SpyHunter 2

Gamer's Pulse

The new Interceptor transformations and customizable weapons system makes playing Spy Hunter 2 varied and entertaining; even more, the challenge offered by the game’s enemies and bosses ensures proper use of these new toys.

Next Level Gaming

They made it just too hard in some places. When I am stuck on a level for as long as I was, that's too hard. When you have to start from the beginning of a level after almost beating it, and the level is almost 7 minutes long; that is too hard.

Gamezilla!

The controls for instance are easy to use and the AI is good enough to keep the enemies from being sitting ducks but not impossible to destroy.

GameSpy

While the improved handling and graphics are a treat, Spy Hunter 2 feels like it's moving away from the original's inspiration, instead of towards it.

GamePro

Explosively paced and tougher than Chuck Bronson, the game is also a suffocatingly linear one whose difficulty hinges upon repetitious trial and error, requiring you to play through levels repeatedly to memorize layouts and enemy patterns.

IGN

The frenetic action of driving and shooting is indeed here, replete with its minuses and plusses, and the game is harder and more challenging.

Yahoo! Games

Is SpyHunter a fun, playable game? Definitely. Is it an improvement over the last one? Sure, but it's still too "samey" overall, and it's certainly a better success on the single-player front.

3DAvenue

Whilst the game doesn't look bad, it is still a very average title in terms of visuals.

GameZone

Just isn’t as polished or fun as it could have been.

Cheat Code Central

Offers more of the same gameplay as the first SpyHunter but does nothing to top it.

PSM Magazine

An average game that lacks polish, but provides the simple satisfaction of blowing things up. [Jan 2004, p.32]

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

A big, fat disappointment...SpyHunter 2 simply lacks any soul.

G4 TV

It's a gifted, but often-troubled arcade game that forsakes depth for good old-fashioned death and debauchery.

Game Informer

The production values in this game are so poor, I would have thought that some dude made it in his basement. [Jan 2004, p.128]

GameShark

The handling of the car can seem touchy at times, but I was used to it by the time I got to the end of the first mission. It gets around the corners and handles almost like the old car does, even when it changes into the boat mode or the ski/bike mode.

1UP

May not be an outstanding game, but darn it if it isn't enjoyable. Its biggest fault is its lack of inspiration.

Gamer's Hell

Midway failed horribly in bringing any new entertainment to be sought out.

Play Magazine

Basically a run-of-the-mill action title in a heavily armored car that transforms. [Feb 2004, p.47]

GameSpot

Short, unbalanced, and somewhat unattractive.

Computer and Video Games

Feels like a step backwards for the series, and no amount of shape-shifting can disguise its mediocre gameplay.

Gaming Age

A disappointing sequel. The effectiveness of the mission design is effectively neutered by the poor play balancing, pulling the rug out from under the player before the game even begins.

TotalPlayStation

A shoddy sequel that does nothing to honor the original, Midway’s second Spy Hunter remake should’ve been handled by Paradigm, or at least another developer that was willing to do the series justice.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

Without the ability to transform when you want, Spy Hunter 2's confining missions are just too monotonous. [Feb 2004, p.106]

GameCritics

Spyhunter 2 isn't intolerably bad; it's merely average and uninspired.

netjak

The game feels rushed and cheap. With the wide variety of games to choose from in the PS2 library, it would be strange to even give a recommendation to rent this game.

GMR Magazine

Adding to the pain are the annoying escort and defense missions, the meaningless story line, and throwaway two-player modes. This is the rare sequel that gets it all wrong.

TotalGames.net

A very strong contender for the most disappointing title of 2004.

GameBiz

A rushed excuse for a next generation console game.

Game Revolution

If you’re going to go after a licensed act, why, uh, VANESSA CARLTON? Is she big at LAN parties that I’m not invited to or something? It’s mind-boggling.

games(TM)

If quality control was an issue, we doubt SpyHunter 2 would have passed the planning stage. This will be back in the box before you know it. [Mar 2004, p.117]