The latest and first next-gen installment of the immortal Hitman series.
The game, like the other ones, obviously is centered around hits. You'll find yourself put in a level, often quite small (smaller than some that have been seen in previous games) and be given targets. There are multiple ways to exterminate the target, and you could argue that there are more ways to get to and kill any one target in this game than you'll have seen in the last few. The new "Accident Kill" system has been brought into the fray this time round. It basically means that you can now kill targets in a way that makes it looks like a hit was not implied, and that it was, as the name suggests, an accident. This, along with a variety of methods, from strangling them in a small room, to running in, fully modified shotgun blazing, adds a required variety in the ways that you can kill your target; without this variety, the game would get very boring, very quickly.
However, despite these small new additions, the game still works on very much the same fundamentals. The levels feel very contstrained, the missions still have that trial and error element to them, where you'll find yourself saving, trying something, and if it doesn't work, loading up and trying something else. Sure, it's still fun, but it detracts from the atmosphere of the game.
Speaking of atmosphere, when it maintains it, it maintains it well. The musical score and presentation of the game is magnificent. The shadowing and lighting effects are complemented marvellously by the rich orchestral and choral backing music, all of which culminates in a real feeling of emersion.
As far as story goes, be prepared for perhaps one of the best final missions that you'll ever have played...and it's only 5 minutes long...You'll see what I mean. Dissapointingly, it wont take you much more than 10 hours or so to reach this finale, but there's plenty of replay value to the missions; and the prospect of achievment points on the 360 version will probably keep you going another couple of hours.
Overall, this game is yet another brilliant installment in the Hitman series. It is highly enjoyable, and a very involving experience. Despite this, it is just that. This series seems to be in an ever growing need of a re-think; it's getting a bit formulaic, and for those looking for a fresh experience...look elsewhere.