Hitman: Contracts

 Xbox
User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
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  1. Nobilis1984
    Mar 31, 2021
    5
    Actually a good game. Would not be the bad control that has not been properly adapted to the console. This makes it difficult to play.
  2. Uter
    May 21, 2004
    8
    Yes, this is the best hitman yet. But it's still not perfect, or very evolved for that matter. The AI bugs me. It's too random and leads to some tedious trial and error. Having your cover blown when no one [alive] has seen you is ridiculous. I mean should everyone know exactly what you're wearing just b/c they found the body of someone you killed? If anything, the stealth Yes, this is the best hitman yet. But it's still not perfect, or very evolved for that matter. The AI bugs me. It's too random and leads to some tedious trial and error. Having your cover blown when no one [alive] has seen you is ridiculous. I mean should everyone know exactly what you're wearing just b/c they found the body of someone you killed? If anything, the stealth elements should be made easier than real life - not more difficult.… Expand
  3. RichP.
    May 7, 2004
    9
    Yes, it's not exactly a revolutionary step foward from hitman 2, but it still manages to feel fresher and edgier than most games. The beauty of the hitman series is freedom it allows, intelligence it needs, and creativity it encourages. It offers multiple routes through levels, multiple ways in which to accomplish tasks along those routes opening up a huge amount of possiblities. If Yes, it's not exactly a revolutionary step foward from hitman 2, but it still manages to feel fresher and edgier than most games. The beauty of the hitman series is freedom it allows, intelligence it needs, and creativity it encourages. It offers multiple routes through levels, multiple ways in which to accomplish tasks along those routes opening up a huge amount of possiblities. If your one of these people who like to be led by the hand through games, just has to shoot everyone, and run around to complete the game as quickly as possible - don't bother, this game is not for you. You don't deserve it. If on the other hand ,you are tired of games developers leading you through linear level after linear level, insulting your intelligence, being too lazy to allow you an freedom, or use of your brain (Splinter Cell:PD anyone?), knowing that as soon as you complete it you'll never play it again, this game is for you. Also i'm not sure what Kel R is on about, this game has more replay value than any title since vice city. There are just so many ways to complete every level. The joy is working out how! This title should be used as a template for all devolpers on how to create a game that is true value for money.… Expand
  4. Vladimirmichel
    May 30, 2005
    10
    This game is hot hot hot and its on fire burning with a blue flame.
  5. Badgirl$imon
    Apr 23, 2004
    10
    Best version to come out yet. holla at cha gurl.
  6. KelR.
    Apr 27, 2004
    7
    This game is good only for a weekend rental, which means you can beat it over the weekend. It was basically more of the same from the previous Hitman games. Yes the graphics and storyline are good but nothing revolutionary. When I beat the game I was amazed at how fast the time went and that it was over so soon. Basically it's like playing a really good movie and hoping it won't This game is good only for a weekend rental, which means you can beat it over the weekend. It was basically more of the same from the previous Hitman games. Yes the graphics and storyline are good but nothing revolutionary. When I beat the game I was amazed at how fast the time went and that it was over so soon. Basically it's like playing a really good movie and hoping it won't end but knowing it soon will. Yet, I had to take off points because it's not multiplayer, it's too short, and the replay value is non-existent.… Expand
  7. JBingaman
    Apr 30, 2004
    9
    This is a stand up game. It is everything the second installment was and a little more due to slightly improved graphics (remember Hitman 2 did look nice). The missions are fairly challenging,and the music keeps you on the edge. The missions are a bit darker in mood than in the previous games, but the world of Hitman is dark to begin with so this should not turn most players away. Replay This is a stand up game. It is everything the second installment was and a little more due to slightly improved graphics (remember Hitman 2 did look nice). The missions are fairly challenging,and the music keeps you on the edge. The missions are a bit darker in mood than in the previous games, but the world of Hitman is dark to begin with so this should not turn most players away. Replay is variable depending on whether you are the type to replay levels (there are many different ways to complete each level due to the games non-linear format). Definitely a must for fans of the first two Hitman games, and it is at least worth a rent by hardcore action/stealth gamers or anyone curious about the genre.… Expand
  8. MikeW.
    Jun 6, 2005
    7
