Graphics

Unfortunately, this game now looks dated and sad in comparison to some games around these days for the PS2. Textures are pretty ropey, there is little terrain detail and character models now clearly outdated. Our very own 47 waddles like a leper-infested tortoise, and NPCs are pretty wooden too. The same can be said for the lacklustre soundtrack. With no diversity, the dull, repetitive operatic background seems out of place in a rich pervert’s penthouse, or in a computer nerd’s basement, an Arabic marketplace, or a Shogun’s Bruce Lee-esque shag pad. It just doesn’t work well.

Sound

The music is atmospheric, but completely out of place in some of the levels. In parts, it was often easier to switch off the sound altogether and slap on some Sabbath or Muse.

Gameplay

Some things in life were never intended to be enjoyed. Slipping condoms into a married friend’s jacket pocket, putting cling film over the toilet and sniggering in anticipation of the nasty shock someone was going to get, prank phone calls – none of that was ever supposed to feel good. Like many of the forbidden fruits of life, Hitman 2 is both highly controversial and highly entertaining.

Of course, the game’s still pretty controversial, and downright violent too. Before GTA III, Hitman 2 was considered the most adult game on the PS2, and whilst playing, it’s easy to see why. As previously mentioned, anyone can and will bleed and die in the game. Civilians, henchmen, mafia bosses – all have guts and gore ready to spurt out upon shooting them. And what a lot of weapons one gets to use, too! Everything from twin pistols to AK-47s and even a crossbow gives the gamer a hugely entertaining time. What still astounds me about this game is, however, its replay ability. The thing is, this game is open-ended. Sure, you have to complete the levels – although how you do so is completely up to you. There are loads of possibilities – helped along by the ability to steal any dead or unconscious NPC’s clothing and disguise out man 47. Of course, it’s vital that you hide the body and try to act naturally – otherwise guards might discover your disguise, throwing your carefully-considered plan neatly out of the window. Pick your disguises carefully – if you try to pass off as a fellow guard, don’t get too close to other guards, as they might spot that you’re a fake. Likewise, don’t be dressed in a postman’s uniform and be lurking on the upstairs floor of the mob boss’s private manor. Alternatively, go in blasting – kill everyone and everything that moves, a simple but risky strategy which will get you in some serious trouble if you, say, run out of ammo. All this, and these are just examples from the first level. Genius.

Story

You play as Agent 47, a retired Hitman. With an act of faith, you return into the world that you once thought you left forever. After a close friend of yours is kidnapped, the only way to find him and bring him back is to go to your former agency and ask for information. The catch is the agency has a list of other assignments for you to complete. For the most part, the story creates a setting for your assignments. It is not very unique; the story will mainly just give you a reason to assassinate your victims. There may be some surprises later on in the game, but the story does not compare to other games currently on the market.

Summary

Overall, this game is a great work of art. Comparisons with GTA III for violence are, in my opinion, justified and mostly valid. Whilst there is little plot and even less morals, the game is so open-ended that you should find yourself playing again and again. The sound and sights, whilst not wonderful, don’t offend your senses, and there’s something for every sociopath with Hitman 2. JC