Manhunter: New York - Gameplay

Gameplay

Manhunter: New York used Sierra's Adventure Game Interpreter (AGI) development tool. It was very different from other AGI games in that it did not use a text parser, incorporated a first-person rather than third-person perspective, and featured a rudimentary point-and-click interface. In these ways, Manhunter foreshadowed later games like Myst. The gritty, sometimes gory visuals, unique interface, and use of real-life locations in New York City all helped set the game apart from Sierra's other titles, which were typically more family oriented.

The game had no live dialogues. Much of the gameplay had to do with tracking individuals with his MAD device and 'unlock' new places and addresses. The backstory and plot remain vague and obscure; the player had to put the pieces of the movements together in his head, instead of reading a narrative or descriptions, and understand on his own what is happening.

One of the criticisms concerning the interface was that the cursor/pointer was not controlled by the mouse, but by the keyboard. The mouse, if the player decided to use it, was only to point out where the cursor must go.

A follow-up game, Manhunter 2: San Francisco (1989), continued the story. By that time, Sierra had unveiled their more impressive Sierra's Creative Interpreter (SCI) development system. Despite offering up a more complex storyline, Manhunter 2: SF used the older AGI development system.

The Manhunter series was originally conceived as a trilogy, with all plots threads and loose ends to be tied up in the third game – Manhunter 3: London. However, the series was dropped after the second game and was never resumed. The Murrys also had plans for a fourth and final game (Manhunter 4) – if Sierra wanted one – to be set not on Earth but on the Orbs' home planet.

Contrary to popular belief, the Manhunter series was not discontinued owing to poor sales or lack of consumer interest. The games were critically acclaimed and sold well, and the series was never (and still has not been) officially canceled. However, since more than two decades have passed since Manhunter 2: San Francisco was released, it is extremely unlikely that the series will ever be completed.