Customer Reviews

Hitman Contracts

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I haven't played too much of the game, but what I've played so far is much more fun and much less frustrating than Hitman 2. Hitman 2 was fun in its own right, but at times got extremely frustrating because of the ease at which your cover could be blown. In this one, though not a whole lot has changed control-wise, it seems as if it's easier and more doable to go through the game by taking different routes. Also, in response to the three customers that commented before me, I do agree that games have gotten much more violent over the past few years, however these games are not intended for kids, nor should they be sold to them. It isn't the game developer's responisbility to put out games that are acceptable for all audiences, instead it is the PARENT'S responsibility to make sure that their kid isn't playing these types of games until he's old enough to play them...Hence the rating system. If you feel bad about playing these games or feel that it's morally wrong to play such games, don't play them, but also don't complain about how they're not suitable for children when it's quite obvious that they were not intended for children.

Hitman Contracts did a lot of things right. The missions are much more open, the interaction is improved, and even the load times seem smaller. If you liked the previous Hitman games this certainly will work for you, I loved even the first Hitman game despite the then horrible control interface in the PC version of Hitman I. So all of that is better, but there still are some snags.

1) the enemy A.I. remains lacking. You can still just ambush them as they run stupid one after another past a door.

2) the briefings are horrible, I though Hitman 2 explained a lot more what was expected of the mission. In this case you often have to stumble a bit to find some of the crucial aspects.

3) there is no plot. I always thought this was going to be a straight up prequel. But the "story" is mostly the memories of 47 as he is wounded and remembering his past contracts. This form creates a very strong disconnect between missions as well.

4) there are limits on save games per level. I just hate that, specially since I love to try to kill no one but the target, which means a lot of risks and potential loading. IMHO this was done only to increase the hours of gameplay since the game is relatively short. And considering how sometimes a simple error can ruin your stealth; it is easy to press a wrong button and accidentaly pull out a gun, or a common programming error where a guard sees you through doing something you wish he hadn't seen. That sort of stuff is mostly ok, but I wish there wasn't a limit on saves per level.

That said I don't wish to paint too negative of a picture. It is still Hitman, it still is pretty good, and it is a great step up from the original Hitman. It just didn't feel better than Hitman 2.

Hitman should be considered a stealth game when categorizing it. Sure you can go through the game guns blazing and making all sorts of noise, killing who ever you please - but the point of the game is to take out your intended target and ONLY your intended target. When trying to run and shoot and even aim, it's difficult and I do admit, they could have done a better job there. The fact still remains, if you sneak up on your mark then you should have all the time in the world to aim at his head and squeeze that silenced round into his noggin.

Graphically the game is average for a third person game. They have added weather effects which are nice but let's face it, you don't play a game to look at snow or rain. The character models are a tad bit stiff and you feel like you're gliding more than running. Gameplay is the best part of this game making it a worthy purchase if you're a fan a stealth. Yes, you can kill who you please but you will not get the Silent Assassin rating if you do so which makes it even harder to complete missions adding more challenge to a game that would otherwise be easy to breeze through. Getting the Silent Assassin rating on a mission unlocks a secret weapon for each level you are able to achieve this supreme rating. The levels feel very open and you only have a certain amount of time to do certain things (ie. Poison a drink before it reaches the person) which makes this game a sort of trial and error. You do get some cool weapons but for the most part you'll be using an assortment of melee weapons or silenced weapons to complete the task at hand.

This game is a blast either way you try to complete it and should no be overlooked by any fan of the 3rd person shooter family or someone looking to be "sneaky sneaky." Stealth fans will definitely get more from this game as the straight through, mow down everyone in your path approach, completes levels a bit quick. The star off is basically for the character models being not up to my standards as far as they should look. Also, the fact that you have to repeat parts of the level over and over is somewhat tedious. Be that as it may, this game is enjoyable for the most part and worth a spot in your box or station library.

I stopped playing this game after finishing the first two levels. I found the play slow and boring and occassionally odd.

The odd: You "sneak" directly in front of enemies and they don't see you -- even if you bump into them.

The slow: You need to "sneak" around a great bit and movement in that fashion is slow.

Boring: You can play it as a straight shoot/slash game, but, it isn't really made for that so it is not very good. As a sneaking game, you need to follow the games procedures (get the pipe, bring it here, blah blah blah) and just following its directions is pretty dull. If you try to do something different, it rates you poorly. For example, on one level I shot my target and one guard in the restroom. No alarm, no one else around, but, I think the game didn't like that because I didn't follow their procedures (I think I was supposed to dress as a waiter and bring the guy food).

