Hitman 2

Hitman 2 is a direct continuation of Hitman in a new series of games about Agent 47 — the famous assassin who plays dress-up and spies. Players will unravel the past of the elusive Shadow Client while pursuing targets across 6 exotic locations, executing the most complex assassinations in franchise history.

Unlike the previous game, Hitman 2 is not divided into episodes — all game content can be completed right away. Stealth mechanics dominate over action, and the third-person camera remains. As in the entire series about Agent 47, stealth gameplay is a key aspect.

As for innovations, the black briefcase has returned, allowing players to hide and carry large weapons without drawing attention. There are fewer cutscenes, and no conversations at all — now players can enjoy the gameplay.

A mini-map has been added, showing targets and potential threats — for example, the chance of being discovered. It will also be useful during chases with security. If discovery cannot be prevented, a new display system helps players realize their mistakes: for instance, when security finds a victim's body, the game shows exactly where and whose body was found.

When eliminating a target, players can use many more objects: tools, vegetation, outfits, poisons, weapons, breakable glass, rubber ducks — all simple items can become part of a complex trap. There are also false elimination scenarios that lead the agent into a trap.

All missions take place in different corners of the world. The design of the locations is still top-notch, but the sandbox levels have significantly expanded in width, accommodating more scenarios for eliminating targets.

Additionally, IO Interactive drew inspiration from the best features of Hitman: Blood Money. The "Three-Headed Snake" level continues "Harvest Year" about the three heirs of drug lord Delgado's business, while "Another Life" is a reimagined "New Life." The target is holed up in the suburbs — low white fences, two-story houses, barbecues — it remains to eliminate her unnoticed.

Modern technology has allowed for the addition of numerous details and various nuances, which, when discovered in a new playthrough, can reveal ingenious schemes for killing targets.

The story of Hitman 2 continues the events of the original and revolves around secret societies controlling the world and Agent 47's role in all the unfolding events. The script stitches together all locations and living targets, such as drug lords, criminals, or businessmen. Fans will see familiar characters and learn what has happened to them.

With all the advantages of the plot, don't expect anything unusual: there are few characters, and the events shown in the cutscenes often develop on their own — somewhere a crisis arises, someone makes decisions, while 47 does all the work. Like in a typical action game, the story of Hitman 2 plays a secondary role.

Moreover, it can easily be forgotten while getting caught up in pure gameplay — playing is much more interesting than following the story.

At the time of its release, Hitman 2 was considered the most interesting project in the stealth genre, as the best ways to eliminate a target are not related to shooting or hiding skills. They immerse the player in a series of mini-quests — you need to eavesdrop on a couple of conversations, get to places where you're not expected, skillfully provoke the target using the information obtained.

You cannot, as in Hitman: Absolution, complete a level by creating a bloody terror. The main character dies quickly, there is a lot of noise from gunfire, and its mechanics are not very convenient — you can still make one shot at the target, but you won't be able to shoot from the hip at a crowd of enemies.

Hitman 2 features two competitive modes for multiple players: