When comparing Manhunt vs Alien: Isolation, the Slant community recommends Alien: Isolation for most people. In the question“What are the best horror games for PC?” Alien: Isolation is ranked 4th while Manhunt is ranked 16th. The most important reason people chose Alien: Isolation is:
With minimal music, this game generates much of it's atmosphere from the miscellaneous background noises. The audio generally in the forefront is the titular Alien, which loudly thumps along the ground and through vents. This game also uses directional audio as a tool both for and against the player. It uses it to scare the player, but it simultaneously gives the player more information to survive with.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Great voice acting
Actor Brian Cox lends his voice to the game through an earpiece in the main characters ear. Often repulsive comments that are convincingly acted well. This adds to the level of polish of the game in that the voice acting is so convincing.
Pro Comments on the state of violence in media
While there has been violent games before the release of Manhunt, none had gone so far as to match what is found in some of the more over the top Animes and movies. At the time this game was released it was banned in numerous countries due to the violent decapitations and adult themes, but at its core the game comments on how society enjoys these things (much like the movie Running Man). While simultaneously getting banned the game got free press which lead to many sales. A funny situation in that the game is stating how people enjoy over the top violence through the story, by creating a game with over the top violence that sold well.
Pro Excellent atmospheric sound
With minimal music, this game generates much of it's atmosphere from the miscellaneous background noises. The audio generally in the forefront is the titular Alien, which loudly thumps along the ground and through vents. This game also uses directional audio as a tool both for and against the player. It uses it to scare the player, but it simultaneously gives the player more information to survive with.
Pro Beautiful graphics
Aesthetically, this game nails the look and feel of the original film. Both well optimized and incredibly beautiful, this game is a graphical marvel.
Pro Useful tools throughout
The game provides you with many tools and weapons to assist you along the way. Some items you may only find a use for once or twice, but you'll be glad to have them.
Pro Creates a lot of tension
Intelligent A.I. is capable of keeping the game unpredictable. As soon as the Alien starts stalking the player, the game can easily become tense with player never knowing what the Alien will do since the majority of interactions with it are completely unscripted. Especially in VR, you get the feeling like you are actually being hunted.
Pro Excellent, nostalgic design
Environmental design very closely resembles Ridley Scott's Alien. It has the same retro design of the computers as well as a chilling soundtrack. It still works well in the modern age too - the 3D is on point, and the designers have gone into detail. If you dare to spend time exploring, it's a very cool experience wandering around a spaceship and looking out into space.
Cons
Con Unrealistic gameplay
Ignoring even the crazy premise of a televised manhunt, the gameplay itself is unrealistic in the sens that this is a stealth game where the second the player gets into the shadow, no one can see him, no matter how close. This may be immersion breaking for some.
Con Steep leaning curve
The game is tough, and only gets tougher. This is a game for the hardcore and it shows, which may not appeal to everyone as it does take a commitment to move forward in this game.
Con Frustratingly difficult at times
Some segments of the game can be frustratingly difficult or even unfair at higher difficulty settings.
Con Unrealistic teleporting alien
The alien will somehow always be somewhat near you no matter how stealthy you are. This does maintain the game's difficulty, but it can seem unfair putting all this work into not getting heard only to have the alien pop out of the nearest vent.
Con The game progresses slowly, and you can lose interest
The game is too long and quickly loses its charm and tense feelings as the game drags. Too many hours of even the best game can become a chore more than an enjoyable experience. Whats worse is that a bunch of the length is incessant back tracking, which frankly is just a lazy way to prolong a game.