I have played every Hitman game and I did enjoy this one, but I was expecting so much more from Hitman III. I think my excitement outweighed what I actually got. I was very impressed with the graphics, but the gameplay and AI is far too easy which makes every mission a walk in the park. I mean, the target literally walks up to you, and all you have to do is run around the nearest corner and throw a coin to make the guards look in the opposite direction, and then run over and eliminate the target and find the nearest exit, or you can just fire at them from a great distance without the need to get near them. You don't even have to worry if the guards spot you because if you quickly change clothes around the corner, or run a short distance away, the guards will quickly resume their post and act like nothing happened and the AI resets and continues to react like the target is still alive. The challenge just feels so basic, and all of the effort the developers had made setting up the different ways to eliminate each target are rarely explored, because there is no need to choose a harder method when the easiest approach is handed to the player. You can also select any level at the start which kind of ruins any sense of mystery in the storyline.
It is a good game with a lot of potential that has sadly been spoiled by the simplicity of the AI and easy target system. Several times I fired above the target's head and yet I still got them, although this might just be a glitch as I have noticed a few bugs in the game e.g. invisible washing machines and NPCs that are standing on tables. Last month I was playing the original Hitman 2 game (2002 version) and it was far more challenging and fun to play despite its graphics. When I look back I believe Splinter Cell was the very best at covert style missions, and I was hoping that Hitman III could have surpassed it. I play the game in off-line mode because I am far more interested in the original concept of the game. The online challenges are interesting if you want to get a high score and unlock items and easter eggs, but that is really not what the original games were about because the original titles were successful without that option, and I wish Hitman III could have followed it's original concept and focused more on harder main challenges and better A.I because you can easily complete the game in a short space of time.
Out of loyalty I give it 7/10. 5 points for graphics and the rest for open world environment and re-playability.
Good game, but could be better.