Hitman 2
- November 13, 2018
- IO Interactive A/S
- 40h median play time
In HITMAN™ 2, explore diverse sandbox locations across the globe, from Miami to the Colombian rainforests, each filled with unique opportunities and interactions. With complete freedom of approach, use stealth, creativity, and a wide range of tools to eliminate targets in thrilling and unpredictable ways. Experience a detailed and immersive world that reacts to your choices.
Reviews
- story3,837 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 76 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The story in Hitman 2 continues the narrative from the previous game, focusing on Agent 47's quest to uncover his past while eliminating high-profile targets. While the overarching plot is engaging, many players feel it lacks depth and is often overshadowed by the gameplay, which emphasizes replayability through various mission stories and challenges. The presentation of the story through static images rather than animated cutscenes has drawn criticism, leading some to view the narrative as secondary to the game's sandbox-style mechanics.
“One of the standout features of Hitman™ 2 is the engaging narrative that ties together the various missions.”
“The storyline is gripping, with unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat.”
“While the core of Hitman™ games is gameplay, Hitman™ 2 also provides an engaging storyline that delves into Agent 47's mysterious past and uncovers a global conspiracy.”
“I'm not sure the reasoning behind this, if it's to appeal to people who want to buy some of the game, or if it's so the publishers can add on content indefinitely: either way, it leaves a storyline that feels disjointed.”
“The story is a direct follow-up to the first in the world of assassination trilogy, years after the events of the legacy games.”
“The story is really short.”
- gameplay1,361 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Hitman 2 is widely praised for its intricate level design, allowing for a multitude of creative approaches to assassinations, which enhances replayability. Players appreciate the refined mechanics, such as blending into crowds and using briefcases, while the atmospheric environments and engaging soundtracks contribute to an immersive experience. However, some critiques mention that the gameplay can feel repetitive over time, and the reliance on online connectivity for certain features detracts from the overall enjoyment.
“With its outstanding level design, flexible gameplay mechanics, engaging narrative, and top-notch presentation, it sets a new standard for the genre.”
“The gameplay is amazing; for every map, there are countless challenges and story missions to complete that really show off all of the different parts of this game.”
“Hitman 2 is a triumphant continuation of the series, refining the art of assassination and offering more opportunities for creative, stealthy gameplay.”
“Mechanics learned within 10 minutes of relaxed gameplay, and every mission after first completion became really boring, even on higher difficulties.”
“I felt that I was being railroaded into what the game wanted me to do instead of encouraging me to set personal goals, which is a pet peeve of mine, and I would've liked to ignore them entirely if they weren't essential to acquire gear unlocks that actually add gameplay variety.”
“The gameplay loop is also a bit repetitive.”
- graphics759 mentions
- 55 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received widespread acclaim for their stunning detail and immersive environments, significantly enhancing the overall experience. Many players noted improvements over previous installments, with vibrant visuals and well-designed character models, although some reported performance issues on lower-end systems. Overall, the game is praised for its beautiful graphics, which complement its engaging gameplay and expansive levels.
“The visuals are stunning, and the level of detail in character models and environments contributes significantly to the overall immersion.”
“The graphics are incredible and the mechanics have been very well thought out.”
“The graphics are amazing, which provides a great experience!”
“This would be pretty fun but the game can barely run even on minimum graphics settings.”
“The graphics are really lackluster for today's standards.”
“The game's graphics are underwhelming, yet it somehow takes 100 GB of disk space!”
- replayability727 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 49 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
Hitman 2 is widely regarded for its exceptional replayability, with players praising the vast, intricately designed levels that offer numerous ways to approach and complete missions. The game encourages exploration and experimentation, allowing for endless creative assassination methods and a plethora of challenges that keep players engaged long after the initial playthrough. While some players note that certain missions may feel less replayable, the overall consensus is that the game provides an immense amount of content and replay value, making it a standout title in the stealth genre.
“The star of the game is the game world itself - incredibly detailed, the replay value is enormous.”
“Hitman 2 has so much replayability, and I assume that for the other installments; after completing 'the finish line' I played it 4 more times and always found something new.”
“The amount of replayability in this game is ridiculous; you can put 100 hours into it and still not be halfway through all of the content.”
“I still have the campaign missions but none of the user-created content, sniper challenge, and it doesn't even give you progression or after-action reports in offline mode which pretty much kills replayability and trying for challenges.”
“The replayability was a strange thing to recommend when you'd complete a mission, are bored and done with it, never wanting to replay it again.”
