Meh
Being a veteran of the last Hitman game, I do notice a graphical upgrade from Hitman 2. The effects like rain and snow are always awesome and really add to the ambience, and are just plain nice touches. The environments are beautiful, and for Hitman aficionados like myself, it makes playing this new Hitman that much sweeter. The one big difference I noticed was the inclusion of more mirrors spread throughout the levels. It's always nice to see 47's grimace every now and then.
8/10
Sound:
Music - The soundtrack sounds brutal, to go along with a game that seems more brutal than the previous entries in the series, in my opinion. Right from the get-go, Jasper Kyd lets you know this isn't Super Mario 64. Dark and ominous, the music reflects the gameplay perfectly. There's nothing else I'd rather hear when I'm sneaking up on some poor unsuspecting sap.
Sound Effects - The sound effects go along with the in-game effects great. You get decent gunfire, and you hear a difference in sound depending on what surface texture 47 is currently on. I've always been impressed with the depth of accuracy IO Interactive went to when making that part of the game. The rain and wind sounds right at home, and nothing ever sounds out of place. They do a good job of utilizing sound to draw you into the game as opposed to zapping you back into reality.
9/10
Controls:
Here I have a slight problem, but it's not that big of a deal. See, I'm real used to the Hitman 2 layout on PlayStation 2, and they removed and changed a couple of things, yet a lot of other people seem to think the controls weren't changed at all. They removed the ability to hold down the Square Button to select from your Inventory without pausing the gameplay. I used to use that feature quite a lot. They also made running the default speed of Hitman, and removed the Run Button which used to occupy L2. When I first started playing Contracts, whenever things started getting freaky, I would instinctually hit the L2 Button, because in Hitman 2 he would Run away from trouble, and now, he just starts Sneaking instead of Running. I've taken a few bullets for that, but it's easily learned. I also don't really care for the Analog Stick pressure sensitivity you have to use for Sneaking and Crouching. I think it was better when you would tap the L1 button and 47 would be in Sneak Mode until you hit it again. Now, when you Sneak up on a Guard or someone, when you're close you have to let off Sneak, or you'll crouch under them. Again, easily learned and adapted, but it sure is a hassle that should have been avoided by leaving that area of the controls alone, in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the Map being on the L1 Button as opposed to hitting the Select Button then the X Button, but it's really no great use now that they also removed the quick lockpick technique, and besides, I was quite fast at hitting Select, X and then Triangle quickly to speed up the lockpicking. Other than the learning curve to adapt to the control changes, The controls are as strong as ever, besides the herky-jerky-ness of 47 when you need to finesse him through small enclosed areas. Then he moves like a robot. I've always disliked that, but they didn't change that part. It also seems a bit harder to Fiber Wire your intended victims in this installment the first couple of times you try. It seems real picky about 47 being DIRECTLY behind the enemy. Any angle and the game will just ignore your attempts. Once again, you can learn how and then you won't even notice it.
7/10
Gameplay:
There's not much to say about Hitman. Once you get the hang of it, it's just an awesome and rememberable gameplaying experience. The learning curve tends to shy away those gamers that aren't as patient and deliberate with their gameplay, and on the other hand, it rewards those who love that type of gameplay with almost endless hours of enjoyment. There's no other hotter game genre I can think of right now than Stealth games. If you love the Tenchu, Splinter Cell or Metal Gear Solid series of games, chances are very likely that you'll get right into Hitman Contracts. Be prepared to take your time and savor each level, learning the patterns and nuances that make each level an individual experience. I recommend the run and gun technique when you first start playing it, because it will help you get used to the levels while having fun in the process. Later, when you have a more extensive knowledge of the level, you can go for Silent Assassin. You'd be amazed how much easier the levels can become with a bit of experience. When all is said and done, this is one of those games you either love or hate.
9/10
Overall:
8/10
This is definitely a keeper for the Stealth genre fans. As always, if you're not sure, just rent it and test the waters.