History VideoGame / Headhunter

''Headhunter'' is a third-person action adventure video game series developed by Amuze and produced by SEGA between 2001 and 2004. The first ''Headhunter'' was released for the UsefulNotes/SegaDreamcast in 2001, and due to the system's cancellation, this version was [[NoExportForYou only released in Europe]]. It would eventually be ported for the UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 the following year for other regions.

''Headhunter Redemption'' followed in 2004 for the UsefulNotes/{{PS2}} and UsefulNotes/XBox, and was much DarkerAndEdgier than its predecessor. Set 20 years after the events of ''Headhunter'', the world has become much, much worse. After a virus was released that nearly crippled society and a great earthquake occurred, there are now two parts of society, Above and Below. Above is the surface, while Below is underground that appears to be occupied by criminals and machines, the latter of whom pose a bigger threat to the people Above, as they are controlled by a mysterious individual only known as The Man Who Walks With Machines. Jack, divorced from Angela, also lost his son when the machines abducted him years ago, leaving him a bitter and GrumpyOldMan. He finds a partner in Leeza X, a rebellious young criminal hacker who grew up on the streets of Above, and the game focuses on exploring much of her past. As they discover that a gang of weapon smugglers may be connected to Below, there's hope that Jack might find his son and the tension between Above and Below may finally end. While the first ''Headhunter'' had a mix of light and dark tones, this one didn't pull things back, creating quite a contrast between the games. It did well, but not as good as the original. Richard Jacques returned as the game's music composer, and while it was not performed by a live orchestra this time around, the soundtrack retains the cinematic feel.

* UsefulNotes/LosAngeles: All of the game's events just so happen to take place in good ol' L.A.

* GutturalGrowler: Jack speaks with a gruff voice.

* FauxAffablyEvil: Dr. Ernst Zweiberg is this, speaking in a jovial and well mannered tone in as he tries to kill Jack and Angela and unleash a virus on the world.

* BigDamnVillains: [[spoiler: Just when Jack is about to get screwed over after being named champion of the Aquadome, Greywolf saves him.]]

* BadassBeard: At the time of the game's release, Jack's most distinguishable feature was his beard. Greywolf also has one.

* NotSoDifferent: Greywolf sees himself and Jack on different sides of the same coin, two guys doing their jobs and doing what they can to make a buck with the way Fulci is running the show. Jack's not entirely convinced of this at first.

* ActionGirl: Leeza, the new protagonist, who knows how to fight and defend herself, and Che, a rebellious leader who serves as one of the bosses.

* InfantImmortality: [[spoiler: Horribly, horribly averted]].

* AndNowForSomeoneCompletelyDifferent: The spunky Leeza X is TheProtagonist for most of the game.

* DeadpanSnarker: Just because Leeza's TheProtagonist doesn't mean the game is short on this. She actually surpasses Jack in this department.

* HateSink: Psycho Star, despite his [[LaughablyEvil comedic personality]], is despicable to the very bone, lacking any redeeming or sympathetic qualities.

* TakeThat: President Goodman is a blatant {{expy}} to UsefulNotes/GeorgeWBush, who bears a similar voice and accent, states that his father was also a previous president, declares action against the terrorists of Below, and most notably, stutters whenever he speaks. The latter is due to the fact that, in reality, [[spoiler: Goodman is nothing more than a ''literal'' puppet used by the machines]], which introduces another case of DoesThisRemindYouOfAnything