Lastly, it allows a set # of saves per level (0-7, I think, depending on difficulty). SInce I like to play for short periods of time, I didn't like having to plan my saves that way.

All in all, I suggest you pass.

OMG!!!!!!!!! This game is so much better than Hitman 2. Slow down time, stealth, and MUCH MUCH MUCH more weapons (like pillows and cue sticks) are at your disposal. This game is one of the best and even more better on Xbox. The guy that wrote the review above me is a pansy and doesnt know what he his talking about. Cry me a river you pansy. Play real games, not kiddie ones!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was and still am a HUGE fan of Hitman 2 - freaking awesome game. I'm also not all that big on trying to complete missions with a silent assasin rating... Nor do I run n' gun... I'm kinda in-between, shoot a couple guys, but remain stealthy, no close encounters, etc.

This game is fairly absurd. Without a strategy guide, it's nearly impossible to figure out the small things like poisoning food, etc... For instance, Beldingford Manor, you have to poison and kill the horses with gas so they don't smell you, but first kill the stable guy to get his key, then find a water heater and turn it off so some lady in a shower won't be there when you go through the hidden door... the only problem is, there are no real clues and these kind of things are nearly impossible to figure out on your own, the game just gets daunting, and simply "that didn't work, reload and try a different approach" - it gets old FAST - this is the FIRST game I've had to get a strategy guide for in YEARS.... it's just that silly. Yet I was able to work my way through Hitman 2 with a few drawbacks and reloads, but it was reasonable.

I honestly don't recommend this game all that much, the plot is non-existent... and there is no real mission briefing, you aren't "traveling" around as a hitman like in H2 - you simply are just "there" in the levels... rather stupid.. and kills the whole "point" of playing the mission... just seems pointless...

The game is not that much fun compared to hitman 2, to hard to play silent without strategy guide and completely lacking a plot or "point" to even play the game...

It's still an OK game regardless, but many players will not enjoy it.

I own hitman 2 on xbox and I just bought hitman contracts and I love it. It doesn't have as many levels as hitman 2, but it is still fun. It has new weapons and better graphics. It also has improved levels. I like the begining sequence. This game is violent and is not for anyone under 16. I hope they come out with hitman 4. Anyway, this is a good game to play.
I have the guide to help me along the way. Buy this game.

To put it simply, this game rocks. If you like Splinter Cell and you love GTA then you're gonna love this game. I haven't finished it yet but I'm about 85% done and I'm already dreading the end!

Weapon choices are great... Use of strategy vs. muscle is great... and the fact that if one tactic fails you can keep going on with another or just start over again. You can save anywhere - awesome! (even tho I forget to half the time because I'm so involved with the game)

You gotta get this game.. it simply kicks ass!

I loved this game .The best way to play it is to try to get silent assasin on every level.This game is more of a stealth and thinking mans game ,although you can run and gun on some missions.... but thats not why your called "SILENT ASSASSIN" like on Hitman2.This is my 2nd favourite game after Splinter Cell :pandora tomorrow.If your a fan of stealth and cunning ,then get this game.This is more of an adult themed game .I cant wait for the next one.That GAMEINFORMER EDITOR missed the point of this game .. HITMAN is a (stealth) game ,its waaaaaay EASY just to (run and gun in this game) Actually the RUN & GUN feature of this game is WEAK...... its no HALO.The thing that made it more challenging for me was to get "SILENT ASSASIN" on every level.

I'm older than the average gamer, (35), and I think this is a great game.
Although I did enjoy the last hitman game but found it frustrating at times
and I thought didn't have enough action for my taste.

The great thing about this game is the great mix of stealth, action,and puzzle solving. Unlike Hitman 2, you can complete the missions by blasting your way through if you want.
But it's much funner to try to figure out different ways to make the hit. The easy setting is easy enough that it's not overly frustrating.
The graphics are about what you'd expect, good but not stunning.
The enemy AI is very good.
Overall this a great game for any fan of the series.

Now for the bad
This game is extremely violent. Over the top in my opinion.
Bondage, mutilation, etc. One particular mission makes GTA look like Disney.
I know the teenagers will buy it just for the gore. But personally I don't think it adds to the game.
Adults who like this genre should run out right now and buy this game. But don't let young kids play.