Where most other Rockstar projects at least balance out inappropriate or controversial topics with their likeable characters, tongue-in-cheek humour and self-mockery, their 2003 release Manhunt lacks these redeeming qualities. Though the aforementioned God Of War is arguably the more violent game, Manhunt supersedes it on this list due to the extreme levels of realistic violence it brings to proceedings. Manhunts stealth-based murders of enemy gang members or Hunters can be disturbingly realistic. Though firearms are available, for the most part you will be using knives and blunt objects scattered around Rockstars dimly lit, squalid playground of murder. The optional utilisation of the Xbox and PS2s USB microphones means that if you cough, hunters will be alerted to your position. Clearly video gaming becoming increasingly realistic is something to be lauded but creepy little features like this probably err on the side of inappropriateness. The games standard difficulty is fittingly titled Fetish mode as a whole package Manhunt certainly indulges in the inappropriate fetishisation of extreme violence.
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.
