Gameplay
The basic gameplay of Manhunt 2 is similar to the original Manhunt insofar as it is a stealth-based psychological horror game played from a third-person perspective, which also incorporates gun play, and brawling. As with the original game, the primary gameplay mechanic is stealth execution, whereby the player must approach an enemy from behind, undetected, and kill them. To facilitate this, each scene is full of "dark spots" (shadows where the player can hide). A standard technique in the game is to hide in the shadows and tap a wall to attract the attention of a nearby enemy. When he has examined the area and is moving away, the player can emerge from the shadows behind him, and execute him. As a Spy. Also similar to the first game are the three 'levels' of execution, with each level progressively more violent and graphic than the last; Level 1 executions are quick and not very bloody, Level 2 are considerably more gory, and Level 3 are over-the-top blood-soaked murders. The player him/herself is entirely in control of which level they use; once the player has locked onto an enemy, the lock-on reticule changes color over time to indicate the level; white (level 1), yellow (level 2), and, finally, red (level 3).
Although the basic gameplay remains the same, some changes were made to the mechanics. For example, players are now given more choices in terms of executing enemies. As well as the three levels of execution per weapon, plays can now use firearms for executions. Two further additions to the execution system are "environmental executions" whereby the play can use elements of the game world (such as manhole covers, telephones, fuse boxes, toilets etc) to eliminate opponents, and "jump executions" whereby plays can attack enemies from above by leaping off a ledge.
The shadow system in the game has also been tweaked from the original. In Manhunt, unless a hunter saw a player enter a shadow area, he would be unable to detect the player within it. In Manhunt 2 however, enemy AI has been expanded, with some enemies more vigilant than others. When hiding in the shadows, if an enemy investigates the area, the player may have to mimic a combination of buttons or motions (similar to that of a quick time event), in order to regulate the character's breathing so as to ensure that he remains calm and undetected. In the Wii version, the player must hold the controller completely still. In the PC version, the player must keep the cursor inside an on-screen circle. Climbing and crawling have also been added to the game to increase the sense of exploration. Another new feature is the ability to smash lights so as to create extra pockets of shadow to.
As with the original game, audio is a hugely important aspect of the game. Simple tasks such as running, opening doors, closing cabinets, walking in gravel, accidentally knocking objects over, and sneaking in cornstalks can alert the enemy to the player's position. However, sound can also be used as a tool; radios and machinery can create noise that covers any sound, including the noise of executions themselves.
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