Hitman 2: Silent Assassin Review (`KokoJacK_^)
Hitman 2: Silent Assassin brings huge improvements over the first game, Hitman: Codename 47. Almost every negative point from the original has been addressed or improved. However, like its predecessor, this game is over two decades old and suffers from technical issues that require file modifications for a smoother experience.
Let’s start with the negatives. First, the difficulty. Ooh boy, don’t ever play this game on the hardest difficulty unless you’re ready to break your keyboard. The game is REALLY hard: some missions are so frustrating they’ll make you ragequit. As with the first game, expect to die and retry a few missions, especially on your first playthrough.
Apart from the main theme which is absolutely epic and some other pieces of work, the music is another step down from Codename 47 in my opinion. While it does definitely sounds more modern, with the use of a real choir and orchestra, it’s also far less memorable. It’s not bad by any means, just it has less character as Jesper Kyd’s first outing.
While the enemy AI has improved significantly, it’s still far from perfect. Guards are highly sensitive to your actions, which can get tedious. Something as simple as running while disguised or getting too close to them can blow your cover, leading to frustrating moments.
Now for the positives: the stages are much more varied, the maps are well-detailed, and the graphics are a massive improvement over the first game. The UI and map navigation are leagues better than in Codename 47, making this game much easier to play. That said, the HUD still doesn’t scale properly with higher resolutions, which can be an issue for modern players.
Another great feature is the freedom the game offers. There are multiple ways to complete your objectives and several pathways to reach them. This flexibility makes Silent Assassin feel much closer to a modern Hitman game. The addition of a save system, allowing you to save during missions (with the number of saves depending on difficulty and mission), is a huge improvement. The inclusion of a first-person view is another welcome addition, as it can be useful in certain situations.
The story picks up directly after the events of Codename 47. While it’s nothing groundbreaking and feels a bit bland at times, it’s less cheesy and over-the-top than the original game. The game is also significantly longer, taking around 15 hours to complete.
Overall, Hitman 2: Silent Assassin is a huge step forward for the franchise. Despite some frustrating difficulty spikes and minor issues with AI and music, the improved gameplay, varied missions, and better graphics make it a much more enjoyable experience than its predecessor. If you’re a fan of the series, it’s well worth playing.