The Hitman series started life on the PC back in 2000. 2002 saw the arrival of the sequel, Silent Assassin, as well as a move to the home consoles, which effectively delivered more of the same, albeit to a wider audience. This third instalment in the series, however, brings us not only a host of new missions, but also introduces a few new gameplay elements and visual overhauls - the latter being more of a benefit to this PC version, should you have a more than adequate video card under the p ... more >>

The Hitman series started life on the PC back in 2000. 2002 saw the arrival of the sequel, Silent Assassin, as well as a move to the home consoles, which effectively delivered more of the same, albeit to a wider audience. This third instalment in the series, however, brings us not only a host of new missions, but also introduces a few new gameplay elements and visual overhauls - the latter being more of a benefit to this PC version, should you have a more than adequate video card under the proverbial bonnet.

The story begins in Paris as you (AKA smartly-dressed baldy, Agent 47) find yourself wounded and trapped in an asylum of some description. Obviously you need to get the hell out of there and, as with previous instalments in the series, there's more than one way in which to do this. One option is to load up on the abundant weaponry and ammo and storm your way out, guns blazing, but a more stealthy approach can also prove handy - you've got your trusty wire for garrotting and it's a safe bet that one of the corpses lying around will be more than willing to lend you their clothing.

And so the scene is set for the rest of the game, with you being sent to various international locations and taking on a wide array of morbid missions. In each case, you won't be surprised to hear that there's somebody or other who needs taking out - how you go about it is up to you. When you're infiltrating enemy territory it's often a good idea to take advantage of a recent victim's attire, but it's never too long before you're rumbled, so be prepared to take part in some pretty large-scale shoot-outs.

As mentioned before, Hitman Contracts has undergone a fair few tweakings in comparison with the previous two games. The game now offers you a greater variety of ways in which to take out the opposition, along with an increased arsenal of firearms and close-combat weapons with which to do it. A new graphics engine showcases your 'work' in much more brutal detail and also brings the new locations to life, while an improved control system and more gradual learning curve mean that it's not too difficult to pick up (the latter being a heavily criticised element in the original Hitman)

The game is being heralded as being the most disturbing episode of the series, mainly through the way in which it explores the dark psychology of killing for a living. The overall mood is indeed a lot darker than the previous titles, and this is reflected in the well-presented cut-scenes that precede each mission. Ever wondered what it's like to have the sickest job in the world? We recommend this is the only way you find out.
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