Hitman 2: Silent Assassin

80%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,369 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • music
Hitman 2: Silent Assassin Game Cover
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Hitman 2: Silent Assassin is a stealth-based video game where you play as Agent 47, a professional assassin. The game features various missions set in different locations around the world, where you must eliminate specific targets while avoiding detection. Using stealth, disguise, and creative assassination techniques, you must complete your objectives and escape unscathed.

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Reviews

80%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,369 reviews
story125 positive mentions
stability36 negative mentions
  • Hitman 2: Silent Assassin significantly improves upon its predecessor with better graphics, controls, and a more engaging story.
  • The game offers a variety of missions set in diverse locations, allowing for multiple approaches to completing objectives.
  • The soundtrack by Jesper Kyd is exceptional, enhancing the overall atmosphere and experience of the game.
  • The AI is overly sensitive, often spotting the player for minor infractions, which can lead to frustrating gameplay.
  • The game can be slow-paced, with the stealth mechanics requiring players to move cautiously, making navigation tedious.
  • Compatibility issues on modern systems, particularly with Windows 10, can prevent the game from running properly without extensive tweaks.
  • story515 mentions

    The story of "Hitman 2: Silent Assassin" is generally well-received, with many players appreciating its engaging narrative that follows Agent 47 as he navigates a series of diverse missions across various global locations. While some critiques mention that the plot can feel disjointed or simplistic at times, the overall consensus highlights the game's ability to create a compelling atmosphere and character development, particularly through its unique mission designs and the introduction of a rating system that encourages different play styles. Despite some censorship issues and occasional frustrations with mission design, the story remains a strong point, contributing to the game's status as a classic in the stealth genre.

    • “The story is just captivating, making me even motivated to complete the missions in rapid succession.”
    • “The story of this game is, unequivocally, phenomenal.”
    • “This game has the best story in the series.”
    • “It's also censored; an entire storyline is altered to remove references to gurdwara.”
    • “The story itself seemed pretty straightforward: rejoin the agency to save a friend, kill this guy, kill that guy, oh now there's this other guy, travel the world killing everybody, finally get your friend back at the end after slaughtering everyone.”
    • “The story in general leaves much to be desired and the extremely subpar voice acting does not help it.”
  • gameplay223 mentions

    The gameplay of "Hitman 2: Silent Assassin" is widely praised for its significant improvements over its predecessor, "Codename 47," featuring enhanced stealth mechanics, diverse mission designs, and a more engaging sandbox experience. Players appreciate the introduction of new features such as the silent assassin rating system, realistic NPC behavior, and modernized controls, which collectively contribute to a more immersive and replayable experience. However, some critiques highlight issues with clunky mechanics, inconsistent AI detection, and a slower pace that can detract from the overall enjoyment.

    • “The developers retained the core gameplay elements from Codename 47, such as the ability to change clothes, use environmental methods for killing, employ the fiber wire and suppressed firearms, and utilize sneak mode.”
    • “This is evident in Hitman 2: Silent Assassin, where the strong gameplay not only opens up opportunities for high replayability but also allows players to experiment with various killing methods based on the environment.”
    • “Hitman 2: Silent Assassin managed to successfully build and improve greatly upon the gameplay of the first entry of the series and mechanic-wise can be considered the first 'true' Hitman game, featuring countless disguises and several different approaches to all objectives.”
    • “The gameplay feels like a third-person shooter with optional stealth mechanics rather than an actual Hitman game.”
    • “Detection mechanics are broken and render anything else but guns blazing impossible, and even then, the shooting mechanics are some of the most frustrating you'll ever play.”
    • “Some of the missions are too linear or too hard, and some of the mechanics are too unrealistic or inconsistent.”
  • music146 mentions

    The music in the game, composed by Jesper Kyd and performed by the Prague Symphony Orchestra, is widely praised as one of its standout features, blending classical, instrumental, and electronic elements that enhance the game's atmosphere and storytelling. Many reviewers express nostalgia for the soundtrack, highlighting its orchestral quality and ability to immerse players in various environments, making it a timeless aspect of the gaming experience. Overall, the soundtrack is frequently rated as exceptional, with some calling it the best in video game history.

