Hitman 2: Silent Assassin

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. Total Video Games
    100
    A game that’s as near to perfection as any other game in the genre.
  2. Gamer's Pulse
    94
    Enriching the gameplay experience significantly, the audio design stands out among the best this year. Sound effects garnish every movement and action, equally emphasizing visual and audio stimulation.
  3. Game Over Online
    92
    Involving, intriguing, solid, and just flat out fun. Who could ask for more?
  5. TotalGames.net
    91
    Combine all your assassination fantasies together, illuminate them with the cinematography of "The Godfather" and this is what you get. Pure class.
  6. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    90
    I was utterly addicted the moment I started playing Hitman 2. [Dec 2002, p.204]
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  7. Adrenaline Vault
    90
    Smart gameplay couples with intelligent AI to make sure you're kept on your toes at all times through this deep, stealthy shooter.
  8. Armchair Empire
    90
    Drastically improves on its predecessor’s shortcomings and turned out to be one the better games that I’ve played in a while – the presence of the in-game saves that were missing from the previous version alone nearly makes the game 5 times better.
  9. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    90
    It has you working through a story that's both compelling and, unlinke so many games these days, not utterly ridiculous. [Dec 2002, p.160]
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  10. GameSpy
    90
    While the subject matter is no doubt controversial and far from being politically correct, it does make for an excellent game.
  11. Yahoo!
    90
    Any game that excels while using a morally incorrigible theme, rather than solely relying on that theme to sell, deserves our praise and is definitely worth checking out.
  12. GameZone
    89
    Hitman 2 will really earn major points for the open-ended game design. With numerous ways to complete one mission, this will be a game that will get a lot of playtime.
  13. GameSpot
    86
    Exceptionally well done in most every way and represents a major improvement over the original.
  14. GamerWeb Sony
    85
    Minor problems such as a cumbersome weapon selection system, tough difficulty which makes it tough to be stealthy, and unclear objectives can be frustrating, but they are overshadowed by this game’s overall package.
  15. IGN
    84
    While the awkward controls and trial-and-error gameplay design might deter some gamers, Hitman 2 is deep with the kind of gameplay that stealth and shooter gameplayers have been craving for on PS2.
  16. PSX Nation
    80
    An enticing game that takes a lot of patience but also offers hours of rewards.
  17. PSM Magazine
    80
    One of the most cinematic, moodiest, and refreshing action titles to show up on the PS2 for quite some time. [Dec 2002, p.42]
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  18. GamePro
    80
    The controls, however, rain on the parade. They’re too intricate, and their fussy, challenging feel takes a while to master...If you have the option, play the Xbox version - it’s definitely superior.
  19. netjak
    71
    The game is fun the first time through, all though damn frustrating at times.
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  20. Play Magazine
    70
    A deep, refreshingly stylistic adventure that lets you play at the pitch you desire. [Dec 2002, p.83]
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Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best PS2 Game of 2002
16
#16 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2002
76
#76 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2002

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 109 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 83 out of 109
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 109
  3. Negative: 9 out of 109
  1. sinadoom
    Sep 11, 2012
    5
    Sometimes I wonder why such classics like this get released on platform they're clearly not designed for, with no effort being made withSometimes I wonder why such classics like this get released on platform they're clearly not designed for, with no effort being made with regards to changing the cotnrols to suit console. Hitman 2 is an absolute gem but the controls on PS2 are unbareable in every way. The button layout is random and not logical, senistivity is non-existent, it';s not responsive and overall it's very clunky. The graphics on this game aren't particularly good, but they're hideous on PS2 compared to PC. It's a lazy port to cash in on extra sales from the best-selling console without making any effort to make the game suitable.… Full Review »
  2. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Sep 11, 2023
    8
    Following the release of "Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty" in late 2001, there was a wave of stealth-based action games that flooded theFollowing the release of "Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty" in late 2001, there was a wave of stealth-based action games that flooded the market. "Hitman 2: Silent Assassin" was one of the best. A sequel to a flawed PC game, it put players in the shoes of Agent 47, a bald badass that can turn anything into a deadly weapon. Unlike other stealth titles, the emphasis in "Hitman" is on disguises and not hiding. It's also slow-paced due to the puzzle-like nature of the level design. In order to avoid detection, Agent 47 has to find the perfect time and place to strike his targets.

    "Hitman" has never been for everyone since it requires plenty of patience to play. Running and gunning will surely lead to a quick death. Yet, the satisfaction of a perfect hit is a reward in of itself. You'll feel like a true professional as you casually walk away from the murders you commit. But since all of your targets are agents of evil, you probably won't feel too bad about them. Featuring the scope of a James Bond film, "Silent Assassin" is an epic game. You'll infiltrate Italian villas, Japanese dojos and U.S.S.R. army bases. Each level is uniquely designed and it's your job to figure out their layouts before you attempt any kind of action. Again, patience is the name of the game.

    When I first played "Hitman 2", I was frustrated by the need for the extensive recon. But as I began to master each level, I came to enjoy its unique challenges. In fact, I became a big fan and have purchased every game in the series. While it hasn't aged well, "Silent Assassin" is still a very good game. If you've never played the series before, this is a good place to start. I'd give it an 8.3 out of 10.    … Full Review »
  3. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    8
    I watched a friend that knew the game back to back play this for hour and hours while we were staying at his house, many many years ago. GoodI watched a friend that knew the game back to back play this for hour and hours while we were staying at his house, many many years ago. Good old days, man.… Full Review »
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