Hitman: Absolution

Quite an anomaly in the Hitman catalogue, Absolution plays very differently to the previous games. You'll experience action sequences and level designs that would better fit the Arkham games, and it's hard not to notice that Agent 47 is forcibly steered down many more courses of action than we're used to seeing. Still, there's enough of what we enjoyed about the earlier Hitman games to please fans of the franchise.

Compared to previous entries in the Hit-man game franchise, this one trades a semi-open world game play mechanic with being, not required, but strongly encouraged to sneak around from place to place. However, it still has the core elements of a traditional Hit-man game in it. With things like being able to change disguises, specific targets to kill, and being able to use the environment to your advantage (accident kills can be some of the most satisfying in the game.). Hit-man: Absolution's storyline is also the most personal of them all for the legendary Agent 47. Set after the events of 2006's Hit-man: Blood Money, 47 is given a task that will force him to turn on the only person he's ever cared for: Diana Penelope Burnwood. Before passing on from a grave bullet wound inflicted by 47, Diana uses her final, dying breaths, to ask 47 to look after one thing: a young girl that she stole from "the doctors." 47 chooses to fulfill his only friend's dying wish, setting up the remainder of the game for a cat and mouse chase as The Agency attempts to retrieve both 47 and the girl. Gameplay features a new "scoring system," which either rewards the player points for playing stealthily, or punishes him/her for making mistakes. However, if you are the type of player who prefers to go guns blazing, then you will find your score well into the negative. This could have been improved by playing as the Silent Assassin (leaving one's environment untouched and unaware) the most rewarding, and players who prefer to put a bullet in anyone that is carrying a gun will have the least rewarding experience. Each level also contains challenges, which, when completed offers a permanent score modifier to the player, but some of these challenges are also repetitive, such as "Find the Evidence" and "Wear All of the Disguises." Contracts mode allows players to challenge other player from around the globe to create in-game contracts using the game's levels. By doing this, players earn money for upgrades and they also receive scores based on their individual performance, which are then compared to other players. With new contracts still being created every day, this can be an exciting opportunity to improve your skills. However, the weapons upgrade system feels somewhat forced, because none of them can be used in the single-player story. So, overall Hit-man: Absolution is a very good game, it's just the repetitive challenges and the forced upgrade system that bring it down. PS: This game is also extremely vulgar at parts, so I would not recommend parents buying this game for young children.

So here's the thing. A lot of people have similar complaints including: the game is too short, agent 47 is too flat and the gameplay is repetitive. All those things are vastly misunderstood.

The gameplay is actually not a one trick pony. The player himself chooses his own style. This can be "Rambo" style where you can shoot everyone on sight or you can see the level like a real world chess play. Let me explain. All the non-playable-characters (NPC's) move around the level (chess board) in a certain pattern unless you interact with the environment. This can be through interacting with NPC's and/or with items and traps. You can also try not to discover these patterns and just use stealthy approaches. Or, you can combine ALL of these play styles and switch between them whenever you want or see fit. And let's not forget about the signature kills that are little puzzles by themselves. That actually debunks the argument of the gameplay being repetitive. It's actually quite varied.

Depending on your play style the game can be short or quite long. If you're a perfectionist and restart at checkpoints every time you got spotted then you got your hands full. If you're some impatient monkey only playing Rambo style you will finish this game relatively fast. Don't punish the developers for this only because you decided to take the easy way for a game that's not solely intended for shooting everything on sight.

Yes, agent 47 is flat. But in a good way. He's a hitman and not some emotionally disturbed tearjerker. His seriousness gives him character and it provides for humoristic scenes like the tin foil hat scene or the elevator scene with the sushi guy. Of course, if you only go Rambo you will miss A LOT of these scenes since most levels can be completed in a variety of ways. Check the challenges tab in the game menu for tips on that. This game does have a story and it helps with Agent 47's character. The other characters put down a good performance.

However, there are some bugs in this game and I wish there were some boss fights or whatnot. I was disappointed about the nun assassins (if you've seen the trailer) because they aren't that interesting. Also, I found the scoring/point system somewhat distracting. Still, I would recommend this game because I found it very enjoyable.

This is purely masterpiece, the story in this game is very best aspect in this game, the characters, the plot is awesome. The graphics i think very good than the new hitman game and this very amazing game

As a longtime Hitman fan, I have journeyed from the series' somewhat flawed beginnings to its more polished entries, all while reveling in the thrills of stealth and strategy. So, when I came across trailers for Hitman Absolution, I was immediately hooked. I bought it right at release, and honestly, the mixed reviews from some self-proclaimed fans caught me off guard.

Absolution shifts the focus slightly while retaining the core essence of Agent 47. This time around, the story revolves around our genetically engineered assassin protecting a teenage girl with similar enhancements from various nefarious entities, including a private military company and criminal syndicates. This narrative twist adds depth and urgency as you try to stay one step ahead of those who wish to exploit her potential.

Unlike previous entries that sent you globetrotting through diverse locations to eliminate high-profile targets, Absolution connects its levels through a cohesive story arc. You're now not just a cold-blooded killer; you're on the defensive, which dramatically changes the gameplay dynamic. The level design reflects this new approach, where covering tracks and eliminating threats become paramount in your mission to keep the girl safe. I found comparisons to Splinter Cell: Conviction fitting, as both games encourage a more reactive, strategic style of play.

What I appreciated most was the preservation of the series' trademark mechanics. Sure, you can expect action to be part of the experience, but Absolution doesn't stray into over-the-top territory like Gears of War. Rather, it still respects the delicate balance of stealth, where one wrong move could mean the end for Agent 47. It also felt refreshing and original, which is no small feat for a franchise with such a storied history.

Visually, Absolution holds up well, even over a decade since its release. The graphics, while dated, still deliver an immersive experience, and the sound design is stellar. The gun effects are particularly impressive, even if, in my stealthy playthroughs, I didn't get to enjoy them as much as I would have liked.

Voice acting remains solid, with Agent 47 once again being brought to life by the same iconic voice, contributing to the character's stoic and detached demeanor. While some might argue that the evolution of the series should keep it in a more traditional rut, I liken it to a band that has changed its sound while still retaining their identity. Absolution, in my opinion, is the pinnacle of the series, combining nostalgia with innovation in a fantastic way.

It's unfortunate that Hitman Absolution didn't receive the recognition it deserved; I often find myself craving a direct sequel that expands on this experience. For its refreshing gameplay and thought-provoking story, I give Hitman Absolution a solid 9/10. If you're looking for a stealth game that allows for clever tactics and engaging narratives, look no further.