Customer Reviews

Hitman 2: Silent Assassin

5 star:		(68)
4 star:		(33)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(14)

 

 

Well...I have had and played this game for 13 days and I must say again that I am truly impressed. Never before in my history of gaming have I ever saw a video game this sweet.

I just cannot stress enough how satisfying this purchase was to me and just think...I had never even saw the game in action before I bought it (except for the T.V commercial) nor did I take a chance on a rental (which all serious game buyers know is taking a great risk); Still, There was something attracting to me about the promotional poster for this game in the store before it was even released.

I took the chance and wound up with a solid gem to add to my small but growing collection of PSX2 games. I must admit as some of the other reviewers here have stated...Yes...At first the controls were a little frustating and confusing to learn but if you take the time and really try to like the game I am willing to guarantee that any gamer who likes action/adventure/stealth/horror-type games just simply cant go wrong with Hitman 2 Silent Assassin.

All of the essential elements for a great game are in Hitman 2.....Interesting storyline,Unique characters,Excellent 3D graphics in 1st & 3rd person view that accomodate the locations of places such as Sicily,India,Japan,Malaysia & more. Last but not least let's not forget the soundtrack that sets the tone and closes the cipher of this wonderful gaming experience which was conducted by the Budapest Radio Symphony Orchestra. This music lets you know from the jump that this game is not for kids but totally for the action junkie adults such as myself that have a passion for this kind of game.

The weapontry ranges from Fiber Wires (used for strangling), small Revolvers to Crossbows to Fire Axes to Sniper rifles to AK's & M16's this game has it all. They all look and sound realistic and the game developers didn't fail to demonstrate small but technical things that the trained gamer will notice such as gun blowback or the impact of the Deagle's slug sending an adversary flying back 8 to 10 feet or more depending on the situation at hand.

Another important aspect which I would like to mention are the graphics and surroundings. As I stated in my last review, The environments are HUGE and there are MANY different ways to complete a mission....Even after playing the game numerous times and memorizing exactly where everything is you can change up your execution plans and try different routes to deliver different outcomes which gives you endless possibilities of completing a level in countless ways...Honestly,Could any serious gamer ask for better that this??? You would have to search hard and I mean Damn hard because this is as great as it comes.

You will guide Agent 47 (Hitman) through the beautiful garden and enormous Cathedral of Sicily on to Russia's St.Petersburg. The architecture is very nice ot these stages but the true beauty of graphics in this game really start to show in Japan with the Ninja snipers camping out in the Pagoda temples waiting for you to make one wrong move. Agent 47 is decked out in snow boots and an eskimo coat with fur around the collar in the middle of a snowstorm and faces several Ninjas armed with anything from Katana Swords to AK's & Sniper rifles.

Malaysia is also nice graphically & Nuristan definately gives you that Middle-Eastern feel with the mosaics on temple arches complete with Arabic scribed along the walls and the turban wearing soldiers and vendors scavaging about but once I made it to India and saw the jaw dropping graphics there, I knew this game was now #1 on my long list of LIFETIME favorites!!!

Hopefully you will be able to tell by my enthusiasm for this game that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it to any hardcore gamer who loves action or tactical espionage. You simply can't go wrong here. This is a definate classic!

P.S. Some may consider this title to be a little on the edge with it's graphic violent nature but keep in mind that IT IS RATED "M" for "Mature" which means it was made for the mature grownup adult such and not for your 9-14 year old kids & children.

My last words are......DON'T SLEEP ON THIS ONE GAMERS! DO YOURSELF AND YOUR COLLECTION A FAVOR AND COP THIS GAME FOR YOUR OWN GOOD!

Hitman 2 for the PS2 is a game which makes a fine addition to anyone's game collection, a true masterpiece. The basic story of the game goes as follows: 47, who is a genetically engineered hit man trying to escape from his past by living as a gardener at a church in Sicily is the main character. 47's past is thrust back upon him when his friend who is the priest of the church is kidnapped and 47 must once again pick up his guns and go out in search for his friend by doing "jobs" for the Agency. Playing as the hitman, 47, you'll embark upon assignments which span a wide variety of world locales.

Unlike in most video games, 47 is actually interesting for a videogame character and what makes him interesting is that he exhibits nuances to the hit man profession which give him certain character contradictions. For example, (which I thought was beautiful) in the first cut scene 47 makes the sign of the cross before embarking upon his assassination mission. Other images such as the three crosses that rise up in the background as 47 departs on foot after the first mission or the rosary beads intertwined with 47's custom .45s gives the character a unique aspect to his profession.

