Hitman 2 Game Review: Another Solid Hitman Simulator

Murder has never felt so good! Hitman 2 offers multiple ways to become a great assassin. But does it work? ComiConverse reviews Hitman 2 on PS4 Pro

Hitman 2 Game Review: Another Solid Hitman Simulator

Credit: Warner Bros. Interactive

Agent 47 embarks on a stealth mission to track down the elusive Shadow Client while learning the truth about his past. The spy thriller takes the assassin across international locations, from vibrant Miami to dangerous rainforests.

IO Interactive refined the stealth genre with PC Exclusive “Hitman: Codename 47” back in the early 2000s, a game which successfully allowed players to become an ultimate assassin and master the thrills of espionage. It blew audiences away with the open level design and various approaches to assassinating targets as lethal weapon Agent 47. The realistic take on the genre propelled IO Interactive into the big leagues and turned Hitman into a well-respected franchise.

Sadly the series soft-reboot “Hitman: Absolution” failed to pick up steam from audiences, throwing away the smart stealth elements which made the original so important and instead focused on generic action. I despised this approach to one of the most influential stealth games, as it took such an iconic franchise and turned it into the shadow of its former glory. Luckily this changed with the excellent “Hitman (2016)” which went back to roots and focused more on the creative stealth. It’s updated gameplay mechanics felt refined, allowing players to approach missions at their own pace with multiple outcomes.

But, the game felt short of Square Enix financial predictions and ultimately lead to developers IO Interactive in becoming independent workers, cancelling plans for franchise expansion. Luckily these changes allowed for a sequel titled “Hitman 2” to be fast-tracked into production, but does it work out in the end? Has Agent 47 got another solid game under his belt? ComiConverse reviews the anticipated Hitman Simulation on the PS4 Pro.

Credit: Warner Bros. Interactive

I’m glad to say that Warner Bros. Interactive/IO Interactive’s latest instalment “Hitman 2 “ delivers more signature quality while introducing some of the biggest levels in franchise history. While it doesn’t redefine “Hitman” that much, the game offers more of the same approaches to stealth. Putting it above most games in the genre, celebrating everything audiences enjoy about being a virtual assassin.

The game’s story takes place after the events of Hitman (2016), as Agent 47 embarks on a stealth mission to track down the elusive Shadow Client while learning the truth about his past. Taking him across international locations, from a vibrant Miami racing track to the dangerous South American rainforests. It’s a pretty bog-standard adventure, which allows players to experience the different approaches to tackling targets - from insane disguises to freak accidents. Agent 47 is always finding new ways to defeat his goals, giving for tons of replayability to players. Strangely, none of these

IO Interactive utilises their expertise in creative stealth and opens world level design, which allows players to approach targets in multiple ways (including poisonings, deadly accidents and sniper shots). Hitman 2 levels are like puzzles: that includes different ways to be completed allowing for player exploration to aim instead of scripted moments. The over 100+ variations of assassinations make for one of the most repayable entries in franchise history, making players learn new ways to take down targets.

Credit: Warner Bros. Interactive

Each of Hitman 2’s six new locations is massive, with dozens of areas to explore and crowds to manipulate to get close with targets. From a race track in Miami to Mumbai slubs, players can choose their approaches to each destination: including disguises and multiple gadgets; there is no one way to defeat targets.

Player choice is encouraged, which makes replayability “Hitman 2” stand alone from the competition. Every level has their own Mission Stories, which work as scripted moments within the game world. Making for creative ways to kill each target, in often bombastic and intense ways. What I love about these Mission Stories is they allow newcomers step guides in how to become the ultimate assassin.

Hitman 2 encourages a level of creativity which really embraces the open-world sandbox nature of its design. Finding new ways to kills targets is a thrill, which is a tribute to the outstanding level design. There is something about throwing soda cans with deadly aim and using exploding rubber ducks in baths, which makes for one of the most impressive player choice heavy game in years.

Verdict

The game’s approach to player choice, open-world stealth action and replayability makes for an outstanding instalment in the series. All of the traditional Hitman elements are here, from insane costumes and silly ways to kill targets. Exploring each one of the creative levels was a thrilling experience to explore and makes for smart approaches in killing targets. I enjoyed these elements, as they feel true to franchise roots.

Hitman 2 doesn’t reinvent proceedings but doubles down on the impressive stealth mechanics and open-ended game design. IO Interactive delivers another great instalment, which should offer countless hours of crazy assassinations. I look forward to the see where Agent 47 goes next! Because this was a great adventure