Hitman 2: Silent Assassin

 PC
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
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  1. PC Gameworld
    95
    More freedom, more options, and the same intense gameplay of the original. The sequel is much more forgiving on gamers than its predecessor, but the gameplay still remains as addicting as ever.
  2. GameZone
    93
    Every mission is a blast to play, with its incredible freedom, and the fact that no matter what you do, you’re going to have fun doing it. The game is stunningly realistic and stylish, and polished to a T.
  3. Computer Gaming World
    90
    IO Interactive has fixed almost every flaw for Hitman 2; the result is an almost perfect blend of action and stealth. [Jan 2003, p113]
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  5. Computer Games Magazine
    90
    Above all, IO maintains a consistent and impressive atmosphere throughout, with good-to-excellent writing, voirce acting, and sound effects. [Jan 2003, p.64]
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  6. GamePro
    90
    If stealthy, strategic action intrigues you, Hitman 2 is a blast.
  7. TotalGames.net
    90
    The game’s coup de grace, however, lies in the intelligence of the other characters you encounter.
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  8. ActionTrip
    89
    Sure, it could've been longer, and a multiplayer option wouldn't have hurt either, but even as it is, I really couldn't find anything wrong with the game - it's fun, intense, and most of all, highly enjoyable.
  9. netjak
    89
    Speaking of seeing, there are plenty of nice visuals in Hitman 2. The intro looks very nice on my GeForce 3, the fields, the tomatoes, all the cutscenes, when they aren't completely dark, look fabulous.
    All this publication's reviews
  10. IGN
    87
    While the title has significant improvements over the earlier version, it's a phenomenal game in its own right and one that's sure to have broad appeal, particularly among those gamers who like to put a little more thought in to their carnage.
  11. GameSpy
    87
    All about an engaging single-player experience, one that's far better than that of the original game. It's a game where colorful locales, tense situations, stealthy infiltrations, and bloody battles all smoothly go hand in hand.
  12. Games Radar
    86
    Challenging, cerebral, and maddening. Hitman 2 keeps you coming back but there just aren't enough saves in the game. [PC Format]
  13. GameSpot
    86
    Fixes virtually all of the problems of its predecessor and stands tall on its own merits as an outstanding action game.
  14. PC Gamer
    86
    The most impressive aspect of the game is the engine itself. [Holiday 2002, p.86]
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  15. PC Format
    86
    Challenging, cerebral, and maddening.
  16. Game Over Online
    84
    A game that can either be very good or suck abysmally, depending on how you chose to play it.
  17. RealGamer
    84
    The overall game could be completed in a short space of time that doesn't do much for its replay value.
  18. FiringSquad
    83
    A worthwhile game, but its stability, length, and a number of the gameplay dynamics hold the game back.
  19. CPUGamer
    80
    The major disadvantage of this game is that there is no multiplayer.
  20. G4 TV
    80
    It's a worthy title and Hitman 2: Silent Assasin places slightly above the rest of the pack.
  21. Armchair Empire
    80
    So despite being an excellent sequel to a solid first installment, I believe Silent Assassin to be a better game than "Codename 47," but I think many fans will always love the first game best, as I do.

Awards & Rankings

19
#19 Best PC Game of 2002
9
#9 Most Discussed PC Game of 2002
20
#20 Most Shared PC Game of 2002

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 547 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 433 out of 547
  2. Mixed: 89 out of 547
  3. Negative: 25 out of 547
  1. faizanali
    Mar 31, 2014
    10
    Hitman 2 is arguably the best stealth game that has ever released, forget the big titles such as MGS or anything like that. I'm not going toHitman 2 is arguably the best stealth game that has ever released, forget the big titles such as MGS or anything like that. I'm not going to say much about the graphics as they are dated now. Although, they were remarkable when this game first released. I'll add that the foliage physics are now absent from this iteration that were previously found in Hitman: Codename 47. I also like how ballistics work in the game, it's unique. The level design, for it's time, is phenomenal. Such is the case with the storyline. It kept me immersed throughout my playthrough. The environments are enormous this time. And they're filled with NPCs, that may be civilians or enemies, so you won't get bored just wandering around.

    The animations, however, are a bit clunky. But, again, taking into account its release date, it seems fair. Besides, it's nothing that would keep you from stop playing. I really, really loved sniping in the game. Some may say that the game is "hard". But that's just casuals whining how they can't move the mouse properly. The game's difficulty is realistic when played at expert, the AI becomes even more clever. At professional difficulty the game becomes frustratingly hard, you'd have to be a pro to achieve a silent assassin rating in that! Also the **** that say the voice acting is bad don't know what voice acting really is. David Bateson's voice is **** incredible, even more than Chris Formage's from GTA SA.
    Overall the game is a must-buy for all you stealth lovers.    … Full Review »
  2. AnonY
    Nov 29, 2008
    8
    This is a very solid game. I can only find 2 downsides. First, stealth is optional for a while. I just killed everyone in sight and beat the This is a very solid game. I can only find 2 downsides. First, stealth is optional for a while. I just killed everyone in sight and beat the level with ease. I'm not sure if that's bad or good. Secondly, the controls are somewhat awkward, making trying to run forward turn into switching items if your fingers are in the wrong position. Overall, this is a great game, and since it's free on Gametap, give it a shot. You might like it.… Full Review »
  3. Smilingcookie
    Mar 31, 2015
    9
    This is the classic. They managed to retain the obscure feeling from the first one, yet delivered a more polished product. Hitman 2 may haveThis is the classic. They managed to retain the obscure feeling from the first one, yet delivered a more polished product. Hitman 2 may have the best implementation of guns I've ever seen in pc gaming. Firearms feel very powerfull and are very effective. At the same time they can completely blow your cover and bring down a bunch of enemies on your tail. This keeps the shooting fresh and meaningfull. The level design is way superior to that in the first one. In 2002 the sound and graphics were unbelievable, but they're so stylish they still hold up. Gameplay wise, it's a bit less difficult than the original. Which is good because Hitman: codename 47 was at times almost impossible. It's still a thinking man's shooter. You have the choice between stealth, gunplay or the middle way, although stealth is encouraged. Sometimes you start out very carefully untill the game surprises you and you have to improvise or shoot your way out to survive. Those moments make the game stand out. The final mission "Redemption at Gontranno" is one of the best endgame levels I've ever experienced. Really, really good! 9.2/10.… Full Review »
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