Hitman 2: Silent Assassin Review (The Chosen Chad)
Hitman 2, my introduction the franshise, a franshise still going strong!!
TL;DR : If you want to start with the Hitman franchise, start with Hitman 2, Codename 47 while good, is not a stealth game, its really Hitman 2 that puts this design foward.
Im currently marthoning all the Hitman games, out of nostalgia and since they were dirt cheap on steam, I decieded to buy the classics. Except for Absolution (that I own already on PS3) and Codename 47 which I already have a physical copy.
Since I cant write a review of Codename 47, I'll do a short one here. While an interesting game, especially if you are interested in the history of the game and the humble beginnings. I cant recommend Codename 47.
This game has undeniable charm, and really good concept they put foward in 2000!! But its also a game where the designers werent sure about where to go. Its half stealth, and half action. The few levels that really defines the social stealth are the whole contract killings in Hong Kong and the legendary "Tradition of the Trade". The shooting is akward, random, and unprecise. UNLESS you lean, you then have pin point accuracy.
With that out of way, lets start this review properly. Hitman 2 is old, but has so many things that got right, its a game that needs a lot of patience. You will wait, you will retry, you cant run everywhere,
What I liked :
- Great variety of levels
- Open levels to use as a sand box
- More than 2 ways to assassinate your tagets, even more if you consider bringing a sniper rifle.
- The introduction of save states that allows you to experiment
- A ranking system that rewards you with secret weapons
- A choloroform that lets you knock anyone out, especially civilians and police, which inders you score if you harm them
The best way to play the game I believe, is to first, play on normal use save states, get the best ranking (Silent Assassin/Professional) then switch to Professional when you feel ready. I personally had all mission on SA except I got Pro for Hidden Valley (a guard died due to a bug with the trucks) and Tunnel Rats (I forgot that I already killed a guard and I really didnt want to do it again lol). I only got a bad rating for St Petersbourg Revisited because I really wanted to go on Contracts and also to play the last mission which I enjoyed.
Now, the bad parts :
- I'd say the whole Japan levels are bonkers. They are obviously designed with the same idea behind the Columbian levels, i.e. Stealth but with a more accent into Action. Once you get the snowy levels, believe me, you will have a better time using the Crossbow to snipe these goddamn snipers.
- The AI is kinda funky but as long as you keep your distance, run when you are far. Its alright. Like I said, its a game that rewards patience.
And thats it, I still love this game to death, it was really nice to play it again!!