Hitman: Absolution

Meh. Easily the worst game in the series, far more linear and action heavy. I'm guessing IO were trying to make it a more mainstream title, and whilst there were some improvements to combat and movement feel (and visually it was impressive), that doesn't make up for the massive change in direction. Levels are way smaller, way more linear and combat seems far less avoidable. Thankfully they got things more or less back on track with the 2 Hitman games that followed this (actually I can't speak to the latest 'Hitman 2' but by all accounts it's more a season 2 of the episodic one). If you have only played the old Hitman games and liked them, I'd save the money and put it towards one of the newer titles. If you didn't like any of the other Hitman games, add a star to this review. You may actually get something out of it; as a stand-alone action game it has its moments.

People are overreacting. Absolution is more of a classic/typical stealth game where you have to sneak from point A to B without beeing seen instead of the free-roam sandbox approach of the other games. This might be disappointing for Hitman-only fans, but it is a functional and competent stealth game for fans of the genre with beautiful graphics and a lot of challenges, some of which are very hard and time consuming, but most are fun. They tried to make the game more straight-forward and cinematic and Absolution and Contracts have the best atmosphere out of all of the Hitman games. More morbid and dark compared to the other entries. It is a solid 4 star game imo, -1 because of a few filler missions and strange A.I behaviour, that deserves more love. You should check it out if you are a stealth fan.

After blood money and years of waiting, Absolution was a disappointment and over the years its been a personal frustration replaying it a few times. That because the game is quite fun if played like a loose, on-the-fly stealth action title but far too annoying and cumbersome to constantly replay for that coveted SA rank. Honestly, 2016 basically made Absolution a moot point, but i'd still recommend it for perhaps newcomers a little put off by the prior games somewhat now dated mechanics

As some other reviewers have pointed out, the mechanics of this game differ in key points from the previous installments of the franchise. However, they have been refined and reused on later games so may be they are more to the taste of current players. For me, the story lacked interest, the disguise system was frustrating and the Instinct Mode both broke inmersion and felt unrealistic. However, I did finish the game and enjoyed the locations, weapons, colorful characters and big variety of kill methods, which I believe are the core elements of a Hitman game. So, in short: not a bad Hitman game although it did not cater to my taste.

This is the most cinematic, and easiest hitman in the frenchise. I personally prefer Hitman 2 Silent Assassin and Contracts due to their atmosphere. Don't get it wrong this is still a game worth picking up, and playing it through. The game is pleasurable to play.