Rockstar games are rarely known to be without their many controversies. Whether it is their violence, drug-use, abrasive characters or the treatment of women, it is hard to think of a Rockstar game (other than the hugely playable Table Tennis game) that hasnt caused somewhat of a stir. It is not just the intensity of the violence but also the realism which earns Manhunt its place here. From beating a hunter over the head with a claw-hammer to beheading them with some cheese-wire, the 2003 games stealth based mechanics leant themselves to these short, intensive flashes of grotesque violence. It is hardly surprising that Manhunt should have caused so much controversy upon its release. Gone are the relatable characters and redeeming humour of other Rockstar titles, to be replaced by the glorification of shocking gore. It may not have the same flamboyance as the violence of other games on this list like God of War but it is the stark, realistic portrayal of brutality that makes Manhunt shocking. The dull, unadorned sound of the thud of a hammer as it sinks into the skull of an enemy gang member is far more horrifying than the mythological roar of Kratos as he demolishes the body of a fallen enemy. The games standard difficulty setting being titled fetish mode is typical of its bleak attitude towards gore as Rockstar is certainly guilty of the fetishisation of extreme violence here.
Hailing from South East London, Sam Heard is an aspiring writer and recent graduate from the University of Warwick. Sam's favourite things include energy drinks, late nights spent watching the UFC with his girlfriend and annihilating his friends at FIFA.