    • “The original soundtrack was composed and produced by Jesper Kyd and performed by the Prague Symphony Orchestra.”
    • “The classical soundtrack complements the game's theme and plot.”
    • “The music is phenomenal, lots of fun, and a classic.”
    • “Game doesn't start, white screen while music is playing in the background.”
    • “Game will just go to an unskippable black screen after the main menu, plays some music for about a minute then goes black.”
    • “I press start and the screen goes black and I can only hear the music.”
  • graphics133 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many praising the significant improvements over its predecessor, particularly for its time, while others note that they appear dated by modern standards. Players appreciate the aesthetic details and overall visual quality, especially on higher refresh rate monitors, but some report persistent graphical glitches and limitations that detract from the experience. Overall, while the graphics may not meet contemporary expectations, they are often considered charming and well-executed for a game released in 2002.

    • “The developers not only enhanced the gameplay but also made significant improvements to the graphics.”
    • “The graphics engine obviously isn’t as good as modern engines, but the developers surely made the most of it at the time, and often you cannot help but stop and admire the amazing sceneries, architecture, and interiors.”
    • “Graphics are a great step-up from the original game, with far better character models; starting with 47's suit, the snow suit used in Japan, with a white heavy smock and thick combat boots.”
    • “You can take a chance with virus roulette, but there are no verified or official sources even after 6 years of this simple graphics bug.”
    • “The graphics are dated, the controls are clunky, the AI is dumb, and the voice acting is cheesy.”
    • “This game's graphics are what you would expect from a standard 2002 game.”
  • stability38 mentions

    The game is widely criticized for its numerous bugs and glitches, which can significantly hinder gameplay and immersion, making it difficult to complete levels and achieve desired outcomes. While some players find enjoyment in the game despite these issues, many report that the instability, particularly in AI behavior and mission execution, can be frustrating and detracts from the overall experience. Overall, while the game has redeeming qualities, its stability remains a major concern for players.

    • “Runs great on modest PC specs.”
    • “Runs great on Windows 10.”
    • “It's a buggy mess.”
    • “Glitches that make it almost impossible to complete levels are everywhere.”
    • “I can't even play this game on Windows 10 and on my ultrawide monitor; it won't even load, it just freezes at start.”
  • replayability30 mentions

    Hitman 2: Silent Assassin is praised for its exceptional replayability, allowing players to approach missions in numerous ways, from stealthy tactics to aggressive strategies. The introduction of a scoring system, unique contracts, and weapon collection further enhances the game's replay value, making it a timeless experience that encourages experimentation and challenges. Overall, players find the game offers a rich variety of gameplay options that keep it engaging long after the initial playthrough.

    • “This is evident in Hitman 2: Silent Assassin, where the strong gameplay not only opens up opportunities for high replayability but also allows players to experiment with various killing methods based on the environment.”
    • “The great thing about the Hitman series is that the game gives you a lot of freedom in how you approach it; you are in no way stuck to a linear setup in the levels, and as such, this game grants you a great deal of replayability as you can choose to play the same missions many times but go about them in very different ways.”
    • “Honestly, a bit ahead of its time for 2002, this game is timeless and is replayable for years and years thanks to how many ways you can do a mission and how you can challenge yourself.”
    • “Not only are there 21 unique contracts, but the replayability factor has been increased tenfold compared to the original – 47 now has a shed where he keeps all weapons he picks up during missions, and you can go out of your way if you so wish and gather them all: a remarkable collection of shootin' irons, adorning the walls of an innocent-looking wooden shack.”
    • “The game has more variety on how to proceed with assassinations which adds a replayability factor; trying to achieve silent assassin ranking to unlock more weapons is also fun and difficult.”
  • atmosphere26 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive and visually stunning environments, enhanced by detailed design and textures. Improved voice acting, featuring distinctive accents and native languages, further enriches the experience, while the exceptional soundtrack by Jesper Kyd elevates the mood and emotional depth. Overall, players find the atmosphere to be a standout aspect, contributing significantly to the game's engaging and believable world.

    • “The atmosphere is thicker than the cold blood in 47's pulsing veins thanks to beautiful detailed open environments, fantastic voice acting, believable characters, and amazing music by Jesper Kyd and the Budapest Symphonic Orchestra.”
    • “The soundtrack by Jesper Kyd is amazing, superbly well synchronized with the atmospheres presented in the game.”
    • “Massively improved drawing distance, assets of foliage are breathtaking in the introduction and in-game, atmosphere and mise-en-scène is top-notch.”
    • “Massively improved drawing distance, assets of foliage are breathtaking in the introduction and in-game; atmosphere and mise-en-scène are top-notch.”
    • “Ochreastal scores are tense; the blending of moods and atmosphere makes every moment feel nerve-wracking as you sneak up behind your target with your fiber wire pulled, ready to pounce and drag your victim away to take his clothes.”
    • “The atmosphere is thicker than the cold blood in 47's pulsing veins thanks to beautifully detailed open environments, fantastic voice acting, believable characters, and amazing music by Jesper Kyd and the Budapest Symphonic Orchestra.”
  • optimization14 mentions

    The game's optimization on PC has received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing significant performance issues, particularly on Windows 10, while others report smooth gameplay and high frame rates. Despite the introduction of various gameplay enhancements and features, the widescreen user interface remains unoptimized, detracting from the overall experience for some users. Overall, while there are notable improvements, the lack of proper optimization has left many players disappointed.

