The formula is beginning to creak; just a little.

User Rating: 8 | Hitman: Blood Money PS2
"Hitman: Blood Money" is a better game than "Hitman: Contracts". However, don't expect much change in the gameplay. Instead, know this latest "47" title has a very involving story, amazing graphics and awesome level design. There are some subtle gameplay changes such as the "notoriety" system, new moves and the ability to upgrade your weapons "Resident Evil 4"-style. Also, instead of being awarded a special firearm for "Silver Assassin" status, you're paid handsomely for it. Die-hard fans of "Hitman" will remember this concept carried over from the PC game "Hitman: Codename 47", the first game in the franchise.

Every level ends with a report on how you performed through a newspaper headline. If you were stealthy, the news report will not have much info on "47". However, if your sloppy, Hitman's mug will begin to show on the covers! This is where the notoriety system comes into play. You can buy off police, civilians, even a "cleaner" to get back into the game without being suspicious in your work. I also like the "24: The Game"-esque splitscreen that occurs when events of interest happen. Like the dark "Hitman: Contracts", the level design is expansive and awesome. Figuring out how to pull off a hit without bringing to much attention to yourself is like figuring out a giant puzzle. You have to put all the pieces together in order to get the results you wish to achieve. Need help? Buy intel for tips and hints. More than any other action game, this is one that requires patience and thought. If you can get into that sort of mindset, then you'll have a great time with "Blood Money". Various difficulty levels (along with the different ways of completing a mission) give the game major replay value. It's one of the best games of 2006.