“Overall, I don't think I'll replay this game, despite the claimed replayability where 'make the world your weapon' slogan boasted by the game intro screen is utterly shadowed by the strong sense of the developers herding the player to play out their little plays during missions, instead of utilizing their own wits and their surroundings to approach targets and liquidate them without leaving a trace.”
- humor278 mentions
- 99 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 1 % negative mentions
The humor in Hitman 2 is a standout feature, blending dark and absurd comedy with the game's stealth mechanics. Players appreciate the witty voice acting, hilarious NPC interactions, and the creative, often ridiculous ways to eliminate targets, which contribute to a rich tapestry of comedic moments throughout the gameplay. The game successfully balances serious themes with a playful tone, making it a unique and entertaining experience for fans of both stealth and humor.
“I found myself chuckling every time he casually made a snarky comment while dressing up as a flamingo or taking out a target in the most unexpected ways.”
“The creative and hilarious ways you can kill people makes you want to do the same levels over and over again to get different achievements and have a laugh overall.”
“The npc banter is consistently hilarious, and watching them lose their minds every time a small mess is made is always a treat.”
“They are flat, unfunny and they put these jokes everywhere.”
“When you combine this game with the legacy pack, the escalations, the elusive targets, contracts, multiplayer modes and the challenges, there is so much to do here it's not funny.”
“I really enjoyed the game and I would highly recommend it, but it is so overpriced, it's not funny.”
- music149 mentions
- 34 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its atmospheric qualities and ability to enhance gameplay, particularly during critical moments. However, several players expressed disappointment over the absence of Jesper Kyd's iconic compositions, feeling that the new soundtrack, while decent, lacks memorability and emotional impact compared to previous titles. Overall, while the music contributes positively to the game's ambiance, it does not reach the heights of earlier installments in the series.
“The atmospheric soundtrack complements the gameplay perfectly, enhancing the tension during critical moments and providing a sense of accomplishment when a mission is successfully completed.”
“The game's soundtrack is also noteworthy, featuring a mix of electronic and orchestral music composed by Niels Bye Nielsen.”
“The soundtrack is overall pretty good, nice atmospheric stealth music for the most part.”
“The very dull 007-esque tone and unappealing music puts me off and feels very non-Hitman.”
“The dull, unappealing atmosphere, the off-putting, excessively heroic and unfitting music, and the boring, unvaried voice acting killed my interest in the game.”
“Hitman 2's story is more about Diana and 47's origins, therefore the soundtrack in Hitman 2 is much slower, quiet, melancholic, and depressing compared to the explosive and bombastic soundtrack of Hitman (2016).”
- optimization143 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its smooth performance and solid frame rates, while others report significant issues such as stuttering, poor 4K performance, and inconsistent frame rates, particularly in crowded areas. Many users noted that while the game can run well on high-end systems, it struggles on lower-end hardware, leading to a frustrating experience for some. Overall, the game's optimization appears to be a significant point of contention, with calls for further improvements to enhance stability and performance.
“The game runs smoothly, with no significant issues with frame rate or resolution.”
“Great optimization and fantastic game on PC.”
“It's a testament to the excellent optimization of the game's performance.”
“So I blame the game for being poorly optimized.”
“Incredibly fun and addicting game hindered by piss poor optimization.”
“Terribly optimized game, so many freezes and dropped frames.”
- stability88 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 88 % negative mentions
The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and various bugs that can disrupt gameplay. While some users note that minor glitches are manageable and do not significantly detract from the overall experience, others express frustration over persistent issues, particularly with AI behavior and mission prompts. Overall, while the game runs well on certain hardware configurations, it remains plagued by stability concerns that developers need to address.
“In 170 hours of playing both seasons combined, I experienced one server crash and that's it, so on my end, I can say that the game is stable and bug free (except janky enemy AI, but that's part of the charm).”
“Pros: perhaps the first Hitman game with bug-free and well-implemented AI, beautifully cinematic gameplay and cutscenes, industry-defining world building and map design, engaging music with stellar polish, and flawlessly executed mechanics.”
“It's very optimized and runs great.”
“Great game yet I cannot get it to stop crashing every 30 minutes into the game; it freezes and crashes to the desktop.”
“This game has an absurd amount of bugs and glitches that I have not seen fixed in any of the three titles. Enemies glitch through walls and ceilings, NPCs can see and shoot you through walls.”
“Freezes and crashes so often it just isn't worth it, and the makers clearly have no interest in supporting their work, as clearly demonstrated by the years of similar complaints by countless others across various forums without so much as any apparent effort at resolution.”
