I have no idea why people compare it to it, despite them having nothing in common. The "open world" is basically a hub where you take missions (which you can totaly just use a menu to do), and it plays just like a regular TPS. Personally I've always though about it as a more of a Max Payne inspired game, with its bullet time, and The Matrix for its crazy moves. Amazing rollercoaster ride to take. Turn your brain off and just enjoy great and stylish action with some seriously kick-ass music.
But in a good way. I remember getting this on PS1 back in the day. It terrified me as much as it impressed me with it's graphic and atmosphere. Truly haunting. The first game is pretty cozy with it's village (which I could never beat as a kid) and castle. The puzzles are not that difficult (except for a few in a castle) and it just feels like a walk in a haunted mansion. The second one I had some problems with, I don't know why. It's much bigger and more complex. It made me stuck a good amount of times. The whole vibe of Dracula in a big city sounds good, but could've been better. Still pretty fun. The third I've never played and it was my first experience. I was very excited after beating the first two, but unfortunately it doesn't run good on my system for whatever reason. I just cannot make it fullscreen and without it it's very uncomortable to play. For what I've seen after playing for a couple of hours - it's way more complex. The first puzzle with blood sampling sets the tone and I can only imagine what goes next. Shame. Really wanted to try this one.
Distinctly remember the moment I boot up this game for the first time on PS1. At the time it felt like total magic: the music, the graphics, the atmosphere. Having just getting a PS1 and this being one of the first titles I've played on it - blew my mind. I could never play it too much though because It legit scared me. Well and of course because I could never get out of the first village.
I beat this game multiple times and I have never used stealth. It is actually pretty fun to shoot in this one. And it rewards you with satisfying bullet time for headshots. Don't know about others, but it only encouraged me. Don't think of it as a Hitman game, but just enjoy it for whatever it is trying to be.
