uninspired and boring as standalone stealth-action title.

[@Ronuk1996]

@redtheyiffer They made great beat em up with The Warriors and Great TPS with Maxpayne 3 games like Bully, RDR2 and San andreas are amazing open world games. And the Mid night club games are great racers. Rockstar are a great developer but it's hard to nail everything.

[@zed6234]

I'll never get enough of the John Carpenter-esque soundtrack and the low budget VHS tape aesthetic, it's so cool how they did that before it became the next big thing in horror.

[@KevinHelpUs]

The music is SO underrated in Manhunt.

[@zed6234]

@@KevinHelpUs Facts. It should get a lot more recognition than it does, its criminal it isnt talked about more.

[@m1lst3r89]

@@zed6234 I dunno man, It sounds as something that Tangerine Dream would have made.

[@GornoBiggs]

Manhunt 1 is a stealth game with gore. Manhunt 2 is a gory game with stealth. I definitely feel like Rockstar tried too hard to top the first game, but went about it the wrong way.

[@Michael_De_Santa-Unofficial]

Manhunt 1's story is dark, but Manhunt 2's story is straight up messed up.

[@boratsagdiyev161]

They used the hollywood tactic which fails everything.

[@naoaquieopatrickpatrick8565]

@Pepskenes yeah, the game Felt rushed and had a Lot of problems since the beginning. It doesnt help that It sold way less than the First one due to controversy. Manhunt 3 Will never be a thing, no matter what excuse some random on the internet makes to act as If the game has any chance of existing. It would only give rockstar more headaches than they already have with their recents scandals like the DE shit. Manhunt 1 and 2 are good gems that deserve to be experienced for those who are strong enough mentally to endure them. Manhunt 3 sadly Will never see the light of day.

[@herotime3726]

exactly ... in the same way Terminator 1 was a horror film that had action, and Terminator 2 was an action movie with horror

[@bipstymcbipste5641]

@@Michael_De_Santa-Unofficial idk, the crazy angle is kinda cheesy and over the top. It loses that realistic, gritty balance from the first game. At least the gun parts are less annoying

[@ashhabimran239]

If you’ve never played this game, you’d think your character is a complete psycho, but if you have played this game, you’ll know that Cash is actually one of the most SANE people in the game. It’s not just the grim executions that make this game violent, but the sound effects, the gritty realism, and unsettling concepts and the fact that these hunters have some incredibly disturbing voice-lines

[@Neglelakkogrockruler9625]

He kills only criminals so he cleans the streets from bad people

[@natsoy1786]

journalist is actually the most sane person

[@LarryHazard]

Yeah he reminds me of Snake Plissken, he's a tough guy and knows how to be brutal but you can tell he doesn't enjoy any of it. Despite being more brutal than all the psychos in the game you still feel like you just want to get out of there and that's the only reason for the violence.

[@voodoo2006]

@@natsoy1786 Nah brah she went crazy after the events of the game

[@Rad-Dude63andathird]

​​@@voodoo2006 _After._ That's not even speaking for Cash, we have no idea what happened to him after that night.

[@VanTemplar]

I miss old school Rockstar, not giving a sh*t about society and making brutal quality games. Total badasses. And then the suits came in ...

[@yannicknaert]

The story was simple and gave reason to kill BAD people over and over, the graphics were good for the time, and manhunt showed R* still had balls, making it one of the best games ever made hands down.

[@Maximus20778]

It wasn't really a good game

[@J234k-ss4gv]

I can kinda see why some people don’t like it.

[@davidmanning2859]

People forget the streak rockstar had with GTA, manhunt, state of emergency (which is forgotten about), and bully. The quality of the games was top notch but BOY did they piss some people off. I think to refer this to the era when rockstar had cajones.

[@Rad-Dude63andathird]

State of Emergency is generally forgotten because it was only published by Rockstar, though the first game was still great. Dunno about 2, never played.

[@TheGuvNuhh]

Never played Manhunt, but it’s definitely gonna be in my mind now when I replay the Batman games!

[@KevinHelpUs]

I know they re-released it for PS4 if you ever want to give it a rip.

[@alswearengine4867]

It’s worth every penny.

[@8yerbrain]

Best stealth game I have ever played. Mostly due to excellent sound design and voice acting. "It's a work in progress, but I think you will appreciate it."

[@alswearengine4867]

@@8yerbrain I recently got a PS5, and got the full Hitman trilogy. I can’t choose a favorite anymore between the two, lol.

[@professorcalvert8126]

It's on Steam 😎

[@DAnimations.]

"Remember as far as the world's concerned you're dead already. Don't hold back!" That's a legendary quote.