The environmental graphics and character models are nothing short of superb. A noteworthy element that's been implemented into the character models is that there is no standard death animation. Their bodies will react differently depending on where you shoot them and with what. Another nice thing is that the AI is some of the best I've ever seen, you'll actually sweat it out walking into the lion's den to carry out your assignment.

The realism though is what composes the very soul of this game. One of the many factors of this realism is that you simply can't tuck that sniper rifle into your coat like on other games and expect to walk by the guards unnoticed. Plus, if you take a civilian's clothing the player will have to consider the fact that the average civilian doesn't pack a silenced 9mm everywhere he goes, so the player is forced to avoid confrontations with any guards in that respect. And believe me, the guards check!

As I said earlier, a true masterpiece (not just the game but the music too) which should not be missed by anybody! The subject matter may be controversial to some people but it's that subject matter which gives a breath of fresh air to the genre of stealth action games; even if 47 is preparing to cut that air off with his fiber wire! This is NOT a rental, BUY it, you won't regret it.

This game is perfect. As a hitman, you have a series of missions throughout the world -- Sicily, St. Petersburg, Japan, Malaysia, Nuristan, and India.. It's not just one mission per zone either (something along the lines of 20-25 missions, I don't remember exactly), the storyline is pretty good the music is just beautiful (I wouldn't mind a soundtrack of the game music) and the missions are excellent. What's best is that even though we've beat the game, we still can go back and replay missions to achieve higher stealth. The difficulty levels (normal, expert, and professional) are well thought out as well, forcing you into stealthier and more highly developed executions of the missions. All around, one of the best games I have played.

The video gaming industry continues to grow and grow, and this game is proof of that. With gorgeous graphics and a wildly structured game play experience, "Hitman 2: Silent Assassin" for PS2 is an interesting game that is unpredictable and overall satisfying. You never know what will happen next once you pop this game into your PS2 console.

You are a legendary assassin, only known as "47." People have no idea if you're real or only a myth. Your violence is well known in the world of crime. But, you've been out of the professional killing occupation for quite some time, trying to find redemption and peace. You hope you can start a new life and do good instead of bad. Things change when your pal, a friendly priest who does his best to guide you into a better life, is kidnapped by a notorious crime family and is holding him for ransom. Now, you must reluctantly dig up your past as a notorious killer and do what you do best. You'll have to work on a various assortment of missions if you hope to get your friend back alive. It's time to show this crime family that it was a big mistake to get Agent 47 upset--VERY upset.

The game is very entertaining and fun. While it may not be as addicting as "Grand Theft Auto 3" or games like that, it still opens your curiosity to a breed of game playing that you have never experienced before. The missions are open, for the most part, and offer a number of ways for you to carry them out. You can be a stealth ghost, or a madman killer with violent outbursts. Be forewarned that a lot of the missions require care and speed. Too much of a violent outburst from you can cost you the mission--or worse, your life. You have an assortment of weapons at your disposal (a cool one is the fiber wire that allows you to "quietly" shut up your enemies), and you are able to assume the identity of your most unfortunate victims.

The controls take a bit of time to get used to, but you get familiar with it all the more you play it. The graphics are absolutely beautiful, leaving it easy for you to get quickly sucked into your surroundings. A downfall of the game is that it is a very strategic game, meaning that you can't just always run out with guns blazing. This is usually the type of gaming I like, so it's taking me a while to get used to it. The difficulty of the game is pretty tough, no matter what difficulty settings you have it on. Some may find this extremely frustrating while others may find it satisfying. It all depends on what kind of a gamer you are; the strategic kind, or the violent maniac kind.

Be warned; this is in no way a game for YOUNGER PLAYERS. The game is rated "M" for "Mature," and it is rated that for good reason. Not only does it involve you being a cold killer, but the game also includes strong language, violence, and mature themes and situations. This is definitely not for children. This game is intended for older players and adults.

