Cyber Manhunt is a story-oriented puzzle game focusing on big data, hacking, citizen privacy, and social workers. It focuses on social issues such as cyber violence and privacy breaches.
The game casts you as a hacker working for a data company called Titan. The core gameplay revolves around investigating various characters and incidents by gathering information from online sources like social media, websites, and emails. You must piece together clues and solve puzzles to uncover the truth behind each case.
You can perform web searches, access databases, crack passwords, engage in chat conversations, analyze photos, and even send phishing links to hack devices and obtain private data. This multifaceted approach to information gathering immerses you in the role of a digital investigator.
You'll encounter a variety of puzzle minigames that test your problem-solving skills. These range from deciphering codes and sequences to manipulating user interfaces. The puzzles challenge you to think creatively and make logical connections between the collected information.
The gameplay tightly couples with the game's story, which is divided into several chapters. As you progress through the narrative, you'll encounter new characters and situations that require your investigative skills. Your decisions and actions can impact the direction of the story, leading to different endings and outcomes.
Many players praise the depth and complexity of the gameplay. The game does not hold your hand, allowing you to freely explore and experiment with the available tools and resources. This freedom can be both rewarding and frustrating, as the lack of clear guidance can lead to occasional trial-and-error situations. However, for players who enjoy challenging puzzle-solving experiences, the game provides a satisfying and immersive gameplay loop.
One standout aspect is the game's attempt to authentically portray hacking and social engineering techniques. You'll utilize realistic methods like phishing, password cracking, and database access, which helps create a sense of realism and engagement for players interested in these topics.