Contracts is definitely worth a look, but will probably go down as the weakest link in the Hitman series.
Much of the game's story is told through flashback sequences. In the opening cut scene, it is revealed that 47 has just been wounded during the course of a mission. As he blacks out, we travel back to Romania in the facility where he was created. After killing Dr. Ortmeier -- the "father" -- 47 escapes and from there we take a trip through his memory as he recuperates from the wound. This method of storytelling is interesting and several of the missions once again tap into Agent 47's world traveler archetype. The game is even darker in tone than its predecessor in some areas, with one mission taking place in a meat preparation facility being used as a night club.
The gameplay mechanics in Contracts have gone pretty much untouched from the last game. The stealth elements still require use of disguises for the most part and the ever-reliable suspicion meter comes into play once more. The exception here is that 47 can now run, whereas in Hitman 2 that kind of action would have raised suspicion immediately. This change does work in some areas, but in others it feels like the mechanic has been dumbed down. It seems the characters in the game have an "out of sight, out of mind" mentality. It is clear that the developers are going for a more cinematic feel for these games and a mechanic where only walking is possible might -- lo and behold -- dumb down that effect. And so the trade off is acceptable.
Agent 47 has his arsenal of weapons again, but this time they're available for display in a different manner. Through the main menu, players can access a sort of training room where weapons may be picked up and tested in a firing range. Completing missions with the "Silent Assassin" rating will unlock weapons and 47 can, of course, collect them during his missions. Because the player will never really see this room during the story, however, the training area is more present for show.
Aside from some minor issues with the gameplay mechanics, other areas of the presentation lack just a bit. While 47 maintains that cool air about him, the story just isn't as compelling or interesting as the previous installment's. The graphics have seen little improvement, but the audio remains just as good with decent weapons sound effects and voice acting. Jesper Kyd's score this time around relies more on electronic chords, which is disappointing because Hitman 2's offering relied on the talents of a very robust orchestra and choir. Given the tone of the game, the dark electronica is certainly befitting but simply isn't as good.
Contracts is not a bad game. Far from it. But with Hitman 2 in mind, it just feels like something more could have been made from this installment. This game is definitely worth a look, but will probably go down as the weakest link in the series.