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*** This review may contain spoilers ***
Manhunt 2 is one of my favourite videogames on the Playstation 2, but sadly it's great qualities will not be recognized. Manhunt 2 is constantly and unfairly persecuted by the ESRB, the media, and gutter parents. Worst of all, the Manhunt community hates the sequel for reasons that will be explored later.These people are not actual fans.They are disgusting neo-Nazis looking for gore. They are ignorant racists looking for violent titillation. They are perverted teens that don't even care if the game is great if you can't see every dripping detail and entrail. They are the worst type of sucking scum. Their opinions are flawed and not valid.One aspect of the game that has attracted many fans' anger is the much-maligned execution filter. This is a quick fix to appease the ESRB. It is not a game breaking feature. Every fan would love it if their was no filter and could stay true to the original vision, but in the current climate, this was not possible. If it was a perfect world, there would be no filter, but it is not a perfect world. I would rather there would was no obscuring of the executions, but if I can't choose, it doesn't matter to me. The filter does not change the score I give this game. If someone mentions that they gave a lower score because of the filter, you should not listen to their opinion.Another thing people mention is a lack of memorable locations, hunters, and dialogue. I disagree. The original was great, but there none of the locales were particularly inspired. Junkyards? Shopping malls? Manhunt 2 offers a wide variety of arenas, like a deviant sex club, a brothel, a derelict porno theatre, and more.Gang design also stands out. Although not as theatrical as the first games gangs, these brawlers are just as memorable. The Men in Black that pursue you are a novel twist on a tired concept.The storyline has also attracted some flak. People have criticised the story as "Manchurian Candidate meets Drop Dead Fred". This is an incorrect opinion. This story of an intelligent young man whose mind and life are shattered by a twist of fate, is a really good one. Even though the first had a good story, it has concluded and a direct sequel would not have been good. People don't complain that the GTA series story lines are for the most part not connected outside the occasional reference.There are many legitimate criticisms, however. The game is far too short, and many gangs and levels are short lived. The score screen has been removed from the retail version, and removed content is never good. Many of the executions have been altered, and though I said before it doesn't matter, it kind of sucks that there are missed opportunities for heads exploding and decapitating. Also, there are no bonus art panels or bonus levels like in the first one.All in all, Manhunt 2 is a fantastic game that did not deserve the reception it got, like so many other great games.
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