Overall, "Hitman 2: Silent Assassin" for the PS2 is a pretty good time, offering you a different type of a video game experience. While it may be a tough and complicated game to get used to, it's still a fun time and offers a unique style of gaming. What will you do, Agent 47? Are you ready to go back to the violent life that you swore to leave? If you want you buddy back alive and unharmed, you're going to have to put your game face on and return to the deadly and violent life of contract killing. It's time to put the fear back into those who wish to do you harm. It's time to reopen shop and be back in business. -Michael Crane

I've read a few reviews stating that the 'gun-blazer' types won't like this game. That is not at all true. You can take any level by force if you wish. Once you've built up a solid repertoire of weapons you can annihilate even the hardest levels without any sneaking at all. The beauty of the game is that you don't have to destroy everything. You can slither around, picking off your targets, and even a few innocent bystanders if you want to be nasty. Or you can practice what weapons go with which disguise, so that you're not noticed. *The enemy will notice you if you've got the right uniform with the wrong weapon. That's what gives for great replay ability, once you've beat the game you can repeat each level trying to improve your stealth ratings and achieve a 'hitman' status. I would recommend this game to anyone who is a serious gamer, who likes clean, crisp, digital graphics, and solid, challenging gameplay.

LIKES

*some of the best graphics for playstation 2
*challenging gameplay
*high replay value
*being a master of disguise
*wide variety of weapons
*innocent bystanders can be killed

DISLIKES
*too easy on beginner level
*too short
*cheesball dialogue, and bad voice acting
*no manual vehicle operation

As a 37 year old die hard video gamer that has seen everything from the "Space Invader" days of the 80's up to the great games of today, Hitman 2 Silent Assassin has to be one of THE ABSOLUTE BEST games I have ever laid eyes upon.

Let me start off with letting everyone know that I am one of those "choosy" gamers. I don't like them too simple or cartoonish looking. I also must have a challenge to keep my attention focused and there is definately one with Hitman 2.
The grafix alone are some of the best renders I have ever seen in ANY game on ANY platform. This one shows just how beautiful PSX2 games are capable of being. The sounds and music are also complimenting to the game environment.

I recommend this title to anyone that likes games such as the series of:Resident Evil,Medal Of Honor,Tomb Raider and so on. Bear in mind that you just dont run through levels shooting everything moving like most shooter games but here you are Agent 47.....A seasoned assassin that moves around silently incognito as an assassin.

You get to creep up on soldiers,change clothing,snipe,shoot,sneak....whatever it takes to complete your mission. There are always more that one way to complete a level and the environments are HUGE and totally explorable.
This game will give many hours of enjoyment and it is highly addictive.
I was skeptical about this release at first, But after reading all the good reviews here I took a chance and wound up with one of THE BEST games I have ever seen or played and that says a lot as I have seen a LOT of great games in my time. Everything you could possibly want in a strategy game is here! Don't pass this one up!

I never played the original Hitman, but this game has to be one of the best out there. The music itself is so engrossing comprising of orchestral music that fits the levels. The character models are spectacular, but what's even more spectacular, the bodies {fall} and move as they should. This game, far more than Metal Gear Solid 2 and Tenchu, require you to actually use your brain to solve problems. With some of the equipment, some of the uses are quite unique. The storyline is definitely engrossing, and one of the best out there. The game does allow multiple variations to resolve the problem, from being a mass murderer to the slickest assassins out there. This is one of those games that you can play over and over again. This game definitely is for Metal Gear Solid and Tenchu {people} out there. The only thing lacking for the game is the somewhat awkward controls, so bear in mind it may take an hour or so to get used to them.

