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Friday, February 8, 2013

Hitman Absolution: First Look & Thoughts

 Hitman Absolution; the latest edition of the hit Hitman series (see what I did there?) released last November is a pretty cool game; here are some quick thoughts about the game.
 First off, I haven't played any previous version of the game, so I'm completely new to the story line/the whole agent 47 deal. Getting into the story was quite simple, as the tutorial was instructive yet not overly boring. The controls were a mix between predictable/usual and awkward positioned; such as the insistence to use the "Q" button at random times; and the lack of consistency between whether "E" is to interact or "F".
 More importantly on the graphics side the only word to describe them is "stunning". Seriously, the screenshots taken below are running on medium quality on my "decent- but not gaming performance laptop" so I can't help but smile when I think of what the highest setting looks like.
The work rendering itself reminds me most of Batman Arkham Asylum/City as it has the same general look and gloom; and slight softness to people; but of course Hitman Absolution is not an open world game.
 From an actual game-play point of view I was surprised by the fact that there is no strict way to complete the level, there are multiple different ways to take down your targets, all while changing your wardrobe a couple times to blend in with the crowd. Each costume you obtain gives you access to certain privileged locations, and will decrease/increase suspicion from certain people (mainly increasing suspicion from the group of people you're impersonating).
 The game has a scoring system throughout which tracks your progress and adds/deducts points depending on how you compose yourself (deductions for: unnecessary killings, getting spotted, killing civilians etc; points granted for: Hiding bodies, Head shots, completing objectives etc.). Gaining points/rank will unlock abilities that increase Agent 47's skills; such as the ability to kill faster, reload quicker or sneak around quieter.
All in all so far the game is pretty cool, the story line isn't boring at all; but it's just missing that one "X" factor; the simplest way to put it is that I have no compulsion to carry on to the next level once I complete the one I'm playing. What I'm trying to say is that I'm yet to get "sucked in to the game" which is great for my mom and those who want to me to constantly run errands; but not so great to the gamer inside.
But those are just my own two-cents, feel free to drop your own down below.