Hitman: Contracts

Hitman Contracts does a good job on extending the series, even if it does not bring a whole lot new to the party.

The third installment of the series, doesn’t do much in terms of “innovation."

For many, HC will be a disappointment, but its inventive storyline and intricate level design will entertain lounge-room assassins.

It’s best to think of Hitman: Contracts as a mini game to keep fans of the series satisfied until a true sequel is released.

More of a hit than a miss but don't expect it to revolutionize the industry. It doesn't stray far from the formula that made the first two games popular.

Essentially, if you liked the gameplay and subject matter of its predecessor, you’ll enjoy Hitman: Contracts all the more. If violence and suspense aren’t your style, you’d best look elsewhere.

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]

Even though it's easier than before to bail yourself out with Plan B and a submachine gun if you do get caught, the subtler assassinations are usually worth the trying and dying. [June 2004, p.90]

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.

It’s using the same technology, and there are no new gameplay elements to differentiate it from its predecessor in any clear way.

The best thing about Contracts is the highly polished gameplay.

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]

Worth playing because its one of only a few videogames on the market that does not lead me from point A to point B and just flat out refuses to do any of the hand-holding that gamers are accustomed to.

Fans of the Hitman franchise will have a distinct feeling of déja vu. Newcomers should have a good time, though.

In this captivating outing, 47 revisits the past while modernizing the nagging flaws of his previous games, making for his best trail of assassinations yet.

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]

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.

Given that "Hitman 2" was such a huge improvement on the original, it's inherently somewhat disappointing that the new Hitman: Contracts is really just a rehash. It's more of the same, replete with everything that was good and everything that wasn't so good about the 2002 game.

It's got a nice open-ended style, a character that fits the gimmick, and plenty of violence.

While Contracts offers up some improved graphics and new levels, the gameplay remains untouched.

If you really enjoyed those previous missions, and I know I did, then you will really enjoy the new ways in which you can approach them. The new graphics engine and some more 'weight' to the story make for a more immersive game which is punctuated by a great new music score.

With a neat little story line, some interesting ways to complete your objectives, the Hitman series still manages to carve out a niche in this crowded market.

47 doesn't interact smoothly with his world. His movements come right out of the Max Payne School of Character Animation, with the antihero sliding and gliding across surfaces rather than running...None of this feels right. [June 2004, p.84]

This is more of the exact same Hitman you played with "Hitman 2." It's good, it's deep, but it's not really all that new.

If you’ve played the first two games in the series, chances are you’ll find little new to pique your interest. However, to fans of Hitman 2: Silent Assassin, this can be an endearing quality, as the gameplay stays true to form.

A solid offering for those that have never experienced the series or those of you who couldn’t get enough of "Hitman 2." For everyone else, this will be too much of the same and you’ll grow bored with it very quickly.

My only real complaint is that they took out a lot of the tension in the game. I guess making it more accessible to the casual gamers that lack patience.

Excellent, A+, great, great game. I can only think of one thing this game is missing; online gameplay.

It feels like you've played this game before because you have. [June 2004, p.72]

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]

Elaborate levels and the multiple paths you can take to solve them go a long way in making you forget about the lack of narrative element.

On one side you have a truly engaging experience that makes the gamer think about their actions and study the environments in order to be as efficient as possible. The AI is great and the replayability factor is high. On the other side of the blade you have a cumbersome inventory system, suspect character control, and perplexing animations.

From the story angle alone Hitman: Contracts is a worthy addition to the series, and will particularly entertain fans of the franchise who’ve played both the predecessors. That said it’s certainly time for some innovation.

This is never going to compete with the likes of Pandora in the looks department, this is instead about the gameplay. It's here where Hitman Contracts excels.

Added gore and a dark effect really seem to be the only things new with this game.

An overall better game than "Hitman 2," though as a series some of the concepts are becoming a bit worn out.

The levels are very well made and include great lighting.

The player has a choice. Doe she coax out Contracts' subtlety, or coes he play essentially the smae game he's been playing for two decades? The first option may have him tearing his hair out. [June 2004, p.90]

The sound is probably the best part of the game. The music by Jesper Kyd is, in my opinion, better than "Halo."

Check it out if you liked Hitman 2, but just remember, you are basically paying $100 (Austrailan) for 12 new levels of the same game and when you consider that Hitman 2 had around 20 levels, Contracts looks even less attractive.

Blowing away a group of SWAT soldiers with a “SPAS 12” shotgun down two flights of stairs has never looked or felt so good.

Somewhat reminiscent of a cross between James Bond and Mr. Clean, Agent 47 doesn't bring much that's new to this latest addition in the series.