Firstly, I would like to say that Hitman 2 plays really, really badly as an action game. Its just so easy to shoot the guard repeatedly in the stomach and take his AK then go into the building and destroy everything in sight (even the antique ming vase and the lampshades). But if you do this, you're playing Hitman 2 exactly how it was not meant to be played. You'll love this game if you are the kind of person who is very patient, because there's nothing more satisfying than walking out with all your objectives completed and nobody knowing what hit them until its too late.
Hitman 2 is a truly beautifully crafted game; the levels are complicated and more realistic than of any other game I've seen. The great thing about Hitman 2 is that you're never restricted to just one path, as there are always unlimited options open to you, so you never have to play it how the developers intended.
For example, on the first level, you have to assassinate a mafia boss in his mansion and rescue a prisoner. You can do this by either sneaking in and taking a sniper from his shed then shooting him, then garrotting the postman, taking his clothes and walking right in unnoticed, taking the keys from the dead mafia boss, freeing the prisoner then escaping in his car, or you can garrotte the delivery boy and sneak into the Mafia boss's bedroom, or kill a guard and shoot the boss with a silenced pistol on his balcony; and there's always the 'annihlate everything' route; the possibilities are almost endless, giving this game great replay value.
However, if you do choose to kill everybody, then you'll find that the ai are really, really bad at attacking you; they'll use no tactics, they'll just shoot you repeatedly in the chest, which you'll find on normal difficulty you can take a whole AK round and not fall over and die (30 bullets). However, once you progress up the difficulty ladder it becomes harder and harder to survive firefights, which is probably a good thing.
However, Hitman 2 offers a great diversity of levels, and each level is never a straight assassination; there is always a catch, for example you might have to kill 2 people, recover a nuclear device or you might not be allowed to kill any civillians.
Hitman 2 is set in 5 different stunning locations, Sicily, St Petersburg, Japan, India and somewhere in the middle east. The levels were designed by architects, so they ooze realism, and there are very rarely any doors that can't be opened. This adds to the choices you can make and the tactical planning.

Overall, Hitman 2 was definitely designed to be a subterfuge game that is like no other, and the game revolves around the ability to take your enemies clothes, which is seen in no other game i know of. If you're looking for something different, something that has style and a game expirience that appears in no other game, buy Hitman 2. If you're looking for a game where you can blow people's brains across the ceiling repeatedly, don't bother (although you can, but it soon gets tedious).

I thought I already wrote a review on this, but maybe not.
This game has all the pros and no cons. That's right, I
have no complaints. Everything about the game is fun,
and there are no "stupid" missions thrown in to just make
it more lengthy. You have multiple ways of completing
tasks, which gives it great replay value. Personally, I
have not lived up to being a Silent Assassin. I prefer
to kill as many people as possible, innocent bystanders if
necessary, to get the job done. If my ranking isn't
mass murderer, then I feel as though I've failed. There's
nothing more satisfying than blasting bad guys in the skull,
stripping them down to their boxers and leaving them
laying lifelessly in their own pool of blood. This game
has a save anywhere feature which most games of this
nature seem to neglect. Of all the PS2 games I now own,
this has to be in my top 5. Oh yeah, of all the PS2 games
I couldn't wait to get rid of, "No One Lives Forever" is
my #1. That game is worthless and I'm ashamed to have been
a previous owner. Too bad there's no support groups for
people suffering from ... video games like that one.

I rented "Hitman2" (a five-day rental), and have gotten past the the first couple of St. Petersburg missions. It'll have to go back to the video store tomorrow, but this is one game I'm gonna go out and look to buy. Here's why:

1. Graphics. Smooth, flawless graphics. No complaints whatsoever. As good as any game I've seen. Load times for cut-scenes and mission-starts aren't bad, either.

2. Difficulty/Replayability. This game IS kinda hard, even at the easiest setting, but not hard enough to discourage you from trying again. After dying once or twice on any specific mission while you're trying to figure out what to do, you'll get that "a-HA!" feeling when you finally figure out what you need to do to accomplish your job. In fact, I prefer a game to be a little hard as opposed to a little easy. Hitman2 makes a good balance.

3. Controls. Yes, the controls do take a little time to get used to, but they're not that different than "Medal of Honor Frontline". Are they perfect? No. But you'll get the hang of 'em. They don't RUIN gameplay at all.

4. Plot/Story. The story starts out intriguing (rescuing a priest). And, sure, the game doesn't really waste any time getting you right to the missions, forgetting about the reason why you're un-retired in the first place, but, did anyone really want to play this game for OTHER reasons than gunning down people? Granted, I haven't gone far enough yet to see if it ever gets BACK to rescuing the priest... not that I care. The premise is good enough for me.

The only gripes I have with Hitman2 is the "health meter" thing, not ever being sure how close to death I am (which, I guess, only reinforces the idea of being stealthy), and how easy it is to blow the entire mission with one wrong move. I mean, c'mon. Kill ONE extra person, and the whole mission is scrapped? It's frustrating, but not a fatal flaw.

Overall, I'd give "Hitman2" 4 1/2 stars, up there with "Medal Of Honor Frontline" and "GTA Vice City", even though all 3 are different kinds of games. Not as big a shooter as "M.O.H.", and not as open-ended as "GTA Vice City", but just as good.

Rent or borrow it first; you should end up realizing it's worthy enough to buy.