Hitman Absolution
[ Register or Signin to view external links. ]
Game Information
Release Date: November 20, 2012
Developers: IO Interactive, Nixxes Software BV (PC)
Publishers: Square Enix
Platforms: Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Microsoft Windows
Genre: Action/Stealth
Players: 1

Synopsis
Hitman: Absolution follows Agent 47, a cold-blooded assassin, who takes on his most dangerous contract to date. Betrayed by those he once trusted -- and now hunted by the police -- he suddenly finds himself at the center of a dark conspiracy and must embark on a personal journey through a corrupt and twisted world. Boasting a cinematic story, distinctive art direction and highly original game design, Hitman: Absolution combines much-loved classic gameplay with features never seen before in the Hitman franchise.

Plot
After Agent 47's partner Diana Burnwood goes Rogue, Diana creates a plan to expose the CIA. In retaliation to this, a man by the name of Benjamin Travis, who is also an agent of the CIA sends out Agent 47 to find and eliminate Diana for exposing them. Along with that, the agency also wants to take possession of a young girl named Victoria. Before Diana succumbs to her wounds dealt by Agent 47, Diana tells Agent 47 to keep Victoria from being taken by the agency that she used to work for. Despite the situation, Agent 47 tries to decide what side to take and partakes in both sides by hiding Victoria and reporting back to the agency by not knowing the whereabouts of Victoria and misleading the CIA. Later on, the agency finds out about Agent 47 betraying the agency and aiding in hiding Victoria to prevent the CIA from getting their grasp on her. With that, the agency sends out an elite team of assassins known as "The Saints" to hunt down and kill Agent 47 and bring Victoria back to the agency.

Gameplay
Compared to its predecessors, Absolution has had dramatic and unique changes and enhancements added to the campaign. Players will be able to use a new feature called "instinct mode" which enables the player to see the paths of enemy patrol units to easily pass them or kill them without being caught in the act. Players will also notice the wide array of new weaponry added to the game unlike previous installments. Players can also find unique ways to kill their targets such as sabotaging a car to explode to poisoning an enemy's drink or food and other unique fashions to kill. A unique and new feature added to Absolution is that when wearing a certain disguise, the enemies wearing the same outfit will be able to distinguish you of being a hit man and will engage you while other enemies that aren't wearing the same outfit won't recognize the player, so its best to stay away from enemies that are wearing the same outfit. Players will be able to select the weapons they choose for the mission as well as customize to their likings. During a mission, there are challenges that the player can earn points for completing it by performing certain criteria the mission requires. Another new feature that players will enjoy is that players can create their own assassination and have other players try to beat their score for that mission. This proves to other players who really is a true assassin.

Graphics
The graphics in Absolution are truly remarkable compared to previous Hitman games. The designs of the structures and buildings have their own design, shape, size and other characteristics which brings out the variety in them so there isn't too much repetition. The trees and bushes seem to move as if there is a gust of wind hitting them which is another great factor. The facial features on the characters have their own skin type and players can see the minor details like the sweat and rain drenched on the player, and the shaved facial hair when viewing the character at a close angle. The blood looks much better and has a more realistic look to it as it splatters on the floor and walls than before. The cutscenes in the game are very detailed and astonishing to look at. The characters faces are very detailed and can see the minor things implemented in the faces of them. The hands during the cutscenes are excellent as well seeing the nail tips, and the lining slog the fingers are phenomenal. Overall, the graphics are far superior and really look like their in high definition.

Controls
Hitman Absolution features a wide set of controls for the player to experience throughout their play through of the game. Do to some of the new functions added to the game, the controls have had a slight change up for what the old button functions were on previous Hitman games. Unlike other shooting games, the function for sprinting is the right bumper instead of the analog stick that most players are more suited playing with. For players that never played Hitman before are going to have to get used to the unique style of controls Absolution possesses. For returning players, they should expect a few minor changes but shouldn't cause them too much of a hassle to deal with. Overall, the controls are quickly learned if the player plays with the controls for a bit to get to know the functions of them and get more comfortable.

Rating
Gameplay: 9.8/10
Graphics: 9.9/10
Controls: 9.8/10
Overall: 10/10