Rockstar Releases the Adults-Only Version of Manhunt 2

Just like the first Manhunt, the second installment in the series was mainly based on violence and gore. The original Manhunt followed the story of a convicted and officially executed criminal that was saved from the death penalty only to partake in a violent and sinister hunt for his fellow man. Set as the prey in an isolated environment monitored by video cameras, James Earl Cash had to deliver an entertaining performance for the puppet master behind the scenes. In a kill-or-be-killed world, the player was encouraged to perform the most gruesome executions to advance from level to level.

Manhunt 2 followed the same general guidelines, as it placed the gamer in the shoes of Dr. Daniel Lamb as he awakened in the Dixmor Insane Asylum for the Criminally Insane. The gameplay saw an improvement from the first title, with a far more versatile and maneuverable character, as well as the introduction of firearms in the executions.

The game, as well as its predecessor, stirred a huge amount of controversy due to their extremely violent nature. As such, Manhunt 2 originally received an Adult Only rating from the ESRB and forced Rockstar to delay it. In order to obtain a more manageable M-rating, the title had to cut a few corners and reduce the amount of visual detail and violence involved.

But for fans of brutal, uncensored violence, the game will still offer its hardcore trademark on the PC. The un-edited AO version of it will be released on the PC on November 6 via Direct2Drive.

The digital release will eliminate the threat of rating affecting the shops' decision to put the game on their shelves and make it available for all those that feel the sinister urge to do away with their fellow man. The game will be priced at $29.95 and it will provide the extra violence we all crave for, still, it may not be enough incentive to make the purchase if you've already played the M-rating version.