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Game Review: ‘Manhunt 2,’ 3 stars

If the talented developers who created “Manhunt 2” put half as much effort into making the game fun as they did shocking, it might be worth picking up. But this is not the case, as this disturbingly violent game is simply an average adventure that delivers more kills than thrills — not to mention some annoying technical glitches.

To be clear, “Manhunt 2” disappoints not because it’s controversial. In fact, Rockstar Games’ infamous “Grand Theft Auto” games are entertaining digital diversions even if you strip away the mature themes — but there’s little substance to be found here.

Available for the Nintendo Wii, Sony PlayStation 2 and Sony PlayStation Portable, “Manhunt 2” begins as your character, Dr. Daniel Lamb, escapes an insane asylum after being injected with a mysterious drug that unleashes his homicidal tendencies. Without giving much of the plot away — yes, there is a story here — Lamb begins with a visit to the now-dilapidated home of his youth. But he doesn’t get there without going on a killing spree, even though the rampage appears to be out of Lamb’s control.

This disturbing psychological story is even more controversial on the Nintendo Wii, not just because the Wii is often considered a family-friendly gaming system, but because the Wii’s wireless motion-sensing controllers mean your killing is performed by mimicking the movements in front of the TV. This includes stabbing by thrusting the controller forward, slashing up and down or whacking someone over the head with a sledgehammer by moving your arms accordingly.

In fact, this is the toned-down version of “Manhunt 2,” as the game was facing an “Adults Only” rating by the Entertainment Software Rating Board earlier this summer (it now carries a “Mature” rating). Some violent scenes were “blurred” out while others were removed, one of which involved a pair of pliers and someone’s genitals. Ahem.

“Manhunt 2” is also laced with profanity. But even while wearing a liberal hat (and freedom of speech T-shirt), “Manhunt 2” doesn’t offer much outside of its shock value. Many other video games, such as Konami’s “Metal Gear Solid” and Ubisoft’s “Splinter Cell” series, offer similar game-play, but handle it in a smoother and more compelling way.

“Manhunt 2” also suffers from some technical glitches, such as getting half of Lamb’s body stuck in a dumpster (and having to load a saved game to continue playing) and trying to fight a guard, but having Lamb keep picking up a body on the floor and tossing it over his shoulder, because the game thinks I’m trying to hide a victim.

“Manhunt 2” likely will sell like hotcakes because of its media attention, but in the end it only pushes the violence envelope rather than advancing the genre in any meaningful way.

Be sure to take heed of the rating indicating it is not suitable for players younger than 17.

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Marc Saltzman writes for Gannett News Service.

Manhunt 2. Wii, PS2, PSP. $29.99 to $39.99. Rated “M” for mature. http://www.manhunt2.com