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Stylish and stealthy, but a step back for the series.

Hitman: Absolution is a game that’s hard to review because, while it offers moments of pure, elegant assassination, it also feels like it took a few steps backward compared to its predecessors. As the fifth entry in the series, it introduces some fresh ideas but also abandons some of what made Hitman stand out in the first place.

What I Liked:
Beautiful Environments: The game’s levels are absolutely stunning. From bustling city streets to dark, atmospheric interiors, the environments are incredibly detailed and immersive. You can get lost in these locations as you plot your next move.

Classic Assassination Gameplay: For all its flaws, when Hitman: Absolution hits its stride, it's still got that signature stealth and strategy that makes the series so unique. Planning your hits, disguising yourself, and using the environment to your advantage is still the core of the experience, and it’s satisfying when everything goes according to plan.

Multiple Approaches: Each mission offers a variety of ways to approach your targets. Whether you want to go in guns blazing, silently pick off enemies, or set up elaborate accidents, the game offers enough options to cater to different playstyles.

Contracts Mode: This mode lets you create your own hit assignments and challenge others, which adds replay value and some much-needed longevity to the game.

What Could Be Better:
Linear Level Design: One of the biggest departures from earlier Hitman games is the more linear structure of the levels. In previous titles, you were free to explore and experiment in wide-open sandbox levels. In Absolution, many of the levels feel more restricted, funneling you down narrow paths that limit your freedom.

Story and Characters: The story feels forced, and Agent 47’s character is oddly less engaging than in previous games. There’s a lot of focus on a personal narrative that doesn't really suit the silent assassin we know and love. The plot also has some odd twists that don’t land well, and the characters feel more like caricatures than genuine threats or allies.

AI Issues: While the AI can be smart and responsive, it’s not always consistent. Enemies can spot you too easily in certain situations, and in others, they’re almost oblivious to your presence. This makes the stealth mechanics feel more inconsistent than they should be.

Less Focus on Pure Stealth: While the game still encourages stealth, there are sections that feel more action-oriented, with shootouts and intense chases. These can break the flow of the more methodical, stealthy gameplay that Hitman fans typically love.

Conclusion:
Hitman: Absolution is a solid game with moments of brilliance, but it doesn’t fully live up to the legacy of its predecessors. The stunning visuals and varied mission options are great, but the more linear level design and awkward story hold it back from being a true classic. If you’re a fan of the series, it’s worth playing, but it’s not the pinnacle of Hitman that many hoped for. Still, there’s fun to be had, especially in the more creative assassination opportunities, and the Contracts Mode keeps things fresh for those who want to make their own kills.