REVIEW 'Manhunt': a mature challenge

The title comes from the publisher of 'Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.'
SCRIPPS HOWARD
Rarely does a video game tap into the instincts of fear, rage and survival as well as "Manhunt."
As falsely convicted criminal James Earl Cash, gamers must run for their lives, sneaking through alleys, trying to avoid making sounds. Often, Cash must battle and even kill his pursuers.
Background scenes explain that Cash was set up by a sadistic reality filmmaker who convinced James that he was executed and brought back to life. The game is broken up in a number of separate "films," which are missions Cash must complete for the director's entertainment and profit.
An uncountable number of hoodlums and street thugs, all under the director's bankroll, are hunting Cash. A radar sensor at the bottom left-hand corner of the screen shows players where enemies are, and color-coded dots indicate whether the baddies are aware that you're near. Red sound waves emerge when Cash makes noise.
"Manhunt" is not a game for the happy-go-lucky player. Strenuous, stressful and gory, the game is meant strictly for adults looking for a serious challenge.
It's no surprise that the title comes from RockStar Games, the controversial publisher that made the brilliant but subversive "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City." "Vice City" is a stronger game overall -- it is, after all, one of the greatest ever made -- but "Manhunt" holds its own, especially with the philosophical and ethical statements it makes.
X"Manhunt." RockStar Games for PlayStation 2. $49.99. Rated M for those 17 and up.