Hitman 2 Metacritic Review: A Stealthy Successor?

The Hitman series has long been synonymous with stealth, strategy, and cold-blooded murder. With each new installment released under IO Interactive's watchful eye, fans of the franchise have eagerly anticipated another chance to don the iconic suit of Agent 47.

Hitman 2 does not disappoint in this regard; instead, it amplifies every aspect that made its predecessor a critical darling while introducing some welcome changes along the way. In our review below, we'll dive deeper into what makes Hitman 2 such an exceptional entry point for both seasoned fans and newcomers alike:

Story & Narrative

The narrative of Hitman has always been somewhat hit-or-miss (pun intended). While it's not necessarily groundbreaking stuff this time around – Agent 47 is still on the run from his former employer, seeking vengeance against those responsible for a botched mission gone wrong – IO Interactive manages to craft an engaging tale through expertly paced sequences and well-developed supporting cast members.

The story takes place across several exotic locations worldwide (from bustling cities like Paris to remote landscapes such as Siberia), each offering plenty of opportunities for stealthy gameplay. However, it's worth noting that those who have played previous titles in the series may find some elements feeling somewhat familiar or even predictable at times.

Gameplay & Controls

Hitman 2 excels where its predecessors truly shined: in delivering an incredibly satisfying experience through cleverly designed levels and responsive controls. From sneaking past guards undetected to dispatching targets with precision headshots, every moment feels meticulously crafted for maximum tension and satisfaction.

IO Interactive has also included several new features that will appeal both veterans of the series and newcomers alike:

- A 'Focus' mode allows players to slow down time temporarily while aiming at enemies or interacting with objects in the environment. This can be especially useful during intense firefights or when trying to evade pursuers.

- The return of 'Bodyguard AI', which sees certain targets now being accompanied by heavily armed bodyguards who will stop at nothing (literally!) if they spot you attempting anything untoward.

Graphical & Audio Polish

Visually speaking, Hitman 2 is a stunningly beautiful game. IO Interactive has gone all out to create environments that are both visually stunning and rich in detail - from the intricate textures on Agent 47's suit to the detailed reflections seen across waterways during rainy weather sequences. If there were any complaints here, they would be minor quibbles about occasional frame rate drops during particularly intense set pieces.

In terms of audio design? Hitman 2 is simply phenomenal. From the hauntingly beautiful score composed by Jesper Kyd (which perfectly complements each scene's atmosphere) down to every single sound effect - from footsteps echoing through empty corridors to gunshots reverberating off distant walls after taking out multiple targets at once - it all comes together seamlessly creating an immersive experience that immerses players fully into Agent 47's world.

Hitman 2 is a stealthy masterpiece. IO Interactive has taken everything that made its predecessor so great and turned up the dial several notches higher, resulting in one of the most satisfyingly tense experiences available on current-gen consoles today. Whether you're an old fan looking for more Agent 47 action or just starting your journey into this critically acclaimed series, Hitman 2 is essential viewing.

Rating: Recommendation:

Hitman fans will love it

Stealth enthusiasts should definitely give it a try

Newcomers can jump right in without feeling lost

Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Hitman 2 metacritic