Hitman: Contracts (ps2: 2004): Reviews

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Hitman: Contracts


8.3

based on 39 reviews
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based on 22 votes
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GAMES:

Hitman: Contracts takes you into the mind of Agent 47, the most ruthlessly efficient contract killer in history. The game begins in Paris as Agent 47 finds himself wounded and trapped in what is a dangerous situation, even for him. Hitman: Contracts explores the dark psychology of killing for a living and promises to be the darkest, most disturbing episode in the series. [Eidos Interactive]

PUBLISHER:	Eidos Interactive
DEVELOPER:	Io Interactive
GENRE(S):	Third-Person Action
PLAYERS:	1
ESRB RATING:	M (Mature)
RELEASE DATE:	April 20, 2004

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

GamePro

In this captivating outing, 47 revisits the past while modernizing the nagging flaws of his previous games, making for his best trail of assassinations yet.

TotalGames.net

Simply the most atmospheric game we've played this year. In terms of overall presentation, it is beautifully accomplished, but, and it's becoming more and more rare these days, beneath this veneer lies a game that's enjoyable whether you approach it as a stealth specialist in need of a fresh and fulfilling adventure or simply as a mindless blast-a-thon.

Next Level Gaming

Excellent, A+, great, great game. I can only think of one thing this game is missing; online gameplay.

Australian GamePro

For many, HC will be a disappointment, but its inventive storyline and intricate level design will entertain lounge-room assassins.

eToychest

Yes it’s short. Yes it sticks to the series’ formula. And yes it is essentially a one-trick pony. But like a good popcorn action flick, Hitman Contracts hits you in all the right ways and proves to be truly captivating while it lasts.

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

An excellent refinement of the previous Hitman game. For newbies, a spectacular assassination sim with few flaws, but for veterans, perhaps a little underwhelming. [June 2004, p.85]

Stuff

Elaborate levels and the multiple paths you can take to solve them go a long way in making you forget about the lack of narrative element.

3DAvenue

The completely open ended style of the game means that no two gamers will tackle the challenges the same and this offers a great level of replay to the game as well.

GameSpy

It's got a nice open-ended style, a character that fits the gimmick, and plenty of violence.

GameZone

A glance back and a look forward in a PS2 title that does not advance the series but maintains the momentum.

IGN

This is more of the exact same Hitman you played with "Hitman 2." It's good, it's deep, but it's not really all that new.

GameBiz

A nice addition to the series. It is darker than the previous releases and delves deeper into Agent 47's pshyche trying to immerse you into the game further.

GameSpot AU

If you're after a stealth game that isn't simply a matter of 'stealth to point A because that's the only way it can be done', however, it comes highly recommended, as each level can be replayed any number of ways, depending on how you mix up your stealth and blasting action.

Inside Gamer Online

The different solutions to each level provide enough replay value for a couple of extra run-throughs of the game.

Total Video Games

From the story angle alone Hitman: Contracts is a worthy addition to the series, and will particularly entertain fans of the franchise who’ve played both the predecessors. That said it’s certainly time for some innovation.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

Even though it's easier than before to bail yourself out with Plan B and a submachine gun if you do get caught, the subtler assassinations are usually worth the trying and dying. [June 2004, p.90]

PSX Nation

Although it's a bit on the short side with only 11 missions and a tutorial mode, there are multiple ways to go about doing things which offers up some pretty hefty replay value.

AceGamez

The gameplay is the most open-ended I've ever seen and you have such freedom to try different things that the replay value is really there.

netjak

The gameplay formula is as tight and rewarding as ever, and the slightly dated graphics can be forgiven thanks to an innovative approach to the story, logical gameplay mechanics and excellent level design.

PSM Magazine

Be ready for loads of violence, a short running time, and all the production value and quality gameplay that you need. [June 2004, p.24]

DailyGame

A few questionable issues with AI and replay aside, it’s a good purchase for stealth-action fans who want to see some action in with their stealth.

BonusStage

It’s best to think of Hitman: Contracts as a mini game to keep fans of the series satisfied until a true sequel is released.

VideoGamesLife

Essentially a filler game with a few new weapons and tools of murder, and, of course, its new and improved game engine. The problem is, while it’s nowhere near the leap from Hitman: Codename 47 to Hitman 2: Silent Assassin, Hitman: Contracts is still a highly enjoyable game, and one that gives us hope that the next title in the series will have much more effort poured into it.

GameSpot

Given that "Hitman 2" was such a huge improvement on the original, it's inherently somewhat disappointing that the new Hitman: Contracts is really just a rehash. It's more of the same, replete with everything that was good and everything that wasn't so good about the 2002 game.

Game Power Australia

The series will be in trouble if it doesn't fundamentally improve the stealth mechanics in time for the fourth installment, but for now, Hitman: Contracts is a value-packed, highly enjoyable stealth action experience that no fan of the genre should overlook.

Game Revolution

The list of flaws may not be long, but they are extenuating. Moreover, on Normal difficulty the game can be completed in about 10 hours, which is on the short side.

1UP

If you're looking for some stealth gameplay in a sandbox environment, this is a great beginner's course into the world of Agent 47. If, however, you're expecting something as revolutionary as the multiplayer in Pandora Tomorrow, or the high polish of Snake Eater, this isn't for you.

