Hitman: Codename 47

Hitman Codename 47 is an odd one to write about. On one hand, it created one of the best stealth franchises, and on the other, it's clunky, ugly, and the level design is rigid. If playing this game first without any knowledge of the sequels, then I could see a lot more enjoyment being had here. The biggest problem for Hitman fans wanting to experience or revisit this game is that so, so many quality of life improvements have been made over each iteration that going back to this game feels obtuse and frustrating. Let's talk about the level design, for one. If played before any other Hitman, this game plays like a stealth/action hybrid with some very strong puzzle elements (that can sometimes be way too ridiculous to get without some sort of walkthrough). It's a hassle, but it's a fun challenge. Now, if played after Hitman 2 and onwards, this feels like taking a big step backwards in terms of design. For one, this game didn't have the rating system of the later games, which really dampens repeat playthroughs. Levels often only have one "correct" way to silently assassinate a target, and it often involves heavily scripted story sequences that take control away from the player. Enemy AI has way too itchy of a trigger finger. One slight awkward move and the entire level is gunning for you. Instead of big open sandboxes, you mostly get linear levels with a few exceptions. It's easy to see how this turned into the greatness that was Contracts and Blood Money, but it's just hard to go backwards so far. Graphically, the game does look dated, but it isn't so bad that it's unplayable. The physics are as hilarious as ever, which lends some charm to the game. Voice acting is also pretty awful, but in a good way (think Resident Evil). Overall, you won't have a bad time with this game, but you'll almost assuredly have a frustrating one. Would I reccomend it? Maybe. It all depends on how much you can put up with mechanics that were improved exponentially in later entries.

I remember liking the game when it first came out and recently purchased a combination of all the Hitman games including this one so I decided to try it out. The first problem came when I tried adjusting the graphics and immediately got a Direct3D error. After that, I opened the game and realized the game used the number pad as default control, so had to change that - not a problem, but it was a strange setting. Event he default WASD setting option that it could load up for you didn't use WASD for normal movement. But again, that's just a setting and easily adjusted, so no stars lost for it. The game itself is where the issues are. The right click menu, which you'll use often, is tiny unless you have your resolution set really low. The same for the captions for conversations. In addition, there are numerous graphical glitches. When I used the elevator in the starting tutorial area, I was suddenly falling through gray nothing forever and had to exit to the menu (no ability to save and would have to restart). I also ended up running around with a pistol stuck on its side against my body that I could see whenever I was next to a crate to pick up other weapons in the tutorial. I won't continue to play the game at this point as it just isn't worth it. There are newer games in the series to play and this game just did not age well at all. Graphics are mediocre, but I could forgive those if the rest of the game was worth playing. As I said, I do remember that I liked it 20-ish years ago, so the game itself is probably interesting if you can get past the graphics and UI issues. But you're better off just playing a newer game in the series instead.

No game has ever frustrated me like Hitman 47, and I'm not ashamed to say I used cheat codes to finish the last level. The game design is completely unforgiving, and if you've grown used to modern stealth games (or even the latest Hitman), you may be surprised by the things you can't do (for example, using items to distract guards isn't really a thing). Additionally, unlike later games in the series, you have very little health and can easily be killed if spotted. All that being said, the central stealth mechanic of Hitman (ie, dressing up as people) functions perfectly, ensuring that there is always a solution to every level (though you must be careful to have the right outfit in the right place). Sadly, the last level is basically a shooting section, and while the gun play is perfectly adequate (and pin-point accurate), I never had enough health to succeed. I really enjoyed my time with this stealth/dress-up game, but be sure you want this version over the more forgiving later games before you buy.

The first of the Hitman franchise got elements from Thief, Metal Gear Solid and helped set the standard for Splinter Cell and the stealth genre. Graphics were outstanding for the year it was released. The downside were some bugs, no in-mission checkpoints and many occasions where the game just threw you into combat and ignored stealth completely, so it had a big arcade feel at times. Some of these missions were rebooted in Hitman Contracts because the original concepts and level design were very good but the game failed to deliver a truly polished and believable experience. In missions like the one in Colombia against the obvious Scarface character it's very likely that you'll have to wipe out every single enemy in the map apart from the mandatory boss fight against him. It's worth the sale price, but don't judge it too hard.

I used to defend this entry until I replayed it recently. Enemies having eyes in the back on their heads when changing items in your hands is broken. Also, some of the levels are simply too long without having mid-level saves unless you die and need to use another life. I decided to call it quits after the Lee Hong Assassination and then got dumped in Colombia, which is a run around an empty map simulator. The game playing more like a bad third person shooter instead of Hitman 2: Silent Assassin and afterward also works against it for replays. It's enjoyable to see where the series started, but I simply can't recommend when it feels like a waste of time beyond seeing what it was like back in the year 2000. FWIW, I had good luck running on Linux with dgVoodoo drop-ins.