Hitman Review (mdwbm)
What can you say about a game that is designed to be played over and over again! Well, when done right, you definitely get your moneys worth. With this installment of the Hitman series, I would say they did a decent job. Like that Janet Jackson song... They took 2 steps forward and 2 steps back.
The Hitman series is a sudo stealth, open environment, mini sandbox for killing specific targets. The formula has really not changed since the last few games and each target has a set of quirky styles for killing. The problem comes at how small the locations have become and how many people there are now as witnesses.
When you take a look at the environments from the previous game and this game, you can definitely see the improvements made. Each location is thriving with atmosphere and detail. Each level looks completely different with NPCs all looking different (the outfits and nationalities). There is definitely a lot to love about the graphics.
Switching over to the sound. I really cannot say much about it as it is more low key allowing you to focus on conversations and footsteps. And there is nothing wrong with downplaying sounds, music, and vocals. This is one of those games where less is more. Depending on the environment, you will be treated to great music or varied radio channels.
As far as game-play is concerned. I probably have 2 gripes with it. The first being that the drag option does not always show up and you have to reposition yourself wasting valuable time. The second is how repetitive the game feels like for kills. So much so that you are actively looking for an interesting way to take out the targets. Previous games, the same items were not littered everywhere making it a bit more interesting.
Then we get to the thing everyone is complaining about. And rightfully so! The way they split this up and then repackaged it while offering another version of this game only to charge even more money to get the entire game is horrible. This is one reason why I hate chapter releases. I bought this game on sale a long time ago (When it was available for purchase) and now just got around to playing it. Imagine my surprise that there is no ending. The story just stops and pretty much says buy the next chapter. O-wait I can't I have to purchase the Hitman: World of Assassinations (WOA)... But I cannot purchase the first tier because that is only this version. I have to buy the second or third version to get the rest of the story.
Also, the game features the online always. I hate when companies make you be online for offline single player gaming. I travel a lot and my internet is not the greatest. This hinders any game that requires such practices.
This game tries to expand its capabilities with contracts, custom made events, and various challenges. And I am sure they utilize that as a reason for the always online practice. For me, I still hate it and probably will not purchase WOA.
Ultimately, this Hitman game is still very good and worth playing. It is a shame I have to pay $70 to finish the story. Someone definitely took a Hit out on client satisfaction on this one. Hopefully future versions get their act together.