Hitman: Contracts Hands-On

As far as cold-blooded contract killers go, you simply can't go wrong with Number 47 - he may be bald and slightly menacing, but he always gets the job done. In this day and age, every self-respecting gamer should have a pretty good idea of who I'm talking about. 47 is the deadliest assassin on the block and he's the star of a new multiplatform action game, entitled Hitman: Contracts. This title stands as the third installment in one of Eidos Interactive's most successful game series. Apart from powering the game with a revamped engine, Eidos and IO Interactive vowed to completely release the game from most of its remaining linear gameplay structure. Recently, we were able to catch a glimpse of the latest build of the Xbox version and, naturally, we thought you guys ought to know more about it before the final version hits the stores. Just so you know each version will treat gamers to the same content regardless of the platform they're playing on (Xbox, PS2, or PC).

What? You’ve never seen a hitman in a night gown and slippers?

Okay, I’m all drenched and I forgot what I’m supposed to be doing.

The first thing we gathered was the apparent tendency towards a much darker and creepier ambiance than any of the previous games. The game pits players deep into the psyche of a brutal assassin. Our journey starts with 47 sitting in a hotel room (somewhere in a major European city), exhausted from a heavy gunshot wound. Caught in a whirlpool of flashbacks, 47 rummages through his past, trying to recollect all the schemes and horrors he pulled off as a deadly hitman. So basically, the game digs up essential locations and key moments from the turbulent history of the main character and missions are actually 47's flashbacks. We found it to be quite an imaginative way of portraying the grim and unpleasant life of the game's hero, or anti-hero, as the case may be.

As before, gamers will go through the entire game in third person perspective. Each mission requires 47 to pull of a series of tasks in order to complete the final goal; which usually involves retrieving a particular item or rubbing someone out (well, he's a contract killer, what did you expect?). The game occasionally gives you an opportunity to accomplish a variety of secondary objectives during certain missions. This may encompass rescuing or merely locating particular individuals. By the way, while you're out there living the dangerous life of a hitman, it will be up to you to choose which killing technique is best suited for the occasion. We noticed, however, that overly aggressive shootouts and blood and gore, aren't really meant to be the focal point of gameplay. IO Interactive successfully made a delicate transition from classic action-packed gameplay (commonly exploited in games nowdays) to stealthy tactics and crafty assassination skills, even more so than in previous Hitman titles. This comes off quite well in the game.

The whole idea of using numerous objects as weapons injects a slightly different feel into the whole experience. In other words, the world's deadliest assassin often resorted to all kinds of methods while taking out assigned targets. To show he's a formidable executioner, 47 can even use meat hooks or huge, shiny kitchen knives to get the job done. One of the most enjoyable aspects of our voyage, and indeed a sincerely appreciated change since the previous game, was the subtle addition of a more open-ended approach to gameplay elements. Primarily this relates to weapons and the impressive degree of interactivity present throughout the entire game. During combat, 47 uses practically any object he can lay his hands on. Pool cues, golf clubs, meat cleavers, combat blades and scalpels, are all part of the game. In addition to that, an extensive use of chemicals has also been included, similarly to previous Hitman games. We used stuff like chloroform and a deadly poisonous syringe, to take out foes quietly before they alert their comrades.

When it comes to AI routines, it looks as though enemies react more convincingly this time around. Granted, the intelligence we saw at work didn't exactly involve any ground-breaking characteristics. Still, it seemed to offer more subtle behavioral patterns when enemies become aware of your presence. This gave us a more authentic sense of combat when we were left to face enemies one-on-one. To make things even more challenging, the AI sometimes works in teams, combing the area to pinpoint any infiltrators. We were satisfied with the way S.W.A.T. members coordinated their movement while marching into action.

Let’s hook you up, shall we?

Back off! This dumpster is mine!

Throughout his taxing career as a brutal killer Number 47 was never alone. No, he won't be accompanied by a sexy, big-boobed redhead with an attitude (like that lucky bastard Max Payne). Instead, he is accompanied by various firearms. (Wow, talk about a shitty trade-off! - Ed.) The arsenal you get to wield is pretty standard really - shotguns, UZI's, different SMG's, assault rifles, numerous sniper rifles and handguns, etc. You'll even receive a cool crossbow for your trouble; just wait till you see this baby in action.

Controls are, as always, different according to platform. Playing PS2 and Xbox versions allows gamers to exploit the helpful auto-aim feature, which we found to be a really useful addition to the game. The intuitively designed reticule will turn red each time an enemy is on target, giving you an opportunity to take out opponents more effectively than usual. In contrast to that, PC gamers will be able to enjoy the classic keyboard/mouse combo that allows you to exercise your shooting skills without automatic targeting (aiming with the mouse is a lot easier).

Playing this pre-release version was enjoyable for several reasons. To begin with, Hitman: Contracts features some interesting visual moments such as the captivating soft focus present in every mission, making the atmosphere creepy and slightly noir. This, in turn, establishes a perfect dream-like ambiance, with sort of a hazy perspective to correspond with 47's reverie. Although the game tends towards a gloomy and misty ambiance, some of the sections demonstrate exceptional lighting effects, especially in night-time missions. Next off, the game steers away from common flashy and colorful visuals, emphasizing the elements of drama through grim, rainy locales, grayish and windy environments, etc. The new engine seems to power all that commendably.

That's all we have for you know. All in all, seeing our favorite bald assassin in action once again was a satisfying experience... not to mention chilling. IO has set a dark and sinister tone to the whole game that indicates a considerably different feel in comparison to earlier installments. Console gamers should really be looking forward to this.

We also invite you lot to keep an eye out on the main AT site for our impressions of the PC version.