- grinding79 mentions
- 4 % positive mentions
- 43 % neutral mentions
- 53 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being excessively tedious and repetitive, often requiring players to replay missions multiple times to unlock essential items and achieve mastery levels. Many reviewers express that while the gameplay can be enjoyable, the extensive grinding detracts from the overall experience, making it feel like a chore rather than a rewarding challenge. Overall, players suggest that the game could benefit from reducing the grind and enhancing the variety in missions to maintain engagement.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“A bit grindy sometimes.”
“I like playing games with challenges but not tedious.”
“The unlock system is the most tedious thing I have seen in a video game ever because it forces you to play the same missions over and over again in only very slightly different ways to unlock vital equipment like the lock-pick and pills.”
“My gripes are minor; the sniper sub mode is horribly grindy and is the game's claim to co-op, which is not what I was hoping for.”
“After that, it's mostly grinding, saving, replaying, etc., until you unlock everything, which is kinda pointless.”
- atmosphere59 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is widely praised for its immersive and detailed environments, complemented by a fitting soundtrack that enhances tension and engagement during gameplay. While many players appreciate the lively and unique atmospheres of each level, some express a longing for the darker tones and music of earlier entries in the series. Overall, the game successfully creates a rich and varied atmosphere that contributes significantly to the player's experience, though opinions on specific elements like music and voice acting vary.
“The atmospheric soundtrack complements the gameplay perfectly, enhancing the tension during critical moments and providing a sense of accomplishment when a mission is successfully completed.”
“The maps are amazing, so many details and little things that create an incredible atmosphere.”
“From the glitz and glamour of a high-end fashion show to the gritty streets of a Colombian village, each location is beautifully realized and brimming with atmosphere.”
“The dull, unappealing atmosphere (before someone says it, no, I’m not asking nor wishing for a dark atmosphere specifically, many kinds would do), the off-putting, excessively heroic and unfitting music, and the boring, unvaried voice acting (except for 47) killed my interest in the game.”
“It is still better than Absolution (which was complete B-movie from start to end) but worse than Contracts (with their grim dark atmosphere).”
“We need the dark and moody atmosphere back.”
- monetization31 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 19 % neutral mentions
- 71 % negative mentions
The monetization model of the game has drawn significant criticism, with many players labeling it as a blatant cash grab that relies heavily on overpriced DLC and microtransactions for content that should have been included in the base game. Users express disappointment over the developers' focus on profit over player experience, citing intrusive ads and data tracking as further negatives. Overall, the monetization practices have left a sour taste, overshadowing the enjoyment of the game itself.
“The developers seem to have missed an opportunity to use game currency instead of microtransactions, which would have been a better approach.”
“In a world where triple-A games dominate with unnecessary enormous empty sandbox maps and microtransactions, I think it's time to take a break and enjoy a well-made game created by passionate developers.”
“I do not recommend any games that believe this monetization scheme favors the customers.”
“Have a look at the DLC - what it is and what it costs; most of it is just cash grabbing in the form of re-buying content from past games.”
“They've taken a masterpiece of a franchise and turned it into another lazy cash grabbing money cow to milk until it runs dry.”
“I'm very disappointed in this new direction and I'm not sure if I'll continue to support the franchise as it seems like it has become a cash grab.”
- emotional20 mentions
- 90 % positive mentions
- -5 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game elicits a wide range of feelings, from excitement and joy to sadness and introspection. Players report moments of genuine emotional engagement, such as crying during impactful scenes and feeling a deep connection to the characters and environments. However, some also express frustration with the game's narrative and mechanics, which can detract from the overall emotional experience.
“This game made me cry and pee with excitement...”
“A complex, emotionally aware and philosophically questioning game.”
“9.7/10 touching perfection.”
“The story is incredibly boring and fails to engage emotionally.”
“While the game doesn't take itself too seriously, the lack of a compelling narrative makes it hard to feel anything.”
“The emotional depth is lacking, leaving players feeling disconnected from the characters and their journeys.”
- character development4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
Reviewers praise the game's character development, highlighting the depth and variety in character design and NPC creation. The impressive graphics and diverse outfits enhance the overall experience, contributing to the game's appeal.
“No doubt about it, great game by far! The maps are fantastic looking overall, and I have no complaints. These developers truly are gifted when it comes to character creation, NPCs, and character development.”
“The graphics, character design, and environments are all awesome.”
“Character development has depth and adds to the overall experience.”
“No doubt about it, great game by far and the maps are fantastic looking overall. However, there are no complaints about the character development; it feels lacking and underwhelming.”
“The character development is shallow and fails to engage players on a deeper level.”
“While the game has its strengths, the character development leaves much to be desired, making it hard to connect with the characters.”