Absolution draws a hard line between itself and the previous 4 installments of the game without alienating die hard fans of this franchise. Absolution is far more cerebral than it's predecessors. The storyline is multifaceted and weaves together a plot that focuses on exposing 47's ambitions, strengths, and flaws without making him appear weak or whiny; he is still the ultimate badass, but much more human and believable. Absolution shows a more realistic and approachable 47; one I, and I assume others, can easily identify with. This game really develops Hitman's character on a much deeper level than previously attempted.
Pro's:
47:
This time the developers and artists really paid attention to not just the details, but also the fine articulations that make any fictional character real. This new adaption of 47 is corporeal; his psyche and physique transcend the screen and give the observer a real view of a 40-something genetically modified hitman that is a living legend and has mastered his craft beyond his lab-created abilities.
Abilities:
Previously, 47 could only shoot, strangle, or knockout opponents and rather clumsily at best. 47 couldn't interact with his environment much and if left unarmed, he was pretty much screwed. This time, 47 engages in some hand to hand combat. His moves are some what limited, but they prove much more interactive, entertaining and engaging than any previous version of the game. If you don't have a weapon or a character is threatening to jeopardize your mission, 47 can now defend himself, disarm opponents, and acquire weapons through physical force. Also, Hitman borrows some moves from Lara Croft this time. Don't worry, it's not cheesy. Hitman is still Hitman, just more mobile and agile.
Multiple Conclusions:
Missions can be mastered any number of ways. There really isn't just one way to obtain the perfect "Silent Assassin" score. This feature really makes the game far more palpable, challenging, and fun. Players can use all kinds of random objects found in the game multiple ways to achieve a desired outcome. Throw a brick to distract a guard, or beat him to death with it. Toss a bottle to distract a hapless bystander while you strangle your victim in peace and comfort without inviting an audience.
AI:
The AI has been greatly improved. Characters interact with their environment, situations, and the actions of 47 in many fascinating ways now. Characters generally still have predetermined paths but they can now be interrupted, altered, redirected, and distracted to allow 47 to accomplish his objectives. This really makes a difference in the game play. You no longer have to memorize guards paths or actions, rather you can now change the course of events by affecting the characters in any given situation to gain access to your targets.
Locations:
Level detail. The worlds in this game feel far more realistic than previous adaptations, yet still somewhat fantastical. Though most of the locations are fictional versions of real locations, each map incorporates characteristics of their real world counterparts. Chicago looks and feels like Chicago. The city, the streets, the library, the police department, and the people all remind me of the windy city. Same goes for all the other locations in the game. I will say the general appearance of all the locations is a little gritty and reflects a pre-economically depressed America. The artist did a great job.
Disguises:
There are a plethora of disguises for 47 to use to accomplish his objectives without raising the suspicion of the locals. All the costumes have a great deal of detail and each costume serves a purpose that suits the environment 47 happens to be operating in.
Contracts:
Create your own contracts and share with the online community. This is such a cool new feature that allows fans a social connection with each other that dissolves the barriers of borders and oceans. The game has only been out for two days now and so far there are over 50,000 consumer created contracts. Sharpen your skills or just have fun.
Inside jokes:
There are many situations, objects, and lines of dialogue in the game that play as inside jokes and nods to 20th century pop culture and I love everyone of them. To name a few, Die Hard, Dirty Harry Sudden Impact, Cobra, Dallas, Chris Isaak etc...
Plot:
The writers really got the story right this time. The story begins by cutting 47's last tie to the past while establishing a whole new era. I have enjoyed all the previous versions of the game but a few times the story line left me confused. This time all the contracts tie the game together in a logical and sequential manner. Very well done, IO.
Maturity:
Finally the developers made the game strictly for adults. I always felt the previous games where casually rated MC 17 for blood, gore, and some suggestive details. However, this time IO made the game Mature complete with strip club scenes, foul language, blood, gore, creative kills, and a intellectual plot. The game is definitely not for children and I appreciate that IO didn't play coy and target the game for multiple markets by toning down the adult themes. Tarantino would be proud.
Weapons:
Almost everything is a weapon.
Cons:
Weapons:
In previous versions of the game, 47 had access to an abundance of manufactured weapons. This version is no exception. There are many weapons this time around including: plungers, bust statues, screwdrivers, switchblades, bricks, ect. But previously firearms in the game reflected their real world counterparts in every detail. Either Licensing or financial issues (or a combination of both) must have come up during development, forcing the creators to rename weapons that were once S&W to Z&M and GLK to CLK, and Sig to Jag, etc. I know this is minor, but I really appreciated the real names of firearms. All the guns in the game reflect real world firearms in all ways but name. But I do miss the acclaimed desert Eagle from the 4 previous games. :(
First Mission:
I love and hate the first mission. The mission is fun and challenging to play. I do not want to give anything away, but like I said earlier, the first mission is a hard dividing line between this game and all the previous games. The only problem I have with this mission is the target.
Conclusion:
All in all this game is by far the best adaptation of Hitman yet. I highly recommend it. You can play this game and still feel comfortable without having ever played any previous versions. IO has improved Hitman with every game and this one really takes the cake. IO really went a few more steps than anyone previously anticipated. This game is not for children, it is mature and doesn't presume to be anything other than what it is: a game about a cold, calculating, genetically engineered Hitman who never misses his targets that abide in the slimy criminal underworld we pretend doesn't exist.