Manhunt 2 sneaking up on PSP

"Manhunt explores the depths of human depravity in a vicious, sadistic tale of urban horror," warned the press release of the original game when it was released for the PlayStation 2 back in 2003.

And by the sounds of things, you shouldn't expect anything less from the just-announced sequel, due this summer.

Manhunt was effectively a stealth-based game in which, as a convict sentenced to death who subsequently finds himself the central character in a snuff film, you went around a nasty, deprived metropolis murdering gang members as brutally as you could.

Let's just say the original game didn't exactly get a 3-plus PEGI cuddles, and you shouldn't expect the sequel to be any more kid-friendly; according to controversy-loving publisher Rockstar, Manhunt 2 essentially carries on where the first one left off.

You play Daniel Lamb, a tortured soul who by the look of things has suffered a particular brand of brain training while staying at the local asylum, courtesy of some heartless men in white coats. We've yet to find out where things go from there, but we suspect it'll be more Silence of the Lambs than Rainman. Call it a hunch.

"With Manhunt 2, we've tried to create a game that stays close to the original concept of chilling suspense and stealth, whilst pushing the game design and storytelling forward," enthused executive producer Sam Houser.

He added that the game is being developed by the publisher's Rockstar London studio, along with Rockstar North and Rockstar Leeds, the duo previously responsible for the two PSP versions of Grand Theft Auto. We expect the latter to take up most of the duties for the handheld version (Manhunt 2 is also coming to PS2 and Wii).

If you thought the GTA games were notorious, Manhunt 2 is likely to make Vice City look like the setting for Disney's latest theme park ride – the Daily Mail will be having a field day with this one.

We, on the other hand, will stick to bringing you the facts as and when we get them. Click 'Track It!' to stay in the loop.