    A solid stealth action game, but sadly it feels less like a sequel and more like an expansion pack for Hitman 2: Silent Assassin.
  9. SteveM.
    Apr 21, 2004
    10
    It's cool...
  10. Agent23
    Aug 5, 2013
    7
    Not my favourite Hitman game, lacking in the difficulty and nerve that Silent Assassin produced. The graphics are well done for the time this was produced and it is by far the darkest Hitman game, but really doesn't feel like a Hitman game. All of the other releases have followed a storyline that kept the player engaged and excited for the next mission, however Contracts is a simple run ofNot my favourite Hitman game, lacking in the difficulty and nerve that Silent Assassin produced. The graphics are well done for the time this was produced and it is by far the darkest Hitman game, but really doesn't feel like a Hitman game. All of the other releases have followed a storyline that kept the player engaged and excited for the next mission, however Contracts is a simple run of random levels, being excused by being 'flashbacks'. It's clear the developers didn't put much into this game and it's a shame as it had so much potential. With the graphics they had in hand and the writing team they had on their side Contracts could have easily made its way to the top of the list, but it didn't and after completing it, I felt slightly empty, feeling as if I had just wasted a lot of time and money. Needed more effort.… Expand
  11. Haldane
    Jan 21, 2023
    10
    I have a sprawling video game collection, have played hundreds of AAA games and plenty of AA's as well, but there's no game that even comes close to replicating the infectious tone on display in this one. The rainy day aspect of the whole game makes you realise how disturbing and crumby of a life Agent 47 lives, and the eerie atmosphere it brings makes you nervous to turn every darkI have a sprawling video game collection, have played hundreds of AAA games and plenty of AA's as well, but there's no game that even comes close to replicating the infectious tone on display in this one. The rainy day aspect of the whole game makes you realise how disturbing and crumby of a life Agent 47 lives, and the eerie atmosphere it brings makes you nervous to turn every dark corner, you just don't know what can happen. Of course, the negative aspect of the game being (now) elderly is that stepping out of line completely strips away the immersion because you are now in an unwinnable firefight with every NPC on the map, but unlike Hitman 2 all you want to do is follow the rules because at some points it does indeed feel like a movie, the atmosphere of classic missions like the Butcher or the Chinese Restaurant Massacre (among countless others of course) feeling like dreams when you look back at them, as 47 is doing in the game. Plus, the soundtrack by Jasper Kyd never gets annoying and throws you deeper into the level, unlike the menu chanting in the new Hitman 3. For its success in providing such an atmosphere, it deserves a 10.… Expand
  12. MisterCentaur
    Apr 4, 2023
    8
    My rating for Hitman Contracts is actually a 8.5. No game deserves a 10 in my opinion no matter how great they are. This game is still the best hitman game I've played that speaks volume about the identity of the hitman games. The previous two games dating back in the early 2000s' gameplay weren't fully developed and hadn't truly peaked yet. Contracts is the hitman game that finallyMy rating for Hitman Contracts is actually a 8.5. No game deserves a 10 in my opinion no matter how great they are. This game is still the best hitman game I've played that speaks volume about the identity of the hitman games. The previous two games dating back in the early 2000s' gameplay weren't fully developed and hadn't truly peaked yet. Contracts is the hitman game that finally achieved all of that.

    The disguise system in this game is the best as it will reward and punish you when deserved. It's important to note that Contracts is part sequel and part remake consisting of 6 new missions and 6 remade missions. With the assassination rating and the refined gameplay, I believe most of the remade missions are very good missions. Love all the remade missions. The new missions are truly the special kind of missions as they contain superior maps. It's very refreshing and fun to play. This is the most atmospheric Hitman game ever; it includes dark moments and bits of horror as well that will provide something new for the players. Final comment I would like to make is that Contracts is a great game when you've become good at it and even a better game when you learn to speedrun it. Great game.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

53
#53 Best Xbox Game of 2004
43
#43 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2004
37
#37 Most Shared Xbox Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 44 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 44
  3. Negative: 0 out of 44
  1. 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]
  2. 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]
  3. Xbox Nation Magazine
    60
    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]
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