Hitman: Contracts

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 27 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 39
  3. Negative: 0 out of 39
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  1. RealGamer
    74
    Despite some linear missions the game tends to ooze replay value in the form of freedom and variation.
  2. Game Informer
    73
    An ambitious release for IO, but the end result is a garbled mess of a game that has lost its way. [June 2004, p.122]
  3. Play.tm
    72
    The level of freedom offered may be a dream come true for some but will simply be far too much for others, thusly alienating this title from a majority of gamers.
  5. GameShark
    70
    More of the same? Absolutely, but whether this is a good or a bad thing depends on your enjoyment of the previous games in the series.
  6. Eurogamer
    70
    If you're a gamer that embraces the open-ended trial-and-error gameplay, and don't mind that it's neither the best example of stealth nor action gameplay, then this will serve you well.
  7. Boomtown
    70
    And when atmosphere is the only new thing that you bring to the table, it had better be damn near perfect to make a good impression. Hitman: Contracts is just short of that, but is more than enough if you haven’t played Hitman 2.
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  8. Gamer's Pulse
    70
    Despite some motion stiffness with Agent 47, Hitman: Contracts is one of the top single player action-stealth games on the market.
  9. Edge Magazine
    70
    The picaresque form allows the levels to function as discreet puzzles rather than as parts of a story arc: the objective remains pure and always the same. The obstacles and methods open to you are what change, and it's in these areas that Contracts has both expanded and improved. [June 2004, p.103]
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  10. games(TM)
    70
    The whole thing smacks of laziness - of the 12 missions, we count a total of four completely new ones...the annoying thing is that Contracts is an enjoyable game; that IQ had the cheek to crib from its previous work almost doesn't matter when the result is still worth playing. [June 2004, p.98]
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  11. Yahoo!
    70
    A handful of glaring errors and nagging problems hamstring the title, preventing it from garnering overly high acclaim.
  12. Play Magazine
    67
    It's a shame he's such a one-dimensional character, wasting an exceptional opportunity for a compelling psychological backdrop to join the pervasively strong imagery. [June 2004, p.56]
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  13. Gamenikki
    60
    It just doesn't have heart.

Awards & Rankings

50
#50 Best PS2 Game of 2004
62
#62 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 72 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 51 out of 72
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 72
  3. Negative: 3 out of 72
  1. VLG
    Aug 22, 2023
    7
    Good Hitman game, the ending was amazing. But I really never liked these kind of games, still dont.
  2. Alex_Pilgrim008
    May 10, 2023
    8
    "Contracts" is the follow-up to "Silent Assassin". It features a much darker and surreal tone. It also includes remakes of a few levels from"Contracts" is the follow-up to "Silent Assassin". It features a much darker and surreal tone. It also includes remakes of a few levels from "Hitman: Agent 47". While not as acclaimed as its predecessor, the game still provides numerous thrills despite its lack of new ideas. In "Contracts", every mission Agent 47 embarks on is a memory that plays in his head as he lies dying in a Paris hotel. As a result, each level is given a very surreal and hazy feel. The missions are set in lurid spots, occur during rainy nights and take on the form of hallucinations.

    At the time of its release, the game was described by critics as feeling more like an expansion to "Silent Assassin" than a true sequel. Gameplay had been slightly refined, but it's ultimately the same as it was before. In addition, "Contracts" isn't a very long game and the remade levels (while good) are no substitute for new ones. Despite the shortcomings, this third title in the series is still a solid one. The standout scenarios include a kinky neon-lit nightclub and a countryside mansion in the rain. Those who enjoyed the sadistic "Manhunt" should appreciate the dark atmosphere. Overall, I'd rate this Hitman with an 8.1 out of 10.    … Full Review »
  3. nascent
    Jan 5, 2022
    7
    The Hitman series is incredible, the best of the stealth genre in my mind. I also love the level design and how many different ways levelsThe Hitman series is incredible, the best of the stealth genre in my mind. I also love the level design and how many different ways levels can be completed or replayed.

    Contracts is the weakest of the original hitman series, The biggest disappointment is that it's some sort of bastardization remake-sequel of Codename 47. I'm unsure why. Many levels are ripped right out of Codename 47, others are 'reimaginings' (for the worse), and it cuts out all the plot of codename 47 which is probably the best thing about the entire hitman series.

    Contacts doesn't even have a story of its own, it's some weird fever dream of playing random levels as if they're memories.

    However Contracts does have some great new levels and it is also the only way to play some codename 47 levels on console. But I wish they just ported codename 47 to console and made a new game with the newer levels.    … Full Review »
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