Lets allay any reservations hardened Agent 47 fans might have before snapping up a copy of IO Interactives sequel to its 2006 master class in stalking and slaying Hitman: Absolution is one of the most incredibly gratifying stealth games of 2012, despite the massively misfired marketing campaign, which has spent the last twelve months desperately trying to make us believe the silent assassins return to the limelight is a bombastic third person shooter teeming with latex nuns and guns.
Absolution is a game that does not want you to rush through its meaty campaign. What it wants no, begs you to do, is to explore its marvellously realised world and sniff out the packed roster of morbid executions that can be applied to a series of increasingly nefarious marks. Maybe youll poison one goons drug stash, yank another out through the window of a cliff-side mansion, or clip the King of Chinatown from a safe distance with a high-powered sniper rifle.
Its a deliciously disturbing serving of gameplay wrapped up in a slightly daft narrative that kicks into gear with an interesting hook pitting 47 against his entire agency at the behest of his old handler, Diane before swiftly derailing. Senseless storyline aside, the DNA of the series remains much the same. However, there have been tweaks including a slow motion headshot mechanic similar to the one found in Ubisoft Montreals Splinter Cell: Conviction and Instinct, which allows Agent 47 to track the movements of an enemy or highlight objects of interest. Stir in the crack-like addiction of Contracts mode and youve got yourself a Hitman to remember. Lets just hope that IO Interactive dont make us wait for another six years before dishing up a further serving of the barcoded beast.