Hitman: Episode Two: Sapienza

Hitman’s second offering is even better than the first, proving that IO is onto something very special indeed. Here’s to whatever’s next.

As it stands, however, these things aren't deal breakers. Hitman may be showing the growing pains of a game learning to tailor its feedback to a much bigger playspace than the series has seen before. As it stands, that growth is leading to a game that feels just a little more at home with each episode.

Despite having a few distinct locations to explore within Sapienza, your main mission won't last long, but the variety is appreciated, with the lab feeling different from the mansion feeling different than the streets. In that regard, this episode feels far more well-rounded than the first. The mediocre AI and animations return, as does the need to repeat the same old spy tricks, but they take a backseat this time around as Sapienza and its colorful denizens take center stage. Episode two doesn't fill your plate, but it's a satisfying experience nonetheless.

The second episode of Hitman is a satisfying adventure that’s once again dragged down by technical issues. Looking past the extensive load times and online connectivity issues, there’s a fantastic episode here, with even more options than ever before.

As a debut for an episodic series it’s a confident and enjoyable start that bodes well for the subsequent levels (one a month for the next six months). I’ve played an early version of episode two which takes place in the fictional Italian setting of Sapienza, and that’s huge. An entire idyllic sunny mediterranean town to play with. Episode three jumps to Marrakech which is a city on the brink of war. If Paris’ palatial setting feels weighty and satisfying already, things can only get better.

IO Interactive doesn't disappoint with this second installment of the Hitman reboot, which features a big, beautiful, and dense level full of possibilities—one you'll revisit again and again to for the sake of creative murder.

In an ideal world Sapienza would have been the first Hitman episode released, as it's an even better showcase of the new (old) direction and mechanics and is obviously massive to even a cursory glance, heading off the 'wait, it's one building?!' criticism at the pass. Still, it's here now, and while it's a great Hitman level, it's also a superb experience in general.

Hitman Episode 2: Sapienza is a fantastic follow-up to the promising first episode; huge, bursting with deadly promise, and begging for many, many playthroughs. The lack of much meaningful local voice acting is a disappointing miss, however, and that...