Hitman: Blood Money has easily evolved from its predecessors and provided a truly outstanding game with its complexity.
Though the first game in this franchise was not upto the mark, the developers of the game didn't leave a doubt in anyone's mind with their sequel. It was a perfect game for the fans. Howvere, the third part was a bit dissapointing, as it featured the same gameplay from the second game. But Hitman: Blood Money, the latest installment in the Hitman series, proves without doubt how much Eidos Interactive has helped this game evolve over the years, making it the best in the series.
PROS-
- The gameplay is as solid as ever. There are innumerous ways to kill a target, making the game a very non linear experience. One can take up the silent assasin way to strategically plan your kill or just get your gun and head for a killing spree. It is actually possible to finish the game without any guns if done the right way.
- All new features add more to the already exciting experience. The all new 'accidents' can make you more stealthy in kills, while the new newspaper reports are a reward for all your hard work. One can now earn money according to his rating and can spend it on guns or utilities. The new 'notoriety' system also makes one more careful when leaving evidence witnesses.
- Unlike Hitman: Contracts, the game features a solid storyline though the missions are all done as a part of the past.
- Amazing and top-notch graphics on the consoles as well as the PC. Character models are most impressive and the environments are huge and beautifully presented and coloured to get the most out of game engines.
- A brilliant soundtrack by Jesper. The title track 'Ave Maria' captures the game's spirit perfectly, and all the game's music differ form loaction to loaction, fitting in brilliantly. Also, the voice acting form David Bateson is professional as usual.
CONS -
- The saving system in the game sometimes causes frustration. One has to create a profile and then save his progress after each mission, but if one wants to save during a mission, he can do it, but the file will stay until the console is switched off or restarted. In other words, once you start playing, you have to finish the mission or start all over. This gets particularly tough in the more complex missions.
- The AI sometimes acts unrealistically, even at the expert mode.
FINAL VERDICT
Hitman: Blood Money is a great experience with a load of new features and a solid gameplay, giving fans their money's worth and newcomers a new definition of stealth action.