Headhunter

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

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
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  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. Media and Games Online Network
    85
    With an engaging storyline, solid visuals, and great action sequences, most gamers won’t want to pass Headhunter up.
  3. IGN
    84
    A fun and atmospheric sleeper that rises up and engages your imagination.
  5. GameNow
    83
    Ever wanted to play an action movie? Here's your chance. [June 2002, p.64]
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  6. Games Radar
    81
    We've had our problems with an aiming system continually hampered by a camera that doesn't give you a free look...it's enough - along with the bleached-clean looks and cramped levels - to knock this out of the realms of "Devil May Cry." [PSM2 Magazine]
  7. GameZone
    80
    While never reaching the same heights as Metal Gear Solid 2, Headhunter is still a solid action game with a lot of bite.
  8. Play Magazine
    80
    Here's the sleeper hit of the season. [May 2002, p.53]
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  9. Yahoo!
    80
    The combat sections of the game are great and you have so much freedom of movement with your on-screen, bearded lovely!
  10. PSM Magazine
    80
    While it doesn't bring anything truly groundbreaking to the genre, it's executed pretty damn well, overall. [June 2002, p.30]
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  11. GamerWeb Sony
    80
    Sadly, many people will pass this title up for something with a bit more "flash" instead of going for substance – something Headhunter definitely has.
  12. Game Informer
    80
    The combat isn't super-innovative, with lots of ducking behind things and corner creeping, it does the job, however, and is complemented by some clever puzzles. [June 2002, p.78]
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  13. Game Over Online
    79
    The visuals, while not at all enhanced, look good and the play control, once mastered, is silky smooth.
  14. 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.
  15. TotalGames.net
    75
    Add to this some slightly suspect enemy AI and a series of horribly misguided cut-scenes (these attempt to ape the dark humour of Robocop and fail) and you’ve got a fairly mediocre release.
  16. Electric Playground
    75
    If you're a fan of action games and don't mind a dense storyline and some hunt and peck adventure-style clicking, you'll get a thrill or two out of Headhunter.

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 29
  3. Negative: 3 out of 29
  1. 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… Full Review »
  2. MillerReviews
    Mar 19, 2019
    6
    Playing again in 2019 to see if this game has held up with time. The premise is that in the near future criminals are subject to donate organsPlaying again in 2019 to see if this game has held up with time. The premise is that in the near future criminals are subject to donate organs instead of serve prison time. You play a headhunter who is capturing felons and trying to remember who he is. The plot is interesting.

    The game unfortunately is littered with poor camera angles, and annoying lock on targeting which sometimes misses the mark completely and makes playing the game in stealth mode very frustrating. Although with the controls being clunky, it is still mildly playable.

    Bosses can be tricky with the controls the way they are, as the roll button doesnt make much use if you can't roll away quick enough. The motorbike controls are insanely annoying, and everything you hit will make you stop dead in your tracks, as well as the turning and cornering being the most frustrating part of the motorbike parts. The AI is very stupid, to the point where enemies and sub bosses will blow themselves up with grenades, or completely ignore the fact you are there until you blast them in the face at point blank range. Again, the enemies health is a little exaggerated, especially when firing into a enemy who is bare-chested at point blank range and it taking at least 6-7 shots to put him down. Also when enemies are killed, they flash and disappear, which in my own opinion, ive never liked.

    The FMV sequences that are news reports are very "Robocop" esque and are a nod to movies of the early to mid 90s. The graphics are OK and hold up like any other PS2 game made around the year 2000.

    Apart from all those issues, its still worth a punt if you have nothing better to play and fancy wasting a few hours of your life.    … Full Review »
  3. BenN.
    Aug 5, 2003
    8
    Brill, MUCH better on the Dreamcast though, finally a game that shows the REAL power of the legendary Yamaha YZF-R1, a proper motorbike!
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