How Madalynn functions in Manhunt's gameplay:
Yip Yapping about how Madalynn would actually work in game cause I've actually been thinking about it a ton... Hopefully this makes sense and comes off as helpful, cause I worry she'd be more of a burden in game than an ally T^T
Just like in the lore I wrote, when Starkweather gives Cash the option to either rescue Madalynn or leave her to die, the player would be given the same choice. If you are to leave Madalynn, the game progresses as usual.
Saving her gains you an ally, a friend who follows you around the whole game like the Tramp and the Journalist; except, Madalynn has functions that would help you out during hunts, obviously.
She isn't a fighter and only trained in self defense, and she sure as hell isn't a killer, so she cannot help in executions or combat; but she can act as support during scenes. Think of her as a pocket healer and resource provider.
- Madalynn can access certain areas Cash can't, as she's smaller (shorter, to be exact) and less conspicuous. These hidden areas have random loot each time, ranging from green and blue weapons, ammo, lures, and pain killers. These areas are very sporadic and appear only twice within a scene, though, so make using them count! Just approuch the entrance and press a button, the game will temporarily switch to Madalynn squeezing through whatever crevice and you can grab what's in there then leave.
- Alongside being able to find these items, Madalynn can carry them with her for Cash to use later. For example, if Madalynn is carrying a pain killer, and your low on health, approaching her will have her give you the painkiller she's carrying, healing Cash. Or when you use up a green weapon; if Madalynn is holding one, she can hand it over to you.
- Madalynn can also use lures. If a hunter is getting to close to you and risking getting Cash caught, sometimes she'll toss a lure to drag them away. She can also stun enemies with lures if they get to close to her.
- If your stuck, stick close by her; sometimes she'll give out hints on what to do. She's very perceptive in that sense.
Ex: "'Grizzly situation' is a bit on the nose, even for him... couldn't have thought up a different bear joke?"
Ex: "They bricked themselves in? What are we supposed- Hey... wasn't there a can of gas over in the court yard?"
- When you approuch Madalynn, a button can be pressed to hold her hand. This is to keep Madalynn close by, as its easy to lose her when your running around and fighting for your life. There are stages to this, showcasing how close the two become as the night progresses. During Fueled by Hate - Strapped for Cash, only her wrist is held, as the two barely know each other. Then from View of Innocence - Mouth of Madness, her pinky is held; the characters are getting to know each other, so obviously they're a bit closer now. And finally, Doing Time - Press Coverage, they two straight up just hold hands, as they're basically a pair now, the dynamic duo.
- Madalynn is also given an ear piece like Cash once they enter Grounds for Assault, so Starkweather will have voice lines for her as well. Although, he really isn't a big fan of her being around (and he's a raging misogynistic homosexual), so he talks to her with a lot of disdain.
Ex: "Wow... you can crawl through a hole in the wall, totally useful."
Ex: "And boom! Right on his head- baha! Maybe you aren't useless after all..."
Ex: "Come on you dumb broad- I want to see gore! Blood! Either stop being a pussy and pull the trigger or get killed! At least you'd be useful then!"
E': "Who the hell even wants to see a woman in these... ugh, why did I bring her..."
- During gunplay sections, Madalynn is decently versed in using small fire arms; typical training required for detective work. If given a gun, she can shoot to defend herself and Cash if he's close to dying.
Bonus: dialogue! Obviously Madalynn has dialogue, and in turn, the two would have voice lines together- here's some I came up with!
Madalynn: "Think we can drop a handful of rats on them and catch 'em off guard?"
Madalynn: "Congratulations Madalynn, this is officially the stupidest situation you could have ever gotten yourself into..."
Madalynn: "Here, let me patch you up- and don't be stubborn about it!"
Madalynn: "One revolver coming right up! That'll be one kiss on the cheek, please! Joking! Joking! Hehe... sorry."
Madalynn: "I can tell you with full confidence, only a few of these guys were actually in the military."
Cash: "And how did you come to that incredible conclusion?"
Madalynn: "Mannerisms and patterns of speech. I've worked with guys who have been to war, they have a certain way about them, always on edge. These self proclaimed soldiers lack any of it."
Madalynn: "Oh, wow, another locked gate we have to open... do you have a padlock fetish too, you creepy fuck?"
Madalynn: "I swear once this is over with, I'm cutting his dick off personally.... no, wait, can't do that, he might be into it... fuck."
Madalynn: "There's so much tension with this group... they're disorganized."
Cash: "Noticed that, too, huh?"
Madalynn: "Hard to miss it. The skull faced ones clearly don't like the baby doll guys, and yet they're working together..."
Cash: "I'm not complaining. The less they work together, the easier it is to kill them, and the quicker we're out of here."
Madalynn (holding Cash's hand): "Your hands are warm..."
Madalynn: "Is he.... aware of whats going on, like at all?
Madalynn: "Come on, bud, we'll get you some Bug Juice after this."
Madalynn: "I think you took his shoes, Cash."
Cash: "Shut the hell up..."
Madalynn: "This is certainly the most.... interesting gang we've met tonight."
Madalynn: "I need a cigarette after this..."
Cash: "You didn't strike me as the smoker type."
Madalynn: "Oh shit... Cash, be careful, these are Starkweather's top men, they'll eat you alive if you let them!"
Madalynn (after Starkweather calls Cash his 'big, ugly Alice'): "I think your pretty handsome on the contrary..."
Madalynn: "Its okay, Robin. Cash knows what he's doing."
Madalynn: "Hey, calm down, I promise he didnt abandoned us. He'll come back, he always does."
Madalynn: "I trust him with my life, so you can, too."
