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GVMERS - The Controversial History of Manhunt

SnapShot

Member


The never-ending violence in video games discussion has revolved around a select few experiences. Mortal Kombat, Carmeggedon, and Grand Theft Auto count among the most infamous. So, too, does the murder-filled Rockstar Games staple, Manhunt.

Released in 2003 on the PlayStation 2, and then on PC and Xbox in 2004, the first Manhunt captivated players with its premise of a former death row inmate who’s coerced into killing at the behest of a mystifying figure. Obscene violence steeped in dizzying levels of gore made for what some consider a murder simulator. Yet, others, especially in retrospect, perceive a semblance of depth that’s long gone unappreciated.

Everything that intrigued gamers and countless critics about it didn’t go over well in other circles, however. Controversy enveloped Manhunt soon after its arrival, manifested in the outcries of parent-led organizations, the violent video game-banning efforts of many politicians, and the discourse surrounding the psychological effects of such games.

Arguably, the contempt that plagued Manhunt harkened back to that which was leveled at horror films throughout the 1980s. It even became embroiled in rumors and conjecture regarding a murder investigation. Despite the tumultuous drama, which inevitably led to Manhunt being banned in a number of countries, Rockstar managed to secure approval for a sequel. Unsurprisingly, the mere announcement of Manhunt 2 spawned a fair helping of controversy. And, still, both adventures went on to become beloved cult classics.

This is the history of Manhunt.
 

deriks

4-Time GIF/Meme God
I thought this video was already uploaded. But yeah, chances are that this game could not be released today
 

Needlecrash

Member
I thought this video was already uploaded. But yeah, chances are that this game could not be released today
The topic of "violence" in entertainment (video games, card games) goes back to the 1980's. So many helicopter moms and religious parent groups condemned Dungeons & Dragons because they thought it was satanic. If anything, it helps kids and teens get together to chill and play a table top RPG. It's not even bad to be honest. Just Karens everywhere basically.

Then, came Mortal Kombat in the early 90's. Congress had a bitch fit about it (even though members were secretly playing the damn game). They also went after Nintendo and Sega because of the Super Scope 6 and Menacer attachments that they resembled guns (THEY LOOKED LIKE OFFBRAND SUPER SOAKERS).

Then GTA 3 caused a shit storm with its controversy. No matter what, people are gonna complain but nothing will change.

GIVE US A REMASTERED MANHUNT ROCKSTAR.
 
The topic of "violence" in entertainment (video games, card games) goes back to the 1980's. So many helicopter moms and religious parent groups condemned Dungeons & Dragons because they thought it was satanic. If anything, it helps kids and teens get together to chill and play a table top RPG. It's not even bad to be honest. Just Karens everywhere basically.

Then, came Mortal Kombat in the early 90's. Congress had a bitch fit about it (even though members were secretly playing the damn game). They also went after Nintendo and Sega because of the Super Scope 6 and Menacer attachments that they resembled guns (THEY LOOKED LIKE OFFBRAND SUPER SOAKERS).

Then GTA 3 caused a shit storm with its controversy. No matter what, people are gonna complain but nothing will change.

GIVE US A REMASTERED MANHUNT ROCKSTAR.
There was a game called Night Trap which was around at the same time as Mortal Kombat, and as you can imagine it caused some controversy due to it's content.
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Needlecrash

Member
There was a game called Night Trap which was around at the same time as Mortal Kombat, and as you can imagine it caused some controversy due to it's content.
c9n9cB.gif
Oh yea I forgot about Night Trap. This..... FMV game was made in the late 80s but didn't get released until 1992 or 1993. It's SO CHEESY AND CAMPY that I can't understand why Congress went after it so hard. Eventually, the ESRB would be created from the Congressional hearings, thanks to Night Trap and Mortal Kombat.
 
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