Hitman Episode 2: Sapienza Review Roundup

The second chapter of IO Interactive's episodic Hitman title has been released and critics have delivered their verdicts. How does it compare to the first episode, and is it worth investing your time and money in? Take a look below for the answers.

We've put together a list of scores and a short excerpt from each review. Give it a read and by the time you reach the bottom of the page you'll have a good overview of the game's critical reception.

For a wider view on the game's critical reception, head to GameSpot sister site Metacritic.

• Game: Hitman Episode 2: Sapienza
• Developer: IO Interactive
• Platform: PC, Xbox One, PS4
• Release Date: April 26

GameSpot -- 7/10

"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." -- Peter Brown [Full review]

GamesRadar+ -- 4.5/6

"As a follow up to the already impressive Paris this is a great progression. That first level showed what the game could do with a grunting scale. Sapienza, on the other hand, demonstrates a subtle ambience. The placid setting with milling tourists and locals really invigorates Hitman's well testing mechanics while the later villa stages really test them and I've barely dipped into the challenges and side mission like additional contracts." Leon Hurley [Full review]

PC Gamer -- 85/100

"This is an incredibly strong second episode. If this quality persists through future releases, IO have a shot at creating the best Hitman game to date. Not only is Sapienza a great level, but it also rewards some fun unlocks." -- Phil Savage [Full review]

Rock Paper Shotgun -- No Score

"It may have taken a while but Hitman is back and this Italian adventure is up there with the best of Blood Money." -- Adam Smith [Full review]

USGamer -- 4.5/5

"Your first stab at Sapienza might last only 4-6 hours, but it's hard to resist immediately jumping back in to explore the possibilities you couldn't quite figure out the first time. Hopefully, IO Interactive can keep up their impressive momentum with the next Hitman installment--their reboot as a whole is shaping up to be one of the best games of 2016 no one's really talking about." -- Bob Mackey [Full review]

VideoGamer -- 9/10

"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." -- Steven Burns [Full review]