Hitman: Contracts

"This game has its ups and downs. A solid 8, however."

I have always been a fan of the "Hitman" series ever since I got hooked on the Hitman 2: Silent Assassin for the Xbox. This next installment had problems, but was a very solid choice when I picked it up off of the shelf in Blockbuster. Taking Agent 47 from out of nowhere in a sanitarium to the annoying rabble of squeaky voiced Chinese bodyguards, to a final police shoot-out was definitly something I'd do over and over again.

Graphics: 7
I apologize for all the fanboys that feel like ridiculing me for this score on graphics, but they certainly could have up'd the ante a bit (bit, hehe) on the graphics. Although a tad smoother from Hitman 2, they weren't necessarily crystal clear. The added effect of the rain pouring down on you to show off a misty aurora was better than in the last game. The snow was done MUCH better in this game than in the last too.

Storyline: 5
Horrible. It clearly left itself open for a sequel but the concept wasn't what I expected. You basically find 47 shot and mumbling about how he was "found" by the police and intercepted, much to his surprise. Now, I'd rather not spoil the rest for my readers. It really has no storyline, up until the end, so you basically see 47 drift in and out of reality remembering his old "hits" when he's asleep. Definitley not what I expected, and if there is a sequel it will make this game look much better. (as the story just dropped immediatley at the end)

Controls and Handling: 8
The controls are pretty much the same as the last game, just a different configuration... which can be adjusted. You can still only hold one rifle at a time. There are more weapons to be used this time around and the controls make it easier to wield them with precision. Solid controls make solid weapons.

Sound Effects and Music: 8
The sound effects where very on par with the rest of the game's stand-up performance. When in Hitman 2 you slashed someone, you'd usually wait until the victim was already on the ground bleeding to hear the hacking sound. Not in this one. When you cut someone you hear it just as it happens; no sooner or later. The music is the only thing that derails this rating from a 10. It was a bit choppy in some levels and smooth on the others. Maybe a glitch? I don't know. But it certainly kept this rating from a 10. Another derailment was the speech. They still haven't fixed the damn speech problem from the last game. The speech problem is when 47 or someone else talks, they talk even if their lips are closed, as if someone dubbed it wrong. The speech is clear but does not match what the speaker is saying. Truly a disappointment.

Concept: 8
I separate this from the storyline for your convenience. The concept is still the same. You're given countless ways to execute your executions. The AI is smarter and more better than ever making it harder to be a Silent Assassin. Only those with patience... and a cold heart will pull the kill off efficiently, silently, and maybe right under someone's nose. Who knows? Hehe. As always, you can storm in the front of your buildings guns blazing, laying waste to whatever moves, be it a woman, guard, or dog (little puppy... you wouldn't hurt one, would you?) or your target, or you can sneak in the dark way murdering only those that need murdering. The concept is still as solid as ever.

Overall: 8
The concept was great, the sound effects were great, the controls although basic were great, the graphics were great, but the storyline was left off suddenly. Seeing that I have so many "greats", I give this game a great 8. Now, I hope you can have fun being a vicious killer. You know you want to.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/15/04