You didn't really think we'd get through this Top 7 without mentioning Manhunt, did you? Let's face it - you've got to be into sadism to buy the game in the first place. With all the hype, the 18 rating and the blurb on the box, you can be under no illusions as to the game's content. This is a murder simulator.

So what's the most sadistic moment in Manhunt? There's flipping the switch to start the electric chair in the first game, or the first bag-over-the-head moment, or the cheesewire decapitation, or the disemboweling, or the...

It's just too hard to choose. As the BBFC put it when they first banned the game in the UK:

"Manhunt 2 is distinguishable from recent high-end video games by its unremitting bleakness and callousness of tone in an overall game context which constantly encourages visceral killing with exceptionally little alleviation or distancing. There is sustained and cumulative casual sadism in the way in which these killings are committed, and encouraged, in the game."

Above: If you can keep your head while all around are losing theirs...

How sick is it?
So sick, one of our contributors actually had nightmares after a single preview event of Manhunt 2 (in its original, uncensored incarnation).

But it's not the most sadistic game we've ever played. Nosiree. That has to go to a much more unexpected entry...

In the end, the top spot has to go to The Sims. Unlike Manhunt, which forces the violence down your throat (either that or your own marbles), here we have a game that sets itself up to be a pleasant, innocent little life management game.

And yet it somehow manages to bring out the sadist in everyone who plays it. The internet is full of sites dedicated to killing sims. No, really. You see, Manhunt is made for psychos, the Sims just brings out the psycho in you.

So our winning moment has to be... letting your Sim take a dip in a lovely new swimming pool and then taking away the steps. Evil!

Above: Death from fire, drowning, flies(!), electrocution, falling sattelite

How sick is it?
Sicker than the bastard child of Manhunt and Saw thats' got the flu but is still putting hamsters in microwaves. Ban this sick filth!

Above: Disgusting, isn't it? There's a new one out this year. We can't wait

23 Feb, 2009

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