Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 37
  2. Negative: 2 out of 37
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  1. One of the bravest works of game creation I've ever played. [June 2004, p.132]
  2. Violent or not, Manhunt contains substance that other games can only wish for, and does so while pulling off some excellent and original play mechanics, executed to near-perfection.
  3. If you enjoy slow, strategic, stealth gameplay, if you hacked your way through "Tenchu: Return from Darkness" and wanted more blood and violence then look no further. You won’t find a more stylish or disturbing game than this.
  4. If you're looking for your next stealth fix and can stomach the games storyline and content, then Manhunt offers an adult experience with a tough challenge for even the most seasoned gamer.
  5. 85
    Once the initial shock value wears off, you're left with a very challenging and rewarding video game. You might, however, want to keep a barf-bag handy just in case.
  6. Get past the controls and you're good. That's really my only sticking point, even on the newer Xbox version, but it's unfortunately an important one.
  7. 83
    When it comes down to it, the grisly cutscenes are just icing on the cake of a well-honed stealth and tactical action game. Manhunt is a solid, deep experience for seasoned gamers pining for a hardcore, challenging game.
  8. Manhunt is seriously intense, and anyone with a stomach for the game's concept ought to find it fiendishly entertaining...An audacious game that backs up its extremely violent subject matter with solid stealth action gameplay.
  9. If you’ve played the PS2 version, nothing you’ll find here will make you see this game in a new light but this is truly the version to own if you own both systems for the bonus missions and crisper visuals.
  10. The foul language and large amounts of brutality should be considered before buying. It does however offer solid stealth action gameplay and a unique experience.
  11. An experience like no other. The gameplay isn’t revolutionary, but when all factors are brought together, the game will not disappoint those looking for a departure from the normal spy-like stealth action genre.
  12. The game looks a lot better since Rockstar has made use of the Xbox’s visual processor for higher resolutions, better textures and a much better framerate.
  13. This game is perfect for people that are really into horror games and adventure games because this is exactly what the game is combined into one.
  14. 81
    Playing with headphones, and in complete darkness, this game is like playing a movie, except you star in it. Warning, it gave me a nightmare the first night I played, maybe you too.
  15. That said it creates a tense and chilling experience like no other videogame we’ve played, which certainly provides the main allure for the game.
  16. Cheat Code Central
    80
    The animations of the kills are the star of the show. They not only transcend the PS2's graphics but they rival some movies in realism.
  17. Play it if your stomach is strong and you're not easily offended; if you're feeling jaded about carjacking in Liberty City, maybe this is exactly what you need.
  18. The killing can become repetitive, but the large variety of weapons helps keep some of the stagnant game play fresh.
  19. If you are after a guns-out shooting fest then you better get your stealthy ninja mate to play through the first two thirds of the game for you as you will quickly tire of the games slow pace and relentless punishment of mistakes early on. If you are looking for an original well designed devilishly dark gaming experience and can deal with all the gore and swearing then Manhunt is highly recommended.
  20. It possesses excellent technical qualities with a run-down view of the world that Nostradamus would be proud of. But it lacks any heart.
  21. Manhunt attempts to combine excessive violence with stealth-action gameplay, but fails to invoke a sense of value and worth in play.
  22. 77
    Where "Grand Theft Auto" was rather playful in its depictions of crime and violence, Manhunt is simply very blunt and all too real. It doesn’t attempt to present itself as anything other than what it is: a grim and somber representation of cold-blooded murder.
  23. The camera doesn’t always provide the most beneficial view of your surroundings.
  24. The game play does get repetitive as you simply go from A to B doing the same things over and over with little variation except in weapons and levels.
  25. A dark, difficult, bloody stealth game that puts fell weapons in the player’s hands, and almost taunts them into action.

Awards & Rankings

71
29
#29 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2004
38
#38 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2004
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 25
  2. Negative: 2 out of 25
  1. Aug 6, 2023
    7
    Answer: 75 characters is between 10 words and 19 words with spaces included in the character count. If spaces are not included in theAnswer: 75 characters is between 10 words and 19 words with spaces included in the character count. If spaces are not included in the character count, then 75 characters is between 12 words and 25 words. Full Review »
  2. Aug 5, 2022
    8
    The Xbox port of "Manhunt" has a higher resolution and framerate than the PS2 version. Extra NPC dialogue was also added. However, theThe Xbox port of "Manhunt" has a higher resolution and framerate than the PS2 version. Extra NPC dialogue was also added. However, the disturbing rumble feature (which simulated slowing heartbeats/struggling victims) was taken out. Anyone who likes stealth games such as "Hitman" and "Splinter Cell" will be right at home with this. Of course, "Manhunt" isn't as good as those. But it's a tense and gory slasher game. I would rate it with an 8.3 out of 10. Full Review »
  3. Feb 25, 2015
    9
    They certainly don't make them like they used to. Ballsy story with great acting, great game play and an ever growing arsenal of weapons. OneThey certainly don't make them like they used to. Ballsy story with great acting, great game play and an ever growing arsenal of weapons. One of my favorite features when I played the game on my XBOX 360 was how the director spoke to you only through headphones - just like the character in the game. Full Review »