[@mylifeisacomplexpastiche7901]

Oddly enough, a multiplayer game that you could argue took at least some of its philosophy from Manhunt is Predator: Hunting Grounds, at least from the Predator side of things. - You’re on your own with only yourself and your wits to help you - Your weapons make a varying amount of noise depending on how you use them (your basic claws are loud in groups, your spear can be thrown silently but leaves you somewhat disarmed, your plasma caster is loud as hell, your smart disk is silent but requires precision, etc.) - You’re deadly one on one (in most cases), but easy to overwhelm - The longer you let your executions charge, the more points they’re worth - Your basic game plan is hiding until the time is right to strike the opposing team

[@Vman_95]

Gotta admit Rockstar was allrounder in gaming genre, from Openworld games like Gta, Brawling game like Warriors, Racing games like Midnight Racing, stealth games like manhunt and Linear Third person shooter like Max Payne 🔥💯. I respect their work on Openworld games but I wish they bring back these small projects too.

[@ShadowLegend300]

You forgot open world school simulator games like bully...oh wait, thats the only one ever XD

[@jmgonzales7701]

Ipersonally would like to play a game where its assymetrical like man hunt, you need stealth and needing to set up ambushes to win

[@Rad-Dude63andathird]

Rockstar wasn't making Max Payne back then, they only did 3.

[@cor.tenebrarum]

Fun fact, there was going to be free crouching and crawling in Manhunt 2 (like in TLoU 2), but this mechanism was scrapped. There are still hunter animations for looking under cars.

[@eivindgj3761]

Due to Cash killing Starkweather and all of their main attractions, including their henchmen, Mr. Nasty's snuff film's were most likely crippled due to the lack of workers. However, it's unlikely that he was ever caught and arrested and/or killed for his actions due to only ever showing up as a mascot on the internet and remaining anonymous the entirety of the game. On the other hand, since Mr. Nasty does in fact have all the footage from Manhunt (evidenced by cut-scenes with recordings from security cameras and body-cams on SWAT members), he could still easily make another snuff film ring with the money he could easily make from everything Cash did after he was supposed to die when he was betrayed.

[@Rad-Dude63andathird]

Going off the manual, Mr. Nasty wasn't slowed down whatsoever, Manhunt's events are part of the "Starkweather" collection in Valiant Video's catalog, showing that even with Cash getting revenge, the snuff ring profited.

[@HZ_Mike]

Manhunt is definetly one of the best games I've ever played. It is one of a kind game so unique and unrepeatable that no other game can match up to it and deliver such an experiance.

[@hound6171]

Its weird how we have shocking games like outlast,binding of issac,re7,and upcoming scorn and a new manhunt hasn’t been made it feels like the perfect time for one

[@lukedavis1436]

Cuz Rockstar doesn't want to make that. They've pretty much forgotten about Red Dead redemption 2.

[@naoaquieopatrickpatrick8565]

It wouldnt sell well. The Second game Alone sold less than the First. It would be a dumb move trying to revive something that only gave rockstar headaches and barely made enough profit like a GTA or Bully. Love Manhunt, but wont happen dude, deal with It.

[@BlooditeDrakan]

Fondest memory of Manhunt was the first time I dealt with Piggsy. Despite the game beating you over the head that he exists, I was NOT PREPARED for what was about to happen in that filthy attic. He's child's play now, but those first couple of times up against me had my heart racing. And that's rare for me in a video game.

[@KevinHelpUs]

He’s not difficult when you know what you’re doing, but he’s scary as hell!

[@Kronosphere100]

You put into words what I struggled to on why Arkham series' Batman AND TLOU, both 1 & 2, remind me so much of Manhunt for different reasons. Thank you for this video. It's beautifully done!

[@KevinHelpUs]

Thank you for saying so - so glad you enjoyed it!

[@NeoLotex]

What sets Manhunt apart from franchises like Splinter Cell, Tenchu or Metal Gear Solid is that you always feel that you're at a severe disadvantage and you're always fighting for your life, literally. Obviously the AI wasn't always very good, so plenty of chances to sneak up on people are just peek around the corner to shoot enemies in the face, but guys like Sam Fisher or Solid Snake are trained professionals while you were just some guy. Relentless and evil as you killed someone before and that's the reason for your death sentence, but still you are just an ordinary guy. I could've done without graphical gore and violence, but it only emphasizes the topic of the game even more. I recently saw that it was re-released for PS4, but even as an adult you still can't legally buy it in Germany, same as Sleeping Dogs.

[@KevinHelpUs]

Why Sleeping Dogs of all games?

[@NeoLotex]

@@KevinHelpUs Because of the drastic depiction of violence. It's some kinda weird double standard when it comes to games like Manhunt or Sleepding Dogs on the one hand and Last of Us 2 on the other, especially since the latter is A LOT more graphical and HD than the other two. It's not just violence though, we also don't get the uncensored version of Wolfenstein games because of the swastika.

[@Pointman11111]

@@NeoLotex but Wolfenstein 2, NO and OB are uncensored available. Also zombie army 4 and Sniper elite 5. Sleeping dogs is most likely banned because of the environmental takedowns. You can also just create an austrian account to buy manhunt. I live in germany but my main account is austrian

[@naoaquieopatrickpatrick8565]

What really sets Manhunt apart really IS the Violence and controversy. Thats It. The story is decent on First game but Its meh in the Second one. Its the amount of fucked up stuff that keeps you interested in playing the game, not the characters or story. Take away the gore and fucked up premise and you get a Very generic stealth action game. Since Its rockstar they'd know How to make It interesting even without those 2 fucked up principles but I doubt people would Remember Manhunt at all If It wasnt for the gory violence and executions and the snuff film atmosphere. Literally, Its not the fact that you're underpowered that makes this game memorable, and why Go as Far as say stuff like "Sam Fisher and Snake are professionals", wasnt James Earl Cash setenced to death by lethal injection? That means he's no ordinary criminal, hes also a professional at what he does: killing people, Just like the other 2 guys. Either way It doesnt matter. Manhunt is remembered by Its brutality, and not characters. Simple as that.

[@NeoLotex]

@@naoaquieopatrickpatrick8565 I take the violence in this game, but I wouldn't mind it if they had toned it down a bit. As for Cash, yes he got a death sentence for murder, but that doesn't make him a professional in anything. I could do the same and then fold to the first thug that crosses my way.

[@Claymann71]

Manhunt was Spec Ops: the Line before Spec Ops: the Line existed. What I'm saying is, cool action is good but it's SOO MUCH BETTER when it means something as a form of introspection into its own mediums media. (Like Rick & Morty is to slice of life comedy sitcoms) 'Cool action needs to _mean something_ to it's audience.' -George Miller, Mad Max. Edit: Games that _mean something._ Psychonauts (series) Senua's Sacrifice American McGee's: Alice Silent Hill 2 Fallout: New Vegas (Undertale, Furi, Spec Ops: The Line, Manhunt, PoRTaL, Hotline Miami (series), Dishonored (series) & Mario (series) )

[@KevinHelpUs]

SO many great games on this list.

[@Claymann71]

@@KevinHelpUs I keep coming back to add great games that have hidden meanings. I didn't even mention Disco Elysium & Pathologic! Or Vampire: the Masquerade! Or if I'm being very generous, Diablo 2: Lords of Doom. (I always liked the ideas in Diablo 2. It's borderline post-apocalyptic & has a nice 'slightly religious, if you want' flavor to it's very bleak story, in between the looting & explosions. I still really want Diablo 2 as a VR game... Just imagine a decent 'Port' of the Classic 👌 )

[@KevinHelpUs]

@@Claymann71 Oh man, I need to replay Pathologic 2. Trying it out for the first time in March 2020 was a trip.

[@ackreikthecouncils.6449]

Spec Ops The Line is by far the most disturbing to ever play

[@Gianno_]

@@Claymann71 Darkwood is a game I think you’ll like :) horror game with very innovative design

[@damienthetexasian6827]

You can feel Manhunts DNA in the stealth parts of Red Dead Redemption 2

[@KevinHelpUs]

Oh definitely. San Andreas’ stealth sequences were straight out of Manhunt too.

[@JetStreamReign]

Piggy’s still scares me as a character and you kill him in the end… I guess it’s the way his model looks as he’s supposed to be wearing a pig mask yet it looks like the mask is his actual face.

[@VoyagersRevenge]

Love your videos. On a marathon so far

[@KevinHelpUs]

Thanks so much for saying so!

[@patrickbraz9449]

A legend recognize the other!

[@Pointman11111]

Always a pleasure to have our board of directors pay us a visit

[@brianw2652]

Manhunt is one of the Greatest games ever made. Can't believe the world and rockstar have become such cowards.

[@ShaneFlett]

Just be solid rockstar, and don't budge and say sorry when you accidentally bump the nerd(soy consumer). Then when the flock come, still stay solid. The people can distinguish themselves after that point

[@Neko.Virtual]

gta online is the best game

[@pedinhuh16]

@@Neko.Virtual I feel sorry for you.

[@ledumpsterfire6474]

@@Neko.Virtual GTA Online is slightly better than literal garbage. I'd rather play it than eat a banana peel that's been sitting in the dump for a month, but that's about as highly as I can speak of it.

[@Neko.Virtual]

@@ledumpsterfire6474 its really fun to grief cargo with my deluxo

[@ElPicoleto90]

Even my big brother who used to play only RTS like Civilization, Simcity, Constructor, Starcraft 2... That christmas morning when i unboxed the presents and my brother saw the R* logo , he took it off my hands very quickly and started reading the boxart with a naughty face. We had a blast those holidays man, beating every level together (me as a co-pilot,) , trying to figure out the best strategies, finally beating Pigsy... damn what an experience Same happened with The Warriors next christmas 🤣, dude had a special interest with R* games, he alway said because of the music... But we all know....

