Hitman 2: Silent Assassin

"If you do not have this game already, what are you waiting for?"

In Hitman 2 you take the role of an Ex-Assassin. You are finally trying to make an honest living. But that is all about to change, as your one and only friend in life is kidnapped. Now you return to the job you vowed to never return to… an Assassin. Your code name is Mr. 47 and what you are about to do is all for someone you care about, and in the past Mr. 47 never cared about anyone. The only way you can rescue your friend is by doing odd jobs for your client to win their most highly respect and have the chance to get revenge. This is an adventure you will never forget.

Gameplay: 10/10

The gameplay is rock solid and viewed from in 3rd person, with the option to use first person as well. This is a stealth game and one of the best I have played. Mr. 47 can do nearly anything to prevent himself from being detected. You can “borrow” a downed opponent’s clothes so you can get into places they would without raising any suspicion. But be careful because if you steal a Russian Guard’s uniform for example you can’t just walk in other guard’s faces. The Guards are going to put a cap in your head once they notice Mr. 47 who clearly isn’t Russian walking around with one of their uniforms. So you really have to be careful. That is just one of the things I love about the gameplay. Heck, if you don’t want to go through the game using stealth you can take the Rambo approach and gun down everyone in your path, but that is not as much fun. As for the missions you get a list of objectives Goldeneye style and you must complete them in order to move on.

Graphics: 9/10

The environments are well done and the character models are very detailed. You get a very good feeling of actually being in the game. I liked the graphical effects of enemies after being shot by high powered pistols like 47’s Ballers or rifles such as the Shotgun. There is blood in the game so that adds to the realism. Also bodies do not disappear so you need to hide them, and hide them well.

Controls: 10/10

I wouldn’t have the controls any other way. The default setting is move with the left analog and turn with the right. You can sneak around by tapping the left so you are able to sneak behind someone without making any noise for a stealthy kill. The one problem I have is the sniping. They made it a bit too realistic and the screen moves up and down until 47 can manage to control it. But that is just a minor problem.

Sound: 10/10

From music, to sound effects to voice acting. It is all very well done. The music gives you a good feeling as it has much to do with the area you are in. The sound effects of guns and the environment are all top notch. The voice acting is also very well done. The Mafia sounds like the Mafia, Russians sound like Russians, and so on.

Replay Value: 10/10

For most of the missions there are several different ways to complete them. The fun is discovering them for your self.

Comments:

This is a great Stealth game and can even be played by the non-stealth fan since you can just shoot everything face to face. I recommend this game to any fans of Metal Gear, Splinter Cell, Tenchu and all other stealth games. Also since this is now Platinum hit, there is no reason this game should not be in anyone’s collection.

Buy or Rent?

For the price of the game now, there is no reason to rent it. The only reason for anyone to rent this is if you are not a stealth fan.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 11/29/03