RealGamer

Despite some linear missions the game tends to ooze replay value in the form of freedom and variation.

Game Informer

An ambitious release for IO, but the end result is a garbled mess of a game that has lost its way. [June 2004, p.122]

Ferrago

The level of freedom offered may be a dream come true for some but will simply be far too much for others, thusly alienating this title from a majority of gamers.

EuroGamer

If you're a gamer that embraces the open-ended trial-and-error gameplay, and don't mind that it's neither the best example of stealth nor action gameplay, then this will serve you well.

GameShark

More of the same? Absolutely, but whether this is a good or a bad thing depends on your enjoyment of the previous games in the series.

Gamer's Pulse

Despite some motion stiffness with Agent 47, Hitman: Contracts is one of the top single player action-stealth games on the market.

Boomtown

And when atmosphere is the only new thing that you bring to the table, it had better be damn near perfect to make a good impression. Hitman: Contracts is just short of that, but is more than enough if you haven’t played Hitman 2.

Edge Magazine

The picaresque form allows the levels to function as discreet puzzles rather than as parts of a story arc: the objective remains pure and always the same. The obstacles and methods open to you are what change, and it's in these areas that Contracts has both expanded and improved. [June 2004, p.103]

games(TM)

The whole thing smacks of laziness - of the 12 missions, we count a total of four completely new ones...the annoying thing is that Contracts is an enjoyable game; that IQ had the cheek to crib from its previous work almost doesn't matter when the result is still worth playing. [June 2004, p.98]

Yahoo! Games

A handful of glaring errors and nagging problems hamstring the title, preventing it from garnering overly high acclaim.

Play Magazine

It's a shame he's such a one-dimensional character, wasting an exceptional opportunity for a compelling psychological backdrop to join the pervasively strong imagery. [June 2004, p.56]

Gamenikki

It just doesn't have heart.

The average user rating for this game is 8.3 (out of 10) based on 22 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Justin S. gave it an8:
Great game. But sloopy controls and hard to use wepaons like the syringe make you just pull out a AK or MG and go to town.

Jeddy K. gave it a7:
The challenge of playing the role of an assassin is interesting, but the problems with this game are that it is unforgiving. Playing the easy level - which is called 'normal' in the game is not that easy. Alerts suddenly and unexpectedly and ones rating drops. The close combat weapons are useless they are next to impossible to use. The concept of killing in self defence does not exist. One mission in particular I would like to mention Tradition of the trade- the setting is a hotel, the funny thing is that there is no kichen and no catering service for the rooms - there is round the clock cleaning going on though. All the women are wearing the samed dress which is absurd. The cheat code works in some mission s in others they do not. Achieving a Silent Assassin rating is next to impossible. For want of a better term the game is clausterphobic. The targets are never in clear sight and it is impossible to get to them without killing others. So the expectation from player of the game are set too high. It should not be more forgiving.

Vlad B. gave it a 7:
For me i dont really like that every mission is at night and i get pretty nervous and sometimes scared to do the mision at night!!!

Eric L. gave it a 10:
A very nice game that has great action sequences, and good control this game is also very hard AND fun. If you liked grand theft auto or the previous hitman series... get this game.

Mister R. gave it a 6:
It's disappointing that after the obvious potential of the orginal Hitman and the extraordinary developing of the ideas in the sequel that Hitman 1 hinted at, the third and seemingly rushed third installment is simply not as high a standard as its predecessors. Certainly it has some nice ideas; I liked the concept of the English Mansion, for example and and all the 'chaps' ready to shoot you with their bally shotguns and the redesign of the Hotel level ('Traditions of the Trade) from Hitman 1, probably the best level in the original, but all in all it was a bit of a let down. Half of the game is a remake of the first game and the flaws that one was prepared to overlook in the second game, considering its size and scope when compared to the original, were still there. And frustrating flaws they are too, with your enemies still able to see through your disguises way too quickly and a sprightly Hitman not able to climb even the smallest walls. There are some missions when you have to do certain things in a certain order - the trouble is you have no idea what order that is. You'll suddenly hear a great hullaballoo behind you and you'll be fired upon mercillessly. You also get the idea the creators were bored by the end, finishing the game after thirteen levels. I love the early HIman games and felt they were trying to do something new. I think this is the first Hitman in the series where we have been short-changed and am disappointed, considering what the makers could have done. Look at the way Grand Theft Auto developed over the years. If you have never played a Hitman game, you might find this to be something new, though I'd still rcommend the second game over this. If, however, you are already a Himan fan, I know it's futile, but I would advise against this game. 47 has become a little creaky in the joints.

Matts X. gave it a 10:
This game is a definite 10 out of 10 for gamers who love stealth and working out the best way to get around using numerous disguises, selecting the best route, keeping your cool, working out how to distract people using a raft of ingenious methods and the kill methods are also varied allowing non-linear play that is very satisfying - when you get the kills perfect (If you don't get them spot on you'll be chewing your console in frustration). This is aided by some excellent graphics and a set of twisted scenarios you have to go through after completing the game to appreciate some brilliant warped humour. If you are hard of thinking or you want a shoot em up you will rate this game 0 out of 10.

Ben N. gave it a 7:
It's a good game, but not as good as hitman 2.