    • “Furthermore, significant improvements were made to the in-game gameplay, such as the introduction of very realistic NPC behavior, the debut of the silent assassin feature to measure player performance, anesthetics to perform non-lethal takedowns, a suspicion meter, modernized controls, Agent 47's normal health points, enhanced gunplay with a first-person perspective, most of the locations feature a point of interest, and the availability of save games.”
    • “This game has an adequate length, introduced many more options, a more consistent and logical AI, greater maps, and a better story too. Surprisingly, it aged extremely well on a technical note like UI scaling and performance.”
    • “The game looks good and runs smoothly.”
    • “Unfortunately, the widescreen user interface optimization issue was not addressed in this release.”
    • “Although it's not optimized at all to run on Windows 10, so make sure you refer to the fix posted on the community hub.”
    • “I can't really get past the first mission though because the game isn't totally optimized.”
  • grinding14 mentions

    Players consistently describe the grinding aspect of the game as tedious and frustrating, often leading to a sense of monotony in gameplay. While some find satisfaction in overcoming challenging levels, the overall experience is marred by clunky mechanics and an unfair AI system that exacerbates the grind. Despite the potential for varied strategies, many feel that the restrictions imposed make the process more laborious than rewarding.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Grinding in this game is incredibly rewarding and keeps you engaged.”
    • “The grind is satisfying and offers a real sense of progression.”
    • “All of this results in a tedious gameplay, and if you stick around, after a while you start to find glitches and abuse them heavily.”
    • “Although there is very little instruction for the levels, and the word 'tedious' doesn't even begin to describe the experience, the feeling you get when you finish that level you've been stuck on for an hour is amazing.”
    • “Gameplay is clunky, AI is omniscient, levels are tedious.”
  • humor10 mentions

    The game's humor is a blend of intentional and unintentional comedy, featuring absurd scenarios like characters pretending to urinate and the amusing interactions with NPCs during stealth gameplay. Players appreciate the self-aware humor of the protagonist, Agent 47, who exhibits more personality and empathy than in previous titles, while the use of cheats adds an extra layer of hilarity. Overall, the humor is described as quirky and sometimes inappropriate, contributing to the game's unique charm.

    • “The NPCs are hilarious when they get taken out.”
    • “It's funny trying to get the silent assassin rank, defiant, and you need to think your movements twice, that's why I love it.”
    • “How the game about murder is occasionally humorous and even pokes fun at itself.”
  • emotional4 mentions

    The game attempts to evoke emotional investment through its narrative, particularly the relationship between the protagonist, 47, and his mentor, Emilio Vittorio, but struggles to fully achieve this depth. While there are moments of emotional distress and personal stakes, the execution feels lacking, akin to an ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful effort. Comparisons to the emotional impact of related media, such as films and novels, highlight the game's shortcomings in delivering a truly resonant experience.

    • “This game does want to make you emotionally invested at times, but it's like a lanky 14-year-old attempting to bench press 300 pounds – the ambition is there, sure, but it's just not gonna happen.”
    • “Emotional distress, a lack of being and faith, 47 resides with his caring mentor Emilio Vittorio who eases his tortured spirit, giving 47 a brief respite from contracts on life until one day Emilio is kidnapped by a shadowy figure related biologically to one of the five fathers who attempts to fool 47 and ICA into getting him nuclear weaponry, much to the violation of ICA policy. 47 incidentally foils his plan multiple times and the player goes around the world to reveal his plans, assassinate him, and save Emilio.”
  • monetization1 mentions

    Players acknowledge the absence of ads as a positive aspect of the monetization model, but many find the implementation frustrating and annoying.

  • character development1 mentions

    While the game features impressive character design and expansive maps that enhance exploration, reviews do not specifically address the depth or progression of character development, suggesting it may not be a focal point of the experience.

Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

77% average critic score

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Play time

23hMedian play time
63hAverage play time
14hMain story
19hCompletionist
10-140hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 5 analyzed playthroughs

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