Hitman: Contracts

"This is surely going to be a great Hit!! :D"

Introduction:
I have never have played any of the other hitman as I just wrote it off as another rubbish PS2 port. I picked this of the rental shelf not expecting too much and bought it the next day. But why? Read on and find out.

Graphics: 20/25
I cannot really complain here. Okay it's not revolutionary but it is good, the areas feel dark and twisted with flickering lights and blood pools creating confusion and tension. The character models are brilliantly animated and the body clipping is very well done. The graphics are generally pleasing.

Sound: 22/25
The sound is once again scored by Jesper Kyd who is a very well known composer. The work is great as it is never too dramatic or vice versa, it is just right. The gun noises are not tinny in the slightest and combined with good voice acting as well it works a treat. You could complain that it's "too quiet" but that is nit-picking really.

Gameplay: 19/25
The engine itself has be renovated and has a much more clean feeling to it. This has greatly improved the game as the genral slick and slightly noir artistic feel is very original which is nice for a game of this genre. If I was going to say something bad about something it would be the fact that your entire plan and work can go down the drain with the slightest mistake or even things not even caused by you. But otherwise this game is very strong and artistic.

Long Term: 21/25
This game is reasonably long and very replayable, there are many ways toi play and getting Silent Assassin on every mission is quite a challenge. Combine this with the 3 different difficulties and you have hours of entertainment.

Overall: 82/100
Pros:
+ A great artistic feel
+ Continues the twisting storyline
+ Renovated engine

Cons:
- Tiny things can ruin your plan
- Patience is required in large quantities
- Could seem to hard if you don't spot things

A great addition to the series and a very welcome stealth game to add to a collection. Rent it if you liked the others buy it if you know you'll love it!!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 05/12/04