Hitman: Codename 47 was a greatly anticipated little stealth thriller. It offered an interesting plot and an absorbing game world. It is now, however, probably remembered more for its flaws than for anything else. A game with some great ideas, it was ultimately let down by an unforgiving camera, difficult control mechanic and, most importantly, the lack of an in-game save option. Developer IO Interactive have listened to these complaints and, appropriately, taken them into account with t ... more >>

Hitman: Codename 47 was a greatly anticipated little stealth thriller. It offered an interesting plot and an absorbing game world. It is now, however, probably remembered more for its flaws than for anything else. A game with some great ideas, it was ultimately let down by an unforgiving camera, difficult control mechanic and, most importantly, the lack of an in-game save option. Developer IO Interactive have listened to these complaints and, appropriately, taken them into account with the development of Hitman 2: Silent Assassin.

Taking control once again of the nameless, hairless assassin, players are faced with the same scenario and take on an assortment of contract killings. Visiting the dark recesses of a world corrupted by crime, greed, degradation and dishonour, the past of our protagonist soon catches up with him.

The story begins in a Sicilian monastery. Codename 47 has been attempting to distance himself from his violent past, however the local criminal underworld discover his true identity and blackmail him into returning to his trade. Caught in the middle of a ring of deception, Codename 47 soon discovers that he has been manipulated and the hunter must now watch his back, as he has become the hunted.

As mentioned before, Hitman 2 does improve on its flawed predecessor. The game offers a variety of ways to complete each mission, first and third person perspectives, mid-mission save options, a new ranking system, and a revised inventory system that allows players to acquire and carry weapons and equipment from mission to mission. The bald fellow has an arsenal of over 30 weapons, such as pistols, sub-machine guns, shotguns and sniper rifles, not to mention access to new non-lethal weapons and pacifying gear, including chloroform, poison darts, stun guns and fibre wire for garrotting - phew!

The only problem is deciding which weapon to use.
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