The Sniper 2 is a PlayStation 2 game released in 2002 developed by Best Media and published by D3 Publisher, with a European release for the PAL market in 2003.
Originally developed for D3's Simple 2000 Series of budget titles exclusively for the PlayStation 2, The Sniper 2, based on the title, is a sequel to The Sniper, a Simple 1500 title that hasn't left Japan. Though obscure, The Sniper 2 is considered by those who've played it to be one of the worst games of all time, with its dated graphics, poor gameplay, and laughable voice acting playing a big part in that claim.
Former mob hitman and firefighter Harry C. Spencer is on the run from the mob alongside his girlfriend C.A. (who may or may not be a clone of Harry's previous girlfriend, Claire). While driving, they pick up a stranded mechanic named Stanley Jones, but when they stop for a bite to eat, they get ambushed by the mafia, who are targeting a mysterious hitman known as Gabriel Armitage, who kidnaps C.A. Harry is then recruited by CIA Agent Abby, who is on a mission to reclaim a deadly virus Gabriel stole known as "Tacklmacain". Since Harry and Stanley were infected by Tacklmacain, Abby promises them a cure if they help her take down some mafioso looking to claim Tacklmacain for themselves.
However, not all is as it seems, as Harry and Stanley learn through a lot of stilted cutscenes that something is afoot.
The game is structured like a TV show, with each level having their own opening and closing credits. The music was even composed by Tsukasa Masuko, though don't expect this to be his best work.
- Anti-Villain: Gabriel turns out to be this, as he's revealed to be on a vengeance quest to take down Robert Bernaldi for ruining his life.
- Captain Ersatz:
- The Don: Robert Bernaldi, head of the Bernaldi Family.
- Final Boss: Robert Bernaldi in the Normal/Bad Ending, who doesn't really put up much of a challenge.
- True Final Boss: Senator Belini in the Good Ending, who is tricky to hit thanks to riding in a helicopter that refuses to stand still for long.
- The Man Behind the Man: Senator Belini is revealed to be the one behind the Bernaldi and the Tacklmacain conspiracy, despite only showing up for his final boss fight in the Good Ending.
- The Mole: Abby turns out to be working for Bernaldi/Belini, and to drive in the knife further, she turns out to be Gabriel's lover Cindy Miller, who betrayed him despite Gabriel killing his own friends to ensure her safety.