[@YellowPlagueProductions]

Manhunt handled noise attraction better than the stealth games from that era. Tapping on the wall in MGS2 was worthless.

[@ganganthefatman1382]

Not true.

[@nazauwu6431]

what??

[@madalindragan9569]

Tapping in mgs2 was the same as manhunt!

[@vladv5126]

I don't know what you were doing wrong, the wall taps in MGS2 work just fine.

[@nxght6694]

i finished the game, and i’m pretty sure while it served a purpose, it could go completely overlooked/unused and you’d still be able to beat the game

[@markpoland5748]

Would love to see it remade today or even a remaster but in the world we live in today I'm sorry to say I doubt it would even be an option. Great video thanks for the memories pal, stay well.

[@KevinHelpUs]

Yeah, Rockstar is making too much on shark cards to rock the boat anymore.

[@markpoland5748]

Completely agree, have a good pal..

[@thientuongnguyen2564]

@@markpoland5748 Even if it's not Rockstar, said developer would be too chicken to make such violent video games, especially in this modern political climate. The 2000s just right after 9/11 were the last years we got things so controversial it riled up Congress.

[@realbr1koo]

Manhunt was special because it was brilliantly atmospheric with every element of the game. The fucked up enemies, environments mixed with those music pieces that crawl under your skin. I dont think i have ever seen anything similar to Manhunt. Not in movies or videogames thats for sure. There are some really good horror movies, but somehow Manhunt had such a unique setting and atmosphere that nothing really comes in my mind that was so disgusting and repulsive, yet entertaining.

[@georgedddx3]

"Manhunt is easily the most violent video game ever made" Hatred: "Hold my Rifle"

[@KevinHelpUs]

The most violent *good video game….

[@Mr.Honest247]

@@KevinHelpUsHatred was GOOD.

[@thatrecordguy6205]

Absolutely an incredible video over a criminally underrated game. Lovely channel can't wait to see what more you have next.

[@DarkWebTrappin]

The headshot animations in this game were just beautiful

[@Rhahhhhh]

That brain chunk everywhere

[@lilcritter1776]

I think manhunt 3 would need a fresh take. Maybe something along the lines of a serial killer embracing violence till he goes insane and gets ptsd or something you could also bring back the camera thing with your character wearing a go pro amd you be in fp, or get bonus points for killing in front of a camera you've staged. Maybe as you start going insane you start to hear things and hallucinate. I feel like if they did do another game they'd really have to go down the Psychological horror rabbit hole amd really make a deep game

[@gridalien]

Fast forward all this time, and the level of violence in Manhunt is pretty tame compared to games like AvP, Dead Space, Left 4 Dead and a whole lot of other titles that had some degree of focus on gory detail. Either we've gotten used to it, or violence in video games just isn't a big deal

[@ph03nix7331]

One name, Leo Kasper, greatest plot twist in the series

[@ElSoloNoco]

I still remember Christmas 2003 the 3 main games I got for Xmas that year were Manhunt, XIII & SSX3. Manhunt blew me away, I never really hear it mentioned among survival horror games but to me it always will be, scary as hell imo. Also I remember playing SSX 3 till the actual disc stopped working 😂

[@fancyultrafresh3264]

Wow. The manhunt to last of us comparison was really thought provoking and not unjust.

[@the29thboxofreality]

This is my all time favorite retrospectives you made on your channel. It what drags me to play manhunt!

[@KevinHelpUs]

Thank you! I do really love this game. Wanted to do it proud.

[@Bastiannn03]

if there ever is a Manhunt 3, I really hope they focus more on the survival aspect rather than action sequences, aka shooting galleries like a GTA game. firearms should be really hard to get your hands on, maybe by the end of the game, and give more protagonism to stealthy weapons like: bats, hammers, knives, etc. you should never feel like you have the upper hand against the hunters, that would add so much tension.

[@KevinHelpUs]

Yeah, the gun sequences have never been scary. I’m not saying don’t include ANY, but the melee weapons levels are where it’s at.

[@ethanhernandez9889]

Also, i really respect the nuance behind that last of us essay. I completely agree with pretty much all of it. I wish it had gotten a better shake but I feel misrepresented by it.

[@imgrim391]

Man, a new manhunt with a continuation with cash looking to stop Mr nasty n his snuff ring would be dope. It sucks that it'll never happen

[@FighterMageCleric]

Simplest story to do would be his wife and kids get taken. `

[@theguyinthere]

the number 1 thing i hear when it comes to the manhunt series is there will never be a manhunt 3 but i challenge rockstar to do it out of spite

[@KevinHelpUs]

I'd be playing it on day 1, that's for sure!

[@theguyinthere]

@@KevinHelpUs me too

[@koleszgdanska7149]

Arkham Asylum even has a score called "Manhunt"

[@ethanhernandez9889]

Hey man! Great vid! Commenting so you get some algorithm love!

[@KevinHelpUs]

Thanks so much!

[@TheStardustConspiracy]

Such a great video man! Manhunt is my favorite game from rockstar games and it’s such a shame that it’s been forgotten given all the innovations that gave in it’s time

[@richardnash6111]

It was weird that this game came out around the same time Last House on Dead End Street finally resurfaced. As for Cash being humanized or not. They certainly don't go so far as telling you you're doing the right thing but given the alternative would be to just die... I am not sure how much agency he has until he tracks down Starkweather.. and even then it's arguable that Starkweather would have remained a threat if left alive.

[@mrnadz69]

I must of played this game like 200 times when I was in high school. I loved every bit of it. I remember my heart racing when an asshole would walk right in front of me while I hid in the shadows and sometimes they would bump into me and I ran! Aw it was great! And the end was so satisfying. Being able to kill that asshole and just being relieved. Their were so many ways to get through an area. This game wouldn’t do so great today. Seems like people can’t see it as “just a video game” anymore.

[@m1lst3r89]

It was scary, entertaining, chilling yet incredible. They don't make these anymore.

[@videoj81]

Well done , more people need to play that game , more people need to watch this video , I'm subscribing

[@KevinHelpUs]

I AGREE WITH ALL OF THIS

[@_Jay_Maker_]

I believe the original Manhunt is honestly one of Rockstar's best games. It's up there with Bully, The Warriors and the RDR games. The GTA's notwithstanding, the real strength of Manhunt is how it makes you feel like a character pushed into a place where you have no other option. You're stuck. Either you perform or you die, but at the same time you're being judged by the people observing you, disgusting monsters using your situation against you to make you feel like human garbage for every decision you make. A great stealth game with a crazy hook that just happens to have some classic Horror movie violence in it. The sequel is to the original what over-the-top gore porn is to traditional 80's horror. Edit: GTA Online references a Manhunt-esque game in-universe in the Arcade's lightgun game _CAMHEDZ,_ which pits you as basically an executioner helping to make snuff films and taking out weirdoes on the streets of the City. It's hilarious and very represenative of Manhunt's style, though way more tongue-in-cheek for comedic effect. They even have an expy of Pigsy in the end boss, Bearsy. Honestly one of the better games in the Arcade.

[@jmgonzales7701]

what is good about warriors

[@jonnysac77]

One thing I like about Manhunt is the lack of interaction in the stealth kills, you spend so much time sneaking up on an enemy and waiting for the right moment, only for your control to be taken away from you as your forced to watch an awful murder, this divorced me from the violence in an uncomfortable way that made me think a bit more critically about what I was doing, Manhunt 2 kinda loses this by focusing on a protagonist that's largely justified in committing usually cruel acts of violence and adding QuickTime events that make the gameplay a little more exciting but that makes you think way less about the violence

[@АлександрАдмаев-ю1л]

I just finished this game for the first time. How have I not noticed this game before? This is one of the best games so far and the best Rockstar game for me.

[@KevinHelpUs]

It flew under the radar even when it was released. This was back when Rockstar were pumping out games, and they were deep into development on San Andreas, so I don’t think it got much marketing budget?

[@АлександрАдмаев-ю1л]

@@KevinHelpUs I agree with you . There were many games in 2003 (Need for Speed ​​Underground, Postal 2, Call of Duty, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and STAR WARS Knights of the Old Republic) And it's a pity that she got lost or played a massive ban on this game.

[@isaiahchallengeruns]

Gotta say amazing review you earned my sub

[@KevinHelpUs]

Glad to have you here!

[@isaiahchallengeruns]

@@KevinHelpUs glad to be here :)

[@Laxhoop]

I just turned on the option to be invisible to enemies in TLOU2, I know that’s why it got such good reviews from game journalists.

[@lucascoval828]

But the game broke new ground! 🤓🤓🤓

[@ledumpsterfire6474]

There were so many good things about that game, but I just can't with it as a whole. The LGBT representation is totally fine, the story starts off pretty strong, but slightly before that halfway point I just want it to be over. Never made it past that point after 3 attempts. Story goes to shit, level design gets obnoxious, mechanics get tedious and boring. Just.. fuck. Such a missed opportunity.

[@MildMisanthropeMaybeMassive]

I put everything but resources and Allied NPC intelligence on survivor mode. It’s pure ludo like that.

[@austinsavage5962]

“This was 2003” yeah it still feels just as brutal 20 years later 😂

[@athens9740]

Still play Manhunt to this very day (love playing brawlgame and trying to get to a very high kill count)

[@H92-v6w]

cash was actually forced into killing psychos i kinda feel his actions jsutidfied just to survive

[@breadymold3206]

Manhunt 3 but instead of Carcer city it's the home appliance aisle in Walmart

[@KevinHelpUs]

Cleanup on aisle 5…

[@markus5237]

"Arkham Asylum really made you feel like... playing the rest of the series" you're a genius man

[@John-996]

Played last year such a great game. one the best stealth games for sure playing on hardcore was great.

[@KevinHelpUs]

Playing with no radar is SO much more intense - I couldn’t go back.

[@John-996]

@@KevinHelpUs It honestly reminds me of an early last of us game.

[@KevinHelpUs]

@@John-996 Me too!

[@Neglelakkogrockruler9625]

10:57-11:01 Starkweather running out of patience lol 11:10-11:17 LOL its almost like a large speaker in the prison, told him to stop the execution and watch his family member XD 13:10-13:13 Starkweather promised cash freedom by the time the night is over.....but Starkweather prefers to sleep on daytime

[@redacted702]

Manhunt 3: Mr.Nasty's Downfall

[@KevinHelpUs]

I HAVE to assume they were planning to revisit Mr Nasty if this became a real franchise. No idea why they diverted away so hard in Manhunt 2.

[@dethmasheen8683]

One of my all-time favorites... Do wish it had better damage models though. It seems to me like people just kind of ignore how much it leaves to the imagination when they talk about how brutal it is.

[@knivemares588]

It’s weird to think that without Manhunt, the Batman series or LOU1&2 wouldn’t exist or not be the games we know today. I think they could get away with a manhunt 3 I mean if games like calipso protocol exist what’s to say. But that’s just my thought.

[@KevinHelpUs]

Could they make Manhunt 3 today? Sure, no one’s stopping them. But even The Callisto Protocol was banned in Japan over its death scenes, so I’m sure they’d have trouble monetizing it and now that they have GTA Online, Rockstar is coasting.

[@alectaylor75]

In the time of release and playing it it got my favourite stealth game

[@Dr.Lemmy_C_Yabum]

7:07 Oh man, that was so funny. "Oh jesus!" Lmao

[@H56Nooc]

Outlast trials has taken crown for most brutal game now imo.

[@CliffuckingBooth]

This game had unique and very dark atmosphere. I loved it. Indeed it needs remake/remaster or another sequel.

[@NovemberXXVII]

The big point Manhunt succeeded in making, IMHO, was pointing out that our society only condemns violence when it ISN'T rationalized. Really we should be more shocked and disgusted by the violence in a normal CoD mission. Manhunt isn't saying your actions are justified, and is going out of its way to tell you "Look. This is horrible. LOOK at what you're doing," -- meanwhile the message in many violent games is "Killing is necessary and fun. Here's a kill cam to show you again how awesome you are, killer." Not only is Manhunt not glorifying violence, it has a better moral attitude on violence than 90% of American media.

[@murrischcat9098]

Im curious if fan/indie developers would do something like an unofficial/spiritual successor. Swat4 and ReadyorNot comes to mind

[@rw0dyxer012]

I have animated my own Manhunt style stealth kills on my pc through (this is gonna sound cringe) MMD (MikuMikuDance). Took me about a few hours to make one fully animated execution and with the help of another program it makes the animation more smooth than stiff and robotic. To an outside perspective it screams red flag but at the time I did imagine what would Manhunt 3 look like so I just started animating stealth kills and getting ideas through the prop downloads for the programs. So far only made if I remember 7 sets of 7 different weapons. 3 levels of executions per set and let me tell you its NOT easy animating something close to Manhunt cause of time.

[@m1lst3r89]

No, hope not, dude.

[@NIGHTMARECRIPT]

Great video! I'd so love a Manhunt 3. I wish Rockstar would make one.

[@mattgottesmann3514]

In Manhunt you're not really an anti-hero, you're even more of a hero than the Punisher for instance, cause you never have a choice not to kill. As you say you do it to survive and the character never cherishes it in any way and there are no victims only criminal perps. It's a cop-out, as are the screen distortions.

[@ufcfan890]

I can't believe this has never been made into a movie

[@KevinHelpUs]

I wonder how it would work as a movie. The strongest part is the gameplay, but with the right casting (bring back Cox, of course), it could be good!

[@radicalcentrist4990]

I can't say I feel bad playing this game considering that what I'm really doing is clean the streets of the worst types of scum. The premise is disturbing though and so is the game's atmosphere, but I don't feel bad killing any of the enemies.

[@maxlhetvxhywxvxbm7645]

In defense of Daniel Lamb's character in part 2, he kills because of the real antagonist Leo Kasper is telling him to, I don't know if you can call Leo manipulative but Daniel did trust him since the beginning. Like Starkweather, Leo critiques you in levels and is the guiding antagonist. In the beginning of the game Leo makes you think The Project are the bad guys, which they sort of are? But Lamb did work for The Project and volunteered for the Pickman Bridge and had Leo's personality in the bridge. Leo hungered for revenge on The Project and used Daniel for revenge. I actually liked Daniel and Leo's character. Although part 2 ditched the snuff film aspect, I do like the idea of the Pickman Bridge and it's ability to erase one's memory and replace it with the personality of a killer or assassin, I think in Daniel's executions the bridge is activating Leo's killing skills in Daniels mind which could explain the screen turning and why they both share the same execution animations (or cuz y'know, reusing assets) There were times in Manhunt 2 that felt like a different game, especially in Leo's levels where it has heavy shooting action against armed military soldiers, and the game feels it doesn't fit in the GTA world where they've referenced Manhunt 1 and even Red Dead, I don't even know if any other Rockstar games reference Manhunt 2?. Manhunt 1 definitely had better music, and sound design than part 2 tho

[@KevinHelpUs]

Yeah, I don't think there's any Manhunt 2 references in other games? I think they kept trying to find 'the line' when it comes to subject matter, and they finally did.

[@DerrickBarrows]

This was fantastic. Great review/overview. Subscribed. I am glad you mentioned games that punish you for playing the game away that is offered by the Developers. I had a similar experience with Dishonored which I absolutely loved. The whole series was great I liked playing the fast-paced combat which seemed optional to just run in and fight and bang with the enemies. But of course it leads to a negative ending even though there were skills and abilities offered to me, the player, that better lend themselves to an offensive approach.

[@KevinHelpUs]

Thanks for saying so! And yep, I actually enjoyed that in Dishonored, it gave me an excuse to stay stealthy as long as possible, but there were enough offensive options that I didn’t feel hopeless if I was spotted.

[@DerrickBarrows]

@@KevinHelpUs I see your point, but couldn't it have been equally served by incentivizing the player for either approach?

[@KevinHelpUs]

@@DerrickBarrows It would solve the problem of providing the tools to play in ‘high chaos’ and then punishing you for doing so, yes.

[@steverogers7601]

Batman Arkham Asylum combat: button, button, button, and another button, then button some more and button again and again.

[@KevinHelpUs]

Isn’t that all games?

[@steverogers7601]

@@KevinHelpUs sure, why not

[@Sourheart]

Manhunt is the Serbian Film of video games, and I mean that in the absolute best way possible.

[@nabilllaauria9944]

Truee 😂,but suprised enjoyed everything about manhunt is just so raw,violence and blood. Or because in my teen age i enjoyed serbian film like wrong turn,human centipede and abc death 😂😂😂. My high school time was different we watch serbian film when lunch or when teacher absent. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@fadhilahzaidan4946]

Indeed. :)

[@Sourheart]

@@nabilllaauria9944 It's shocking and grotesque, but in that ugliness its surprisingly... human?

[@AAllen-br8it]

I can see where you get that but let's be honest it's nowhere near as disgusting or shocking as that film. Which I like honestly. I prefer the more heinous bits of what's going on in the world just being implied. Theatre of the mind over being shown and all that. plus I'd just rather not have to directly see or have to participate in such distressing things. Killing other adults trying to kill me? I'm cool with that in a game. I don't want to go any more immoral than tho. Just my tastes.

[@struckmatch3400]

I was playing San Andreas and thought it was so badass when I heard an tourism advertisement for carcer city

[@outbackspidey9106]

Im currently replaying through tlou2 and something to also note is the small bits of dialouge when you kill an enemy as ellie that are meant to be one final fu to them before they die and it really enhances the brutality of the game. Imagining getting stabbed in through the throat and the last thing you hear is someone insulting you an calling you a motherfucker.

[@holdthetruthhostage]

Funny How Hollywood attacks gaming violence not Rambo

[@MattCarter1999]

A played Manhunt a few years ago, and I really enjoyed it, the AI was very impressive. I even liked the shooting sections, it felt much more impactful than the early 3D GTA titles, It was more like the first Mafia, but more gory of course.

[@Nostalgic90sGamer]

Great video ! Great Comparisons ! Great Games ! We need Manhunt 3 !

[@KevinHelpUs]

Yes to all of this!

[@Dantethedemonkiller]

If they ever do make a Manhunt 3 (which is a huge if.) They should definitely follow a different character. Each game should have their own character and have to be very different from each other. People will get desensitized to the same thing over and over again.

[@KevinHelpUs]

Yeah, I'd like to see a return to the world of the first, but Cash as a character has had his arc and he's done.

[@Dantethedemonkiller]

@@KevinHelpUs maybe it's about like the son of one of the men Cash killed. Or maybe about the son of the one he didn't "The Tramp" from the first game. He was originally going to be a boss fight character named The Scarecrow. Maybe it's about the Tramps son who was abused by him and holds a grudge against James Earl Cash for not killing his father. Have the game be about trying to track down and kill James Earl Cash. I'd like to see what happened to James after the game because my two main theories was he died not long after or he became full mountain man and lived in the woods.

[@cor.tenebrarum]

Manhunt in the times of slavery in USA. Well that would be something amazing. Or police officer framed for murder of some judge that would be tied to some sectet society/ paedophile ring. A lot of dark and twisted story arcs can be explored with Manhunt premise.

[@grazyrock]

@@Dantethedemonkiller Recently I discovered on Manhunt wiki that they originally planned 2 as a continuation of original game with Cash as a protagonist and a new character- a ventriloquist doll as a figment in Cash's head that directs him in killing (original concept of Leo), I think its cool concept that is still relevant, remember the end credits of the first game where the snuff movie was taped over the VHS with a kids show? This could be a major point of a sequel: Cash escaped Carcer city started a new life and a family, Mr Nasty suffered a big but not fatal hit on he's snuff movie ring and managed to rebuild and advance it with the help of the internet, the game starts 15 or 20 years later, Cash's son becomes obsessed with a snuff movies via the dark web, Cash discovers it, accidentally see's the movie he was starring in and he starts to show some kind of PTSD in a form of a character from kids show that only Cash can see or hear and he starts to kill again

[@krwnlfro]

If you have a xbox headset and you appear to be laughing at the npc dialogues they WILL hear you.

[@KevinHelpUs]

You can! I wish they had added this to PCs, it’s sort of a dead feature now but I really enjoyed this way back when.

[@phantomfool2808]

While yes, manhunt is gruesome, it is not like you are killing innocent people, but the ones that are deserved it

[@AidenRKrone]

Therein lies the issue with the game. It tries to be dark, gruesome, and gritty by making the player kill people who "deserve" to die, e.g. corrupt cops, neo-Nazis, gangbangers, the private soldiers of a snuff film director, etc. The villains in these kinds of games are almost always the kind of people who society generally loathes. Where's the gloominess in killing people who society universally despises? If the game wanted to be truly edgy and shocking, it would make the player kill innocent people, e.g. pregnant women, nuns, schoolchildren, small business owners, poor people, etc.

[@iama2509]

@@AidenRKrone That was the original concept for Manhunt 2 but the overlords shut it down. You were to play as a devout christian man who starts to hear the voice of God telling him to kill Sinners. Keep in mind that these companies are made of individuals, most of who have no control over what is published.

[@NoxMonstrum]

@@AidenRKrone Well that's what Manhunt 2 went for and it backfired because it turns out the main character isn't very likable when they murder innocent people lol.

[@trevorclinton5692]

@@NoxMonstrum I feel like media needs 2 start moving away from anti heroes and start having actual bad people as the protagonist it would be interesting although I'm not sure how it would work out lmao

[@HatredInTheFlesh]

I feel like you would enjoy Postal and Hatred more, then. I honestly don’t disagree with you, but I feel like the dialogue that the hunters have adds to the atmosphere. They are depraved human beings, and you are surrounded by nothing except murderous degenerates, the worst humanity has to offer.

[@alimoorad5998]

2 minutes in and I was surprised to know this was made by a channel with only 4.32k subscribers. Great work. gonna watch the whole thing!

[@KevinHelpUs]

Everyone starts somewhere! (And thank you!)

[@gabrielmartines3510]

Manhunt is the perfect example of the right game at the wront time, had it been released today, people would love it, Media would hardly have any relevance against it, specially since it's about thee decay of society, it's comparable to stuff like Serbian Movie.

[@kaisarr7632]

I’m pretty sure if manhut cameout today it would be even more controversial. Especially with how pc the industry wants to be today

[@cosseybomb]

@@kaisarr7632 nah I highly disagree especially considering the resurgence of classic slasher villains

[@alfa01spotivo]

@@kaisarr7632 nah tlou 2 came out and went and that game is much more graphic and realistic

[@gabrielmartines3510]

@@kaisarr7632 PC culture has nothing agains't violence, i don't know where you people get this Bullshit from, they bitch about LGBT, feminism and shit, but not violence agains't criminals, the people who cancelled Manhunt were the like of cancervatives like Jack Thompson and dumbass parents who don't know better.

[@Johny40Se7en]

Brilliant take on this. Still to this day, a highly misunderstood and underappreciated gem of a game. As you highlighted once more, even many of Rockstar games team who worked on it didn't even understand or appreciate it. Also, the music has such a rich depth that it's like a complimentary character in its own right 😊😉

[@KevinHelpUs]

Thanks so much for saying so!

[@words_on_a_screen]

This game summed up my adolescence. Still own both of them on the PS2.

[@agamaz5650]

So James Earl Cash inspired Batman, while Batman/batmobile inspired F-Zero. That is so funny since Manhunt is my second favorite game of all time, and F-Zero GX my third favorite game of all time.

[@tarheelbornnraised929]

Please bring this franchise back!

[@TerminatorZXY]

Also the theme and the song really fit into the whole 2000 vibe with nu metal especially Slipknot...

[@KevinHelpUs]

Definitely!