Currently, there are only three chapters to play through in Cyber Manhunt 2: New World. With two more coming in its early access period on Steam. Following up on our experience from Chapters one and two, the third chapter is the most gripping narratively. Because it uses a few new mechanics and one in the ending that, similarly to the reveal in chapter two, creates a sense of awe and wonder. While also leaving me with a little bit of anxiety and dread. But let’s go over what chapter three is about and what could have invoked those emotions in me.
Chapter 3 Impressions of Cyber Manhunt 2: New World
Chapter 3 of Cyber Manhunt 2: New World opens on a more personal note for Ashley, whom you serve while being a detective AI. An old friend of hers named Maria has become the target of an online hate mob that mobilizes to the real world. This is due to an incident involving someone taking their life, and the blame being pinned on her. It’s a dark premise for this chapter that ends up leading to various layers of conspiracies and returning characters in various ways. Like Tom from the prologue, and one of the goons from chapter two. Their presences were felt in meaningful ways in story and showed the results of those chapters very well. The goon is trying to use the money he earned being part of crime to help Maria and the church and its orphanage for example.
But the real meat of the chapter was how showing how desperate Ashley was to help her friend. Going so far as to order you to manipulate online newsfeeds to help Maria’s image.
This mechanic I am of a few minds on. For one I think it is extremely cool that I am able to select which stories to boost and which ones to hinder the growth of. Especially when there is a tool optionally boost the popularity or irrelevancy with ten bots for each round you have to go through until her story is wiped off the newsfeeds. However, I am not a fan of the idea of only being able to reset to the very beginning, and not reverse certain decisions in this segment. It kept me here a lot longer than I would have liked. Especially with the following segment being infinitely more interesting.
A Trial and Personal Tribulation
The finale of the chapter three consisted of hosting a trial to clear Maria’s name. Bringing in those that have started the campaign and having to hand select evidence to refute claims by the accusers. You are only afforded a few errors and can only select a good amount of evidence. As well as choosing which voice to communicate in court with.
Honestly this section of chapter three in Cyber Manhunt 2: New World was very easy, and I was able to pass it on my first try. However, one more section proceeded this that left a real impression on me. I will not go into details, but it goes into a more personal note. One that I feel was very ingenious, and for the most part easy to continue in. But one think I was not a fan of was the immersion breaking when scoring the few achievements in this area. I play on a windows PC and seeing the bottom corner of my screen clip into a section that tries to imitate it felt jarring to me.
But outside of the few minor complaints I have in chapter three. I have to say it felt like a worthy temporary finale while waiting for the other two chapters. I was left immensely satisfied by the overall narrative and am looking forward to what lies ahead.
If you would like to play Cyber Manhunt 2: New World, I recommend picking it up at the $9.99 price tag it has on Steam right now.
Special thanks to the developers for providing the game key for coverage.
