Hitman 2: Silent Assassin

"The Silent Dud"

Hitman 2: Silent Assassin is one of the worst games I have ever played in my life. The story unfolds nicely, but the game lacks substance overall. You assume the role of assassin 47 and are trying to rescue your padre friend who is kidnapped at the beginning of the game. You go on a little tear all over various cities in various countries with the same objective, to kill a particular individual all with the hopes to rescue the Padre.

Graphics 6/10

The graphics in this game aren't bad. They aren't the most impressive on the Xbox, but they do the game justice. All of the landscapes look fake with the exception of the trees and various landscape objects you interact with. In the first mission, there is a swimming pool that has great effects, but still overall looks entirely too cartoonish. From Eidos this game seems familiar as it's graphic style closely resembles that of the popular Tomb Raider games. However, do not expect to see very impressive graphics over all in this run of the mill game.

Sound 8/10

The sound of the game is great. The music, the gunfire, and even the sound of nervous breathing when trying to execute someone via sniper rifle is right on target. The game uses sound devices more than any thing else-for example, a person will begin to get nervous when you are walking quickly behind them or are trying to hide in the bushes and behind trees while making rattling noises. All of the voices are very audible, which help with the main objectives of each level. The time spent on the audio of this game seems to be overwhelming, and the accents that the characters use are top notch. It makes me feel right in the countries that they are supposed to represent!

Control 4/10

Does IO and Eidos want us to get carpel tunnel syndrome? The controls of this game stink to high heaven. It could have used some major tweaking before it's launch. Sometimes trying to walk can be a chore, and turning down the controller's sensitivity doesn't help much. The controls are just awful when it comes to a fire fight, because it is so hard to run and gun without 47 trying to look at the ground. In other words, I'd rather have the control of Karate Champ for the NES.

Replay Value 3/10

Once you have played the game through a couple of times it no longer is fun. Just as it's predecessor, it loses it's luster around the third play through. Killing people becomes an easy task, and trying to remain sane while completing the game with no added surprises. Why do I say that it is boring after three walk throughs? Because there are three levels of difficulty. The game doesn't really get harder per difficulty level, it is that you can't save much with each level. The only reason to play this game more than a couple of times is to try and get a good assassin ranking.

Overall 6/10

Overall Hitman 2: Silent Assassin is a decent game that could've used more work before it's release. It's cartoonish feel makes me feel like I'm playing an older Sega Saturn title instead of a game on Xbox. The game is worth a rental, but not to own unless you're a die hard fan of the series. Unfortunately, I feel that this title will have many sequels that cause it to fall into Tomb Raider mediocrity. Leave this one at the store, or buy it used, because it isn't worth the ducats you'll pay for it.

Reviewer's Score: 6/10, Originally Posted: 12/20/02, Updated 12/20/02