Headhunter

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Acclaim
  • Release Date: May 14, 2002
Headhunter Image
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 29 Ratings

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  • Summary: In the near future, convicted criminals are required to donate body parts to benefit the rich instead of serving time. A government approved service known as the Anti Crime Network employs 'Headhunters' to capture felons using non-lethal weaponry to preserve their vital organs. AsIn the near future, convicted criminals are required to donate body parts to benefit the rich instead of serving time. A government approved service known as the Anti Crime Network employs 'Headhunters' to capture felons using non-lethal weaponry to preserve their vital organs. As dishonoured Headhunter Jack Wade, you are hired by Angela Stern - daughter of the recently murdered head of the CAN - to discover the truth behind her father's death. Sega's adventure infuses stealth and arcade action with an extremely dark sense of humour. [SCEE]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Game Chronicles
    90
    Aside from a few camera quirks and some excessive load times, Headhunter is almost a perfect gaming experience from the opening movie to the closing credits. The clever mix of VR training, cycling through town, stealth, and weapons combat all combine for one great action title.
  2. GameNow
    83
    Ever wanted to play an action movie? Here's your chance. [June 2002, p.64]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Play Magazine
    80
    Here's the sleeper hit of the season. [May 2002, p.53]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. GameSpot
    77
    Its graphics fall short of the best the console has to offer, but its blend of action, stealth, and driving manages to keep things interesting throughout.
  5. GameSpy
    72
    One of the game's biggest deficiencies is the camera, which doesn't work well when you're in attack mode.
  6. Armchair Empire
    65
    While Headhunter does well to borrow from games like "Metal Gear Solid 2" and the sort of comically futuristic world found in movies like Robocop, it falls short with it’s blandly typical story and constant cliché rip-offs that cheapen the experience.
  7. GamePro
    60
    Its cool graphics, story, and gameplay variety are buried by the brutally bad camera and controls.

See all 24 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 13
  3. Negative: 2 out of 13
  1. BethHype
    May 10, 2002
    10
    It's the best action game i've played since metal gear and syphon filter, its great:)
  2. ErwinS.
    May 22, 2002
    10
    The licenses are hard as hell to achieve.
  4. CleopatrainCali
    Jul 16, 2019
    10
    Wonderful story, brilliant graphics (at the time of release), excellent gameplay, and an outstanding soundtrack. My only disappointment wasWonderful story, brilliant graphics (at the time of release), excellent gameplay, and an outstanding soundtrack. My only disappointment was that it was rather short, and that they only released one sequel. Both games are phenomenal, and I really wished they released more from the Headhunter series. In the meantime, I am hoping at least both games can be remastered for the ps4? fingers crossed xx… Expand
  5. Alex
    May 20, 2002
    8
    I like the game, but the grahics kinda suck, ya heard?
  6. Chuck76
    Apr 21, 2003
    7
    I had this game on the Dreamcast and compared to other titles on that system it was a winner(apart from Virtua Tennis 2k2, Shenmue/2 and I had this game on the Dreamcast and compared to other titles on that system it was a winner(apart from Virtua Tennis 2k2, Shenmue/2 and MSR). I wasn't going to bother buying on PS2 but as I never got round to finishing it(the girlfriend took the DC 'cause she loved Ms. Pacman? Don't ask me!). And y'know what, I'm glad I did. It hasn't got the flash of MGS or Splinter Cell but it's got a solid story, some cool set-pieces and a decent control system. The graphics ain't really been tweaked that much but the DC wasn't too bad at this kinda stuff. The licences are not really hard but they are fun and one of the best parts of this and any game. Get this when you're bored of the current crop of stealth titles, you'll be surprised.… Expand
  7. AndrewD.
    Mar 14, 2003
    7
    This game has its ups and downs. Its an interesting game, style is in the same league as Metal Gear Solid 2. First, the story is alright, This game has its ups and downs. Its an interesting game, style is in the same league as Metal Gear Solid 2. First, the story is alright, playing a level, and then you watch the scenes in between playing, like Metal Gear, or the Getaway. Also, licences must be obtained, there are four, and within each are four separate challenges to beat in a set time, the stealth ones tend to be annoying, and pretty tough. Motorcycle controls kind of suck, no where as good as GTA:Vice City. Camera angles can get annoying, and shooting can be frustrating too, sometimes if you are facing the wrong way, and you hit auto aim (which you have to do anyways), the character just shoots forwards, and doesn't revert automatically to the enemies until you turn around. Getting on ledges, or platforms can take a few tries. Figuring out exactly what to do sometimes takes a few minutes, and exploring. Faults aside, if you can tolerate them, and not get too mad at the game at hard points, it's an interesting game, I only rented it.… Expand
  8. HenkJ.
    Apr 16, 2002
    0
    This game sucks!!!

See all 13 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

83
#83 Best PS2 Game of 2002